One padded practice into training camp and George Pickens is a HOF’er. It’s been one week, guys; turn the X-Files off, turn the lights back on, try and enjoy your summer. Below are the five biggest questions Mike Tomlin needs to answer in the coming month while you drink peach schnapps out of a pineapple in a pool. Spoiler alert: Diontae Johnson isn’t on this list.
QB1
Contenders: Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett
Through the first week Trubisky and Rudolph are 1A and 1B with Pickett the clear third. Many fans think the addition of Mitch makes Mason expendable but I wouldn’t accept less than a 4th in a trade for Rudolph. It would be foolish to accelerate Kenny’s development if [god forbid] Mitch gets hurt; remember 2019? I realize that’s how Ben began his HOF career, but I need to see strides from this offensive line before I’m comfortable throwing the future of my franchise out there behind them.
RB2
Contenders: Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Warren, Mataeo Durant, Jeremy McNichols
Alec Baldwin in the RB room: “The good news is you’re fired. The bad news is you’ve got – ALL you got – just one [camp] to regain your jobs, starting tonight.” Benny, Anthony, Jeremy, Mataeo, Jaylen… “Third prize is you’re fired.” Push-come-shove Danny Smith will pound the table for Benny to make the team. Durant was pure lightning and a Special Teams staple at Duke. Warren reminds me of Najee, Lite; he’s a prime practice squad candidate.
LG
Contenders: Kevin Dotson, Kendrick Green
Kendrick Green recently admitted in an interview he was not ready for and did not enjoy playing Center his rookie season. He’s now back at the spot he primarily played in college, competing against KD who is a natural RG. Dotson also regressed somewhat last year so the job is winnable, but Green is fighting an uphill battle to prove he can start on an NFL roster.
EDGE3
Contenders: Gerard Avery, Derek Tuszka, Delontae Scott
TJ played hurt like half of 2021 and still tied the all-time sack record. If you can keep him healthy, he will SHATTER it this year. Paradoxically, to keep him ON the field you have to periodically get him OFF the field. Barring any late camp additions, two of these three will make the 53-man roster. UDFA Tyree Johnson was cut on Monday.
FS2
Contenders: Damontae Kazee, Tre Norwood
Minkah missed the first week of camp with a sore wrist (fell off a bike); in his absence Kazee was working the deep middle. Norwood – I’m sure you remember – was a third-down ace last year as a rookie. They likely want to keep him in that dime package, pass-coverage specialist role.
Steely Cam 