Will any of the Steelers’ rookies win a starting job during training camp?
The Steelers have at least three rookies who could win a starting job in training camp, although that statement requires a caveat. Realistically, the rookie most likely to “start” is Kaden Wetjen, but that is as a returner. Riley Nowakowski, in addition, should be their “starting” fullback. But fullback hasn’t been a starting position in years unless you’re Kyle Juszczyk. In other words, we’re talking about high-snap-count players on offense and defense.
And of the plausible candidates, the Steelers have three rookies who should be in the thick of it to start. That includes OT Max Iheanchor, their first-round pick. He’ll be battling Dylan Cook, evidently at right tackle, and potentially Broderick Jones too, if healthy.
The (presumably right) guard position is also wide open. Spencer Anderson is the leader in the clubhouse, and Brock Hoffman is a veteran challenger. But once training camp opens, the Steelers should include Gennings Dunker, their rookie third-round pick, in the starting competition.
Finally, there’s Germie Bernard. Between the rookie second-round pick and Roman Wilson, one of them will be among the Steelers’ starting receivers. Specifically, the third receiver behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., but still a starter. At least, it figures to better resemble a starting position under Mike McCarthy.
There are no other rookies for the Steelers who could plausibly win high-volume starting jobs in training camp. Daylen Everette was the talk of the spring, but there’s no room in the starting lineup in the secondary. Even if Drew Allar looks great, they still have Aaron Rodgers, and Rodgers isn’t here to sit. And their late-round picks are just trying to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Of the three, perhaps Bernard is the Steelers’ rookie most likely to claim a starting job entering training camp. A lot of the beat writers seem to think the team will lean on the veterans for the offensive line, but time will tell. Obviously, a first-round pick will always have at least a chance to force a conversation. And they believe in Iheanachor’s talent, but he has some catching up to do.
The Steelers have a long road ahead of them under Mike McCarthy, along with his cadre of quarterbacks. With seven consecutive postseason losses and no wins in nearly a decade, they are under fire for their repeated playoff failures. While we have seen many changes, none could have dreamed of topping Mike Tomlin’s resignation.
We’re already deep into the offseason, with free agency and the draft already reshaping rosters. The Steelers, of course, are used to early offseason mode as a team that loses by the middle of January all the time. Enjoy the ride, even the turbulence, because it’s the only way we know how to travel anymore.