3 surprise players who could emerge as starters following Steelers training camp
One of the beautiful things about training camp is the competition. We get to see ambitious players get their first shot at proving they can play football. Every year we see players surprise and surpass expectations. Some years these players even end up winning a starting role.
With the Steelers roster as deep as it is, not every job is guaranteed. While we can project the Steelers starting depth chart and feel confident with our predictions, there are a few positions that will be left up to competition. Here are some players who could surprise everybody and end up emerging from training camp as a starter.
Coty Sensabaugh (CB)
The battle for the slot cornerback this year is expected to be a tight race. There are a few names people are eyeing to win the role. William Gay is the veteran of the group and has been a solid starter his entire career (and at every cornerback position).
Senquez Golson was drafted two years ago in order to start at slot cornerback, but has been injured each year and has yet to play a snap. Cameron Sutton was drafted in the third round this season and has the versatility to play either cornerback spot.
These are the names most people mention when discussing the competition, but there’s one name people tend to forget: Coty Sensabaugh.
Sensabaugh was brought in as depth after flaming out in Los Angeles (Rams) and a solid stint with in New York (Giants). After showing promise playing in Tennessee, the team that drafted him, Sensabaugh went on to sign a healthy three-year, $15 million deal with the Rams. He didn’t last long and was released after only four games.
The Steelers must’ve seen some promise in Sensabaugh, having signed him to a two-year, $2,600,000 contract. Those numbers may not be huge, but they show that the organization sees Sensabaugh as a guy who can come in and contribute to the team. His career path in a way mirrors William Gays, who became a solid starter with the Steelers after making a bad impression with the Cardinals during his short time there.
Like Gay, Sensabaugh has the ability to play either cornerback position. That versatility makes him a contender to win a starting job. If he can tap into the talent that earned him a $15,000,000 contract, then the Steelers may get a starter from as a free agency steal.
Regardless, Pittsburgh will put the best player on the field, whether that player is a veteran, rookie, or a free agent signing.
T.J. Watt (OLB)
This isn’t exactly a “hot take” calling T.J. Watt a potential starter, given he was the Steelers most recent first round pick. However, most people may assume that James Harrison is the starter given his talent and experience.
The Steelers like to keep their plans to themselves so we won’t know exactly how they plan on utilizing Watt and Harrison. But considering Harrison is 39 years old, it would make sense for the Steelers not to overwork their all-time sacks leader by making him a full-time starter.
On the other hand, while Watt is a rookie, the Steelers organization has a much different philosophy regarding rookies compared with past seasons. The days of rookies sitting for two or three years before seeing the field is over. The coaching staff has been forward about their intentions to get rookies on the field in order to have an impact; their use of rookies in 2016 emphasizes this point.
Over the course of the 2016 season, the Steelers started three rookies: Artie Burns, Sean Davis, and Javon Hargrave. Hargrave was the first defensive lineman to start Week 1 as a rookie in Steelers history and the first first-year starter on the D-line in over 20 years. Sean Davis started as the slot corner before shifting to the starting strong safety and Artie Burns eventually leaped into the starting lineup opposite Ross Cockrell.
Five years ago, nobody would’ve thought that to be possible.
The reports on Watt impressing the team with his intelligence and technique certainly helps his case to start right away. Training camp will be influential in allowing everyone see Watt’s preparedness. The outlook is optimistic for the rookie. All considered, Watt being the Week 1 starter at ROLB is entirely feasible.
Jerald Hawkins (OT)
Very few believe second-year tackle Jerald Hawkins has a legitimate shot at being a starter this season. I barely believe it myself.
However, there is a scenario where it becomes possible. There have been rumors flying around recently about the possibility of starting left tackle Alejandro Villaneuva sitting out of training camp until he receives a new contract. This is mere speculation, but if Al happens to sit out, a door would be opened for Hawkins.
If Villanueva sits out of camp, Hawkins would most likely slide in as the starting left tackle during drills. If he were to impress the coaching staff enough, he may not let go of the role.
They were reports of Hawkins impressing in camp last year but he was struck by injury and forced to miss the entire 2016 season. Hawkins could return to camp better than ever and continue where he left off last year. With a great offensive line coach in Mike Munchak, there’s no telling what he is able to get out of Hawkins.
None of this is meant to try and disrespect Villaneuva and what he’s contributed to the team. However, the best ability is availability. While not a perfect example, years ago we saw Colin Kaepernick steal Alex Smith‘s job in San Francisco despite Smith having a good season. Kaepernick merely got the job and never gave it up.
Hawkins could do the same if he displays his talent and earns the starting job.
UPDATE: On 7/27/17, Villanuava signed a 4 year extension with the Steelers.
