3 Steelers starters who could be benched with a bad training camp

Which Steelers starters could take a seat on the bench after training camp this year? 

With Steelers training camp underway, all eyes are upon the most highly anticipated position battles in 2023.

After a prosperous draft, several Steelers rookies may be running an inside track to supplant veterans — there is perhaps no NFL team better described as “young and hungry.” This is, after all, Year 2 of Kenny Pickett, a.k.a. The Year Things Should Start Looking Up for Pittsburgh. Unless, of course, Pickett somehow sinks to Zach Wilson levels of disappointment…

Of all positions, the Steelers offensive line and backfield could arguably see the most shake-ups this summer, and there may be one or two low-profile names who could steal a spot from right under these starters’ noses.

Here are three Steelers starters in danger of getting benched after training camp.

Steelers starter who could get benched No. 3: Levi Wallace

Up first is a player the Steelers are cautiously high on this year: cornerback Levi Wallace. The former Bills defender turned into an invaluable addition in 2022; Wallace recorded a career-high four interceptions and 13 passes defended in nine starts.

Yet the Steelers doubled up on the cornerback position for a reason in this past draft — maybe they’re not as sold on Wallace as the public might think.

Heading into 2023, the Steelers lost two starters in slot guy Cam Sutton and corner Akhello Witherspoon. Wallace, a productive ballhawk and established outside corner, theoretically becomes the next man up, but it really depends on how Pittsburgh utilizes offseason signings Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan.

If the Steelers play Peterson outside (where he’s normally played) and Sullivan in the slot, Wallace could lose the second outside job to rookie Joey Porter Jr., a guy the franchise is definitely high on.

However, if the 33-year-old Peterson can’t readily compete with young wideouts on 1v1s and gets bumped into the slot, Wallace and Porter Jr. could both start this season.

Assuming the former scheme, Wallace’s starting credentials may pale in comparison to the newcomer Porter’s. Wallace surrendered 15.9 yards per completion in 2022, according to Pro Football Reference. Porter has a completely clean slate.

If the early second-round pick can dazzle right out of the gate, and if Peterson sticks to the outside, Wallace will be the odd man out.