SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Mini-Camp Questions’ Edition

Good Monday to you Steelers fans.

Starting tomorrow, the Pittsburgh Steelers will begin their mandatory three-day mini-camp. Unlike the other phases of OTAs, this one is mandatory but players have been known to get excused for various reasons. At this point I’m unaware of any players who have been given as such but we will now more on Tuesday. Until then, I have a couple of questions as we head into the 2024 Mini-Camp.

1. What does the Offensive Line look like? To be clear, there are no guarantees that what it looks like this week means anything for Training Camp, but it will be indication of where the team is thinking. Ask any fan and they’ll tell you it should be Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniel and Troy Fautanu but I wouldn’t bet money on that. Don’t be surprised to see Dan Moore still at left tackle while Jones is at RT. I also still suspect that Daniels will be at guard despite the fact that the team doesn’t appear to be getting a new deal.
2. Will Justin Fields get first team reps? First off, even if he does, I don’t believe it makes much of a difference. This is Russell Wilson’s team and the only way he isn’t the starter through the first half of the season is if he is injured. Mike Tomlin has been clear since the moment both players arrived in Pittsburgh about how things are going to go down. Any hyperbole around this will likely be caused by the media and talking heads.
3. What can we expect from Najee Harris? After not getting his fifth-year option, Harris decided to remain quiet and not speak to the media during the entire Spring. This week however he will need to be available for the media and I expect there to be a massive crowd of reporters around him. This doesn’t mean he’s going to say anything of substance but he will at least have to be in front of microphones. I think this goes one of two ways; he either lets it rip and airs his feelings or he remains largely reserved. There won’t be an ‘in between.’

The Podcast

The latest episode of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc of South Florida is available! We discussed the signing of Cam Sutton, the latest on Cam Heyward, what to do with Pat Freiermuth and much more!! Check it out right here!

Beating a Dead Horse

There appear to be a number of position battles as we head into Training Camp but there’s no question the biggest issue is at #2 Wide Receiver. If you talk with anyone who has been at the OTAs they will tell you that Van Jefferson seems to be the guy in the lead. The problem with that is that Jefferson just isn’t a ‘season-long’ guy there is he? I still fully expect that the Steelers will find an upgrade here prior to the season but how much of an upgrade (and what it will cost) is the question.

The Vitriol Over Wilson

If you search around the internet and social media enough you’ll likely find some stories about Russell Wilson coming out of Denver Broncos’ related sites. I can only speak for myself, but once a player leaves the Steelers, I don’t mention them too much at all. For whatever reason there is a lot of animosity aimed at Wilson. I get it, fans are upset at him. The team gave up a ton for his services and the return on investment wasn’t great. But at what point do you maybe point a finger at Sean Payton or Nathaniel Hackett? Wilson certainly bears some responsibility but these Broncos’ fans need to move on.