Training camp battles..... what's real and what's fake

We've been hearing all off season about the supposed roster and depth chart battles .. most of it has been filler and click bait.... but every now and then the sports writers come up with something real.. and of course, Omar Khan brings in a new face that brings more questions.... I'm gonna set the record straight on what to really pay attention to...


Fake stories:

1. QB ----- we all know the truth here.... this is Russell Wilson's job to lose... Justin Fields chances are basically the same as Mason Rudolph's when we brought in Mitch and drafted Pickett

2. RT ----- there is no actual battle here either.
The first depth chart will obviously say Dan Moore... this is a formality that we all should know is basically make Troy Fautanu "earn" the job.... Moore was not a good LT and pretty much has never played on the right side at any point in his football life.... Hate to spoil any drama here, but there is none

3. C ----- another fake story and even faker competition.... Zach Frazier is the only actual C on the roster... Nate Herbig is a G with the ability to step in at C in an emergency.... again, the initial depth chart will show Herbig as a starter simply because of his veteran status, but this is very much a faux competition



Real:

5th WR ----- the Khan man brought in a host of veteran track stars... George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson and Van Jefferson are the roster locks.... that just leaves 1 bone for a lot of dogs.... now that's a competition to see

2. Slot CB ---- this would've been Cam Sutton's spot until he lost his damn mind and got suspended nearly half the season... then again, if he hadn't acted a fool, he would still be in Detroit... still, we need a placeholder for the 1st 8 wks of the season..... definitely worth seeing who will step up

3. SS ---- a few big names here.... I fully believe this is the competition that, despite being under the radar, may be the most important battle on the defense

4. ILB ---- obviously, Patrick Queen's spot is set in stone.... the battle to be his running mate is totally under the radar, but very real..
Elandon Roberts is the other starter, if fully recovered, but Payton Wilson is gonna make that initial decision extremely hard... I fully believe he will start the season as a backup simply because of his rookie status, but by the 2nd half of the season, may just overtake Roberts at the top of the depth chart... keep your eyes on this one

 

I am interested in #2 and #3 especially

 

#3. Center is involved in every offensive play. Got to have a good one. Hoping Zach and Russell hit it off.

 

The good news for the Steelers at training camp is that Ciara Wilson is currently on Tour, so it will not be the same circus it was in Denver when Russell brought his troop to town 2 years ago. No Private Tent area needed for the 30 people Russ brought with him in Denver.

I can see Russ actually getting into the whole small college training camp experience, if he shows up by himself.


https://www.officialciara.com/tour

 

The second statement about Dan Moore may be true. However, should Troy Fautanu not earn the starting spot by Week 1, that has to be a major concern moving forward. Troy Fautanu isn't like Broderick Jones; inexperienced but athletic and talented. Fautanu has both talent and experience on his side playing Offensive Tackle. Now, regarding Right Tackle specifically?! You got me there. However, if Pat Meyer's statements about Fautanu's rapid development exiting OTAs turn out to be true, Fautanu must start sooner rather than later.

Having Dan Moore out there is already shown and been proven to be "bad enough". Having Moore on a spot where he simply cannot play the position?! Exponentially worse. Add the fact that Wilson has taken a beating throughout the previous two seasons and one has a recipe for disaster.

 

Well I disagree!!!

 

Care to expand on that

 

as i said in another thread, this will be a show me year. the money should be there next year if you do well this year. those who don't will be replaced. there is a solid core being started, now if it preforms will need to be seen. who steps up in this offense will benefit next year. many players with their future on the line. which may be a good thing. we know how these guys play in a contract year. above the line in most cases. keeps them hungry. they are dangling that next year's money over many heads. the Missouri offense. show me.

 

The whole secondary shakeout will be interesting to watch. I think most of us are thinking Deshon Elliott enters TC in the lead for the SS spot. I'm interested in the 6'3" CB turned Safety, Ryan Watts, we drafted and see where he fits into all this though.
JPjr, Jackson, Sutton, Trice, Rush, and the battle for that 6th spot at CB. I have read Bishop's name a few times so he seems to be getting attention with this group.

 

They will. will get ALL THE REPS in camp.

 

Don't forget Anthony averett. He played pretty well for the ravens.

 

That would require a whole lot more sleuthing then I can even imagine putting in. I was kidding. Good post

 

both qbs are mediocre unfortunately.

 

I am not familiar with the player. Outside or inside CB?

 

Keep your eye on Beanie Bishop!

 

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=1005...GVyZS1hbmQtZG9uZS10aGF0L2FyLUJCMW1rNVg3&ntb=1

 

I thought it was Arthur Smith
not
Archer Smith

 

Spot on brother!

If Dan Moore is anywhere near a starting position the one who decides that should be shown the door. He will be the back up left tackle because he can't play the right side.

 

For some reason that doesn't open for me. It goes to an MSN page that appears blank in my browser. I'll look into him. Thanks for the try.

 

maybe this one will work. there are a bunch out there.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8f38...5LWF2ZXJldHQtdG8tcm9va2llLW1pbmljYW1wLw&ntb=1

 

https://www.steelers.com/news/averett-signed-to-one-year-contract

This one is a Labriola blurb on Averett. Signed to a 1yr contract.

I always like the veteran signings Khan makes. He seems to have a knack for finding guys on the fringe that meet team needs. I hope this is another find.

 

That's one I am looking forward to watching/hearing about. There have been different reports out of the various OTA's, but once camp starts it gets real. Every year we hear of guys who pop at camp, but then when game action starts seem lost. When signed I was and am hoping am he develops into a Mike Hilton type. We will see.

 

He did cover must of the crucial parts. You know who offered the opinion (I in the statement which is Rollers). You know his opinion, he disagrees. You also know who his position is directed against (BlackAndGoldPatrol).

The only thing left out is the minor details. So overall, I give it an 8 out of 10 for comment quality.


And before I draw your ire..... It was a great post (yours). Some very will thought out points.

 

I have watched him at WVU, not afraid to hit!