Steelers' Training Camp Battles

[Chidi29]

Breakdown a few of the notable ones heading into camp.

http://www.pittsburghsportingnews.co...-camp-battles/

[tube517]

Great job, Chidi.

Feels like everyone this side of Najeh Davenport is listed.

[Chidi29]

Thanks Tube!

I was debating whether I should have written Davenport or Gary Russell. Those were scary times...

[Psycho Ward 86]

gary russell returning kicks. LOLOLOL ill never forget that

[SteelMayhem72]

Hey fellow steeler buds!! Im so pyshed for this season!! Im feeling pretty good about the upcoming season!!

[Chidi29]

gary russell returning kicks. LOLOLOL ill never forget that

Despite your best efforts, I'm sure.

[Shoes]

Thanks Tube!

I was debating whether I should have written Davenport or Gary Russell. Those were scary times...

.............. Nice work Chidi!

[Dwinsgames]

It might be a mistake to sleep on Adrian Robinson ( Worilds especially ) kid is a relentless pass rusher , if he handles the run better this camp he could Battle Worilds and Jones for playing time ...

I can not wait for camp !!!

[Chidi29]

It might be a mistake to sleep on Adrian Robinson ( Worilds especially ) kid is a relentless pass rusher , if he handles the run better this camp he could Battle Worilds and Jones for playing time ...

I can not wait for camp !!!

Yeah, he's a name to keep an ear out for, too. Made noise in camp last year but was raw and needed to earn a spot on ST first. He did that so he's itching to make another jump, I'm sure (similar to what Redman did, just kept climbing each camp). But jumping a first round pick and veteran in Worilds will not be easy.

[one side only]

Jarvis Jones may have played in a 3-4, but he won't unseat Worilds. Jones must learn the defense, and he will rely on his athleticism until he's able to read an react. Jones will play mostly as a situational pass rusher. Bell wins the starting RB job by default. Scary thought to compare Bell's skill set to the underachieving Dwyer/Redman pair. What a waste of a second round draft pick. Batch gets cut. Butler retains the punting job. He's better and younger. Markus Wheaton will earn ROY honors. He's the #3 receiver coming out of camp. He'll learn the playbook, but he can run the go route immediately, and he will immediately make an impact. He is easily the most skilled receiver on the team. Factor in the number of games Brown and Sanders are going to miss due to injury and Wheaton will start a few games. Burress hangs on if they keep enough receivers. Spaeth is the starting TE beginning Friday and continuing through at least week 6. That's the soonest Heath Miller will be able to be activated from the PUP list, which is where he will start the season. Spaeth will get a chance to be on the field in passing situations on a regular basis for the first time in his career. He's going to eclipse his rookie year TD total; I'm predicting 5. If Dunn can supplant Burress as a receiver, he will return kicks. Since most kickoffs end up as touchbacks anyway, it isn't a big deal. AB returns punts.

[Chidi29]

Jarvis Jones may have played in a 3-4, but he won't unseat Worilds. Jones must learn the defense, and he will rely on his athleticism until he's able to read an react. Jones will play mostly as a situational pass rusher. Bell wins the starting RB job by default. Scary thought to compare Bell's skill set to the underachieving Dwyer/Redman pair. What a waste of a second round draft pick. Batch gets cut. Butler retains the punting job. He's better and younger. Markus Wheaton will earn ROY honors. He's the #3 receiver coming out of camp. He'll learn the playbook, but he can run the go route immediately, and he will immediately make an impact. He is easily the most skilled receiver on the team. Factor in the number of games Brown and Sanders are going to miss due to injury and Wheaton will start a few games. Burress hangs on if they keep enough receivers. Spaeth is the starting TE beginning Friday and continuing through at least week 6. That's the soonest Heath Miller will be able to be activated from the PUP list, which is where he will start the season. Spaeth will get a chance to be on the field in passing situations on a regular basis for the first time in his career. He's going to eclipse his rookie year TD total; I'm predicting 5. If Dunn can supplant Burress as a receiver, he will return kicks. Since most kickoffs end up as touchbacks anyway, it isn't a big deal. AB returns punts.

But having played in that is a huge step to learning the defense. Like I wrote in the article, Butler has talked about positioning being one of the biggest hurdles for a player to overcome.

I've seen Jones dubbed a "situational pass rusher" a lot but that doesn't really make sense to me. It's not as if Worilds is a bad pass rusher. That's his strength. He's quick off the edge. Why replace him with Jones? It's not as if Worilds is great against the run but marginal pass rusher. Then it'd make sense.

Hard to say Butler is better. Moorman's numbers were better last season. Age doesn't matter nearly as much at punter either.

Really would be surprised to see Wheaton do what you expect. He's behind the eight ball so bad. He's still going to be learning and picking up the simplest concepts in camp when everyone else is moving ahead. It really sets you back and you're playing catch-up all year. Tough enough for a rookie as is. And it's odd that you discount Jones for needing to learn the defense when Wheaton has to learn the whole offense too. And is farther behind than Jones.

And most skilled receiver on the team? I liked him coming out of OSU too, but that's a stretch to say before we've seen him play at all in a Steelers' uniform.

I'm interested in seeing what Dunn can do but we won't employ a kickoff return specialist. He's going to have to do a lot more than that to make the team.

[steeldawg]

Jarvis Jones may have played in a 3-4, but he won't unseat Worilds. Jones must learn the defense, and he will rely on his athleticism until he's able to read an react. Jones will play mostly as a situational pass rusher. Bell wins the starting RB job by default. Scary thought to compare Bell's skill set to the underachieving Dwyer/Redman pair. What a waste of a second round draft pick. Batch gets cut. Butler retains the punting job. He's better and younger. Markus Wheaton will earn ROY honors. He's the #3 receiver coming out of camp. He'll learn the playbook, but he can run the go route immediately, and he will immediately make an impact. He is easily the most skilled receiver on the team. Factor in the number of games Brown and Sanders are going to miss due to injury and Wheaton will start a few games. Burress hangs on if they keep enough receivers. Spaeth is the starting TE beginning Friday and continuing through at least week 6. That's the soonest Heath Miller will be able to be activated from the PUP list, which is where he will start the season. Spaeth will get a chance to be on the field in passing situations on a regular basis for the first time in his career. He's going to eclipse his rookie year TD total; I'm predicting 5. If Dunn can supplant Burress as a receiver, he will return kicks. Since most kickoffs end up as touchbacks anyway, it isn't a big deal. AB returns punts.

Wheaton is the most skilled receiver on the team? Bell was an excellent 2nd round pick his size and power is an asset along with his ability to run in the zone blocking scheme. Wheaton will barely see the field let alone win rookie of the year.

[LLT]

Really would be surprised to see Wheaton do what you expect. He's behind the eight ball so bad. He's still going to be learning and picking up the simplest concepts in camp when everyone else is moving ahead. It really sets you back and you're playing catch-up all year. Tough enough for a rookie as is. And it's odd that you discount Jones for needing to learn the defense when Wheaton has to learn the whole offense too. And is farther behind than Jones.

Great point.

I dont forsee Wheaton beating out Cotchery. Even if he did...it would probably be in the latter part of the season and as the #3 receiver he would be on the field only when we ran those formations requiring 3 or more receivers.

Thats hardly condusive to becoming ROY.

[steelreserve]

Nice breakdown. What about Hood vs. Heyward or whoever? I know they play on opposite sides, but if Hood continues to be as mediocre as he has been, and Heyward continues to improve as much as he has been, I can't imaging you'd keep the better player on the bench over something like that.

[LLT]

Nice breakdown. What about Hood vs. Heyward or whoever? I know they play on opposite sides, but if Hood continues to be as mediocre as he has been, and Heyward continues to improve as much as he has been, I can't imaging you'd keep the better player on the bench over something like that.

Gotta believe the competition is going to be between Heyward and Kiesel. The future of the DE position is going to be Hood on the left and Heyward on the right. As Kiesel gets older we should start seeing Heyward getting more and more playing time. Not saying its time to put The Beard out to pasture, just being realistic about the organization making sure that Heyward is ready when that time comes.

[Chidi29]

Nice breakdown. What about Hood vs. Heyward or whoever? I know they play on opposite sides, but if Hood continues to be as mediocre as he has been, and Heyward continues to improve as much as he has been, I can't imaging you'd keep the better player on the bench over something like that.

I don't know if Hood is as bad as some make him out to be. I guess I really need to take a good look at him this year. I've always admired his motor though. Doesn't quit on a play.

Keisel played really poorly last year to me. He needs to bounce-back.

[one side only]

In terms of skill, as in talent, not experience, yes, without question.

[Devilsdancefloor]

The camp battle i want to see is robinson vs carter see which young man steps up

[LLT]

The camp battle i want to see is robinson vs carter see which young man steps up

Thats a great battle, even if it is a backup position. I think Carter is easily the more talented of the two but has GOT to stay healthy this year. Robinson has been a pleasant surprise. I think he is probably a lifetime wave/backup player...but then again, i said the same thing about Harrison when he was a backup... so who knows.

[Dwinsgames]

Thats a great battle, even if it is a backup position. I think Carter is easily the more talented of the two but has GOT to stay healthy this year. Robinson has been a pleasant surprise. I think he is probably a lifetime wave/backup player...but then again, i said the same thing about Harrison when he was a backup... so who knows.

Robinson

Well, he has a great passion for the game. I don't think there is anybody who loves the game of football more than Adrian. He loves the competition ... the greater the competition, the greater is his motor and attitude. He is relentless. SAYS Former Temple head coach Al Golden

Without a doubt, Adrian Robinson is truly one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach. Adrian has been the quintessential role model for our program and has set the standard for which all players should follow. "" head coach Steve Addazio""

Hard not to root for the kid from where I sit based on the above and what we seen in training camp and pre season last year

[LLT]

Robinson







Hard not to root for the kid from where I sit based on the above and what we seen in training camp and pre season last year

Oh, I agree. As I said, he is a pleasant surprise.

[Chidi29]

Somewhat related to what you said Dwins but I don't think I'm rooting for anyone more than Shamarko Thomas. He'll make the team but I really hopes he pans out. Just from the stories I've read about his tough upbringing and the things I've seen him post on instagram, there isn't anyone else more deserving of success than him.

[steeldawg]

In terms of skill, as in talent, not experience, yes, without question.

I don't know, ya he is fast and quick but I don't see anything he does differently from the guys we have now, even his nfl comparison on his draft profile was Antonio brown.

[Dwinsgames]

Somewhat related to what you said Dwins but I don't think I'm rooting for anyone more than Shamarko Thomas. He'll make the team but I really hopes he pans out. Just from the stories I've read about his tough upbringing and the things I've seen him post on instagram, there isn't anyone else more deserving of success than him.

no question about it

[TomlinSteelTribe]

I don't know if Hood is as bad as some make him out to be. I guess I really need to take a good look at him this year. I've always admired his motor though. Doesn't quit on a play.

Keisel played really poorly last year to me. He needs to bounce-back.

I think this is Keisel's last year as a Steeler with our cap situation and his age. Though I don't know what kind of cap space that would save, I'm sure he's making a good deal. Really sad to say, but Troy better stay on the field or it'll be his swansong in the Black n Gold too.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm looking forward to the ROLB battle most.

Didn't catch much of Robinson last year. I expect Worilds to be the starter week 1. Think it's his job to lose. Can he consistently hold the edge vs the run? That's the million dollar question.

And even though it's not a battle, per se, I'm excited to see Cortez Allen this season.

[Chidi29]

I think this is Keisel's last year as a Steeler with our cap situation and his age. Though I don't know what kind of cap space that would save, I'm sure he's making a good deal. Really sad to say, but Troy better stay on the field or it'll be his swansong in the Black n Gold too.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm looking forward to the ROLB battle most.

Didn't catch much of Robinson last year. I expect Worilds to be the starter week 1. Think it's his job to lose. Can he consistently hold the edge vs the run? That's the million dollar question.

And even though it's not a battle, per se, I'm excited to see Cortez Allen this season.

Keisel is a FA after this season. But yeah, could be his last.

I dunno, I just see Jones as a guy who is solid against the run and just as good of a pass rusher as Worilds. And with Jones' experience standing up, that learning curve is much easier to climb.

I'm excited about Cortez too. What he did the last couple weeks of the year was great to see. Like Ike Taylor said today, hope it carries over.

[TomlinSteelTribe]

Keisel is a FA after this season. But yeah, could be his last.

I dunno, I just see Jones as a guy who is solid against the run and just as good of a pass rusher as Worilds. And with Jones' experience standing up, that learning curve is much easier to climb.

I'm excited about Cortez too. What he did the last couple weeks of the year was great to see. Like Ike Taylor said today, hope it carries over.

Oh, didn't realize the Beard was in a contract year. Yeah, definitely don't see him back then unless he's willing to play at a discount, which seems possible that he might. But hopefully Heyward will earn his starting spot sooner rather than later.

I need to see Jarvis in camp and preseason. I don't watch college football, so I'm not familiar with him. He's definitely lighter and leaner than Harrison, which worries me a bit... I'm going to miss yelling at the TV screen: "They're f*@#ing holding 92!" You very well could be right, though. The FO definitely believes the guy has top-shelf pedigree. I don't tend to believe rookies will win starting jobs, but it does happen on occasion. One caveat in this whole debate, and it's completely speculation (but that's what we like to do, right?), if anything is going to light a fire under Worilds, it's 1) he has a shot to start with JH gone. He never was going to get a lot of snaps as long as #92 was on the roster and healthy, and 2) the drafting of Jones. Hopefully the battle brings out the best in each guy. And I don't want to rule out any of those guys like Robinson. Need to have a better pass rush than last year. Let's get this season started already!

[Chidi29]

Oh, didn't realize the Beard was in a contract year. Yeah, definitely don't see him back then unless he's willing to play at a discount, which seems possible that he might. But hopefully Heyward will earn his starting spot sooner rather than later.

Yeah, that's part of it too. Heyward will have to step up to make the team feel comfortable about letting Keisel walk.

But we'll have to let some guys go eventually. All that money we're pushing back in Ben's/Troy's/Timmons' contracts will come back to haunt us eventually.

[Chidi29]

Oh, didn't realize the Beard was in a contract year. Yeah, definitely don't see him back then unless he's willing to play at a discount, which seems possible that he might. But hopefully Heyward will earn his starting spot sooner rather than later.

I need to see Jarvis in camp and preseason. I don't watch college football, so I'm not familiar with him. He's definitely lighter and leaner than Harrison, which worries me a bit... I'm going to miss yelling at the TV screen: "They're f*@#ing holding 92!" You very well could be right, though. The FO definitely believes the guy has top-shelf pedigree. I don't tend to believe rookies will win starting jobs, but it does happen on occasion. One caveat in this whole debate, and it's completely speculation (but that's what we like to do, right?), if anything is going to light a fire under Worilds, it's 1) he has a shot to start with JH gone. He never was going to get a lot of snaps as long as #92 was on the roster and healthy, and 2) the drafting of Jones. Hopefully the battle brings out the best in each guy. And I don't want to rule out any of those guys like Robinson. Need to have a better pass rush than last year. Let's get this season started already!

From what I saw of him, he was excellent against the run. Very strong, holds his own even vs tackles, capable of shedding. Think he had like 24.5 TFL his senior year. Some crazy number. He's definitely not a pure speed rusher the way Worilds is.

But I agree. Can't wait for the season to start@

[TomlinSteelTribe]

Yeah, that's part of it too. Heyward will have to step up to make the team feel comfortable about letting Keisel walk.

But we'll have to let some guys go eventually. All that money we're pushing back in Ben's/Troy's/Timmons' contracts will come back to haunt us eventually.

Yeah, I'm one of those in the 'concerned about the cap situation' camp.