3 Steelers Veterans Who Need Good Training Camp Performances

The Steelers report to training in just four days, which the first practice taking place on Thursday afternoon. What it represents is a huge opportunity for some young players, and a perilous time for other veterans. But both alike, some guys need strong showings more than others. Who are some of those guys?

NT Montravius Adams

The nose tackle battle is probably one of the more undersold training camp battles, but it’s going to be a fight. Keeanu Benton is the guy with the most upside, but veterans such as Armon Watts and Breiden Fehoko should be able to push the competition forward with their unique traits. So, that means returning starter Montravius Adams needs to have a strong showing not only just crack the starting lineup but to make the roster.

The team went out to make it a priority and while Adams has been a model citizen who adds a lot to the locker room, his on field play has run hot and cold at times. He is a guy who gives it his all and has a good repertoire of pass rush moves, but his pad level swells at times and he can get moved in the run game. The question is if that will be enough this summer. Benton is a lock. There is one, maybe two spots open there. Adams need to show versatility and have a strong camp to remain.

RB Anthony McFarland

Another competition that needs to be watched is that third running back spot. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are a good one-two punch, but what happens if both get injured? It happened last year when both were down during the Colts game and Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland had to carry the load. But now, Snell is gone and McFarland should be in line for the job coming into 2023. But that can not be guaranteed right out of the jump.

The Steelers brought in Alfonzo Graham and Darius Hagans as undrafted free agents and Jason Huntley is a holdover from the practice squad. McFarland should be the favorite right now, but this is an important spot that the team will take whoever is best at with them to the roster. I thought McFarland got off to the right start this spring, even with the push from the others in that role. If he has a good showing, McFarland should make the team and win this job.

CB James Pierre

One last veteran on the Steelers roster bubble is James Pierre, Pierre has been with the team since 2020 when he made the team as an undrafted free agent, but the team’s new cache of cornerbacks has reworked the room from last year and will not make anyone comfortable. Cory Trice and Joey Porter Jr. will push everyone in that room and while Trice is not a lock to make the team if he has a down camp, the spring showed us his upside.

Pierre has upside, too, though. Watching his tape against the Buccaneers showcasing a player that can hang if he plays with consistency. There is just a lot of competition on the outside with a lack of numbers to fill everyone in there. But Pierre is a good special teamer who knows the scheme and has filled in admirably when asked. If he has a strong camp, he should be able to stick and be a veteran guy in the room that can step up if asked.