The Pittsburgh Steelers' Top 3 Training Camp Battles In 2023

Coming from a 9-8 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers extended Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s career-long streak of 16 seasons without a losing record. The team is poised as a top contender in the challenging AFC North (which also includes the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns).  

One question Steelers fans have is, ‘Can Pittsburgh make the playoffs?’ You may also be curious if they can play in the Super Bowl. A look at Steelers playoff records suggests they can, but having the best available players is crucial to achieving these goals.

As the squad spends the next couple weeks at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, there are plenty of things to camp an eye on – especially around the players’ performance. Some players are already impressive early, while others are possibly hurting their hopes of getting into the final cut for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers season.

Here, we dive into the top three training camp battles for a spot in 2023 as the Steelers seek to resize its roster from the current 90-player limit to a final squad of 53 athletes.

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The 3 Steelers' Training Camp Battles to Watch in 2023

These are the three most interesting and exciting battles to look forward to in the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp this year.

1. Left Tackle

After starting 17 games for the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles last season, Isaac Seumalo will takeover the position at left guard in Pittsburgh. However, Broderick Jones would have to earn his starting spot as left tackle over incumbent Dan Moore Jr.

Although the franchise traded up to pick the Georgia Bulldogs product, Jones is yet to be a refined prospect. That doesn’t take away the fact that his overall ability to stay attached to blocks gives the rookie the potential to develop into a plus starter during his first contract.

With a higher ceiling than Moore, who seemed too often a liability last season, hopes are high that Jones will win the slot during camp. But Jones still has to fight for a slot as the team should start their best option in the first week. The team also has the chance to turn Kenny Pickett into a top starter by providing sufficient protection on the quarterback’s blind side.

2. No 3. Wide Receiver

Beefing up the left tackle position is immense for Pickett’s development. But locating a dependable third wideout to play alongside Diontae Johnson and George Pickens is almost similarly crucial. A reliable third option at receiver will permit offensive coordinator Matt Canada to open up the playbook and foster Pickett’s growth as a processor and decision-maker.

2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III and offseason trade acquisition Allen Robinson II are primary candidates for this role. Austin has the potential to bring a new element to the offense with his elite speed, although he missed his entire rookie campaign after undergoing Lisfranc surgery.

Robinson, on the other hand, comes off a couple of down seasons, but is still a player the Steelers have liked for awhile. Fans can expect him or Austin to emerge as Pittsburgh’s third receiver. Of course, Miles Boykin and Cody White are both back, Boykin being more of a crucial special teams contributor, however. 

3. Kickoff / Punt Returners

The Steelers signed Gunner Olszewski, a former New England Patriots All-Pro, to a two-year, $4.2 million deal in 2022 to supply a vital upgrade to the return game. However, the former Bemidji State Beaver fumbled a couple of times in the season’s first four weeks and barely returned a kick the rest of the season.

That means Olszewski could face stiff competition for the return role in training camp. Currently, Austin is listed ahead of him on the depth chart for both kick and punt returner. Meanwhile, while at San Diego State, rookie undrafted free agent Jordan Byrd recorded four career return touchdowns (three kickoffs, one punt). His heroics at the time earned him First Team All-Mountain West honors in his final two seasons at college. He's being looked at as another potential return-man in Pittsburgh.

Now, the 23-year-old receiver will need to defend his value, even possibly at other positions – as a gunner or gadget player on offense – to earn a role on the Steelers’ final roster. Byrd might be reasonably smaller than other team players at 5-9, but fans can expect the SDSU return-man to get significant playing time during the preseason.

Conclusion

Training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers is underway, and the city can't contain fans’ excitement. Central role-holders like T.J. Watt, Najee Harris, Cameron Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Pat Freiermuth remain in position. However, not every role elsewhere is settled.

Jones and Moore will have to compete for the left tackle slot, while Austin and Robinson have the potential to serve as the third wide receiver. Olszewski could face stiff opposition to retain his spot as a returner, with Byrd looking to make the final 53-man roster in the same position.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp in 2023 promises to deliver an intense showdown between skilled athletes vying for coveted spots on the team. The competition, both fierce and thrilling, will undoubtedly shape the future of the team and showcase the incredible talent and determination within the Steelers' ranks. As the players prepare to give it their all, the anticipation builds, generating a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the 2023 training camp battles for the black and gold.