Training camp is when jobs are won and lost across the NFL. Players battle for positioning on the depth chart as they try and work their way onto a 53-man roster. Just because certain players don’t make it with the Steelers doesn’t mean they won’t get a chance to prove themselves elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see how certain battles at camp play out and which players could be shocking releases from Pittsburgh.
Darius Rush
It is amazing to see how far Darius Rush has fallen since being considered a top cornerback coming out of the 2023 NFL Draft.
He was selected in the fifth round after many projected him between rounds two and three. Sadly, he has been unable to get things together in his professional career thus far. He has great size and speed at the cornerback position, but his technique fails him. He spent his rookie year with three teams, which could have affected his growth.
This training camp is huge for Rush. The primary backup at outside cornerback is up for grabs and he needs to take it. If he can’t show growth from a bad year last time around, then he could be a shocking cut before the regular season.
Nate Herbig
As Pittsburgh gets ready for training camp, Nate Herbig’s spot seems fairly safe on the Steelers roster.
We will see if he starts as the top center once camp opens, but his spot isn’t as safe as many imagine. Mason McCormick will take one of the backup guard spots, and both starting guards are locked in barring injury. Herbig will have to earn a spot as a backup center if Zach Fraizer ends up starting.
Spencer Anderson hopes to take another step this year and take over the primary responsibilities asked of Herbig. If Anderson has a quality camp, Herbig and his large cap hit could become expendable.
Isaiahh Loudermilk
It seems like a century ago when the Steelers traded up in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft to take Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Little has gone right for him despite a constant roster spot and a small role on defense. Much of this has to do with time. There are plenty of capable guys in the trenches heading into training camp who can take his job. It is time for him to show once and for all that he deserves the roster spot. Otherwise, Loudermilk will have to find employment elsewhere.
Scotty Miller
It’s been a while since Scotty Miller was the favorite target of Tom Brady on the Buccaneers playoff run.
Since then, Miller has shrunk production over the past three years. He brings familiarity with Arthur Smith, but that is the only step ahead he has on his competition at training camp. His lack of production is concerning, but he will have every opportunity to win a spot on the team. There are tons of options at the wide receiver position, so it will be an uphill battle for Miller.
Mark Robinson
Much like the situation with Loudermilk, it is time Mark Robinson showed up and took a step forward.
He had a chance last season when injuries mounted at middle linebacker but nothing significant developed from that. Robinson is entering his third training camp with the Steelers after the team brought a ton of talent to his position this offseason. Robinson has to show a sense of urgency to win a spot at middle linebacker this year.
