LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Now that the public portion of Steelers training camp has ended, let's look at what has become a rite of passage with our local NFL teams. Who were the camp darlings in 2022 and also, who were the camp disappointments.
Darlings
Jaylen Warren
I don't think this is disputed by anyone. The young running back, who had to start at junior college before eventually becoming the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in his only season in 2021 at Oklahoma State, has worked his way up from undrafted free agent to a legit opportunity to be the Steelers number two tailback.
He's done it with hard, pile-moving running and the ability to make a quick cut and elude defenders. Warren was the Steelers leading receiver with four catches in the preseason opener and rushed for 34 yards on six carries. His only flaw has been a fumble in practice and in the game Saturday. Even with that, he ran with the first team for much of the last week of camp. Warren said it talked to Steelers third all-time leading rusher Willie Parker about what it takes to go from undrafted to NFL success. He appears on that path.
Gunner Olszewski
When the receiver was signed to help replace Ray-Ray McCloud, it was widely thought he would just be a returner and not make an impact as a receiver. Understandable, in three seasons with the Patriots, he had nine catches. Even though he was an All-Pro returner, he couldn't get on the field to catch passes.
It's been a different story in Steelers training camp. Olszewski started to show his receiving skills after the first week of camp and then opened eyes at Acrisure Stadium last Saturday. He caught a big third down pass, making a move to secure the first down and then caught the first touchdown of the game from Mitch Trubisky. It's preseason, but Olszewski has looked like more than just a special teams guy.
Kendrick Green
The experiment to make him the replacement to Maurkice Pouncey failed, seemed it would be the end of Green as a starter on the Steelers offensive line. At the start of offseason workouts, it appeared Green would be a swing guard at best. As the Steelers headed into mini-camp, Green worked his way into a competition with Kevin Dotson at left guard.
Now weeks into training camp, it's Green working with the first team more often and the inside track to go from failed center to starting guard in a matter of months.
Disappointments
Kevin Dotson
It's not even as much as what Dotson hasn't done on the field, it's that Dotson missed time on the field. An ankle injury kept the third-year pro out of practices last week, the game last Saturday and finally back to work on Monday. Mike Tomlin admitted the injury is playing into his decision and Dotson has only been available for 22 of a potential 33 career games due to previous injuries including an ankle injury last year. Dotson said the injuries aren't related, but his inability to stay on the field could cost him the starting job.
Benny Snell
Coaches and even Najee Harris discussed during OTAs they ideally want to limit his carries and find a second back to help take some reps from Harris after he led the league in touches last year. Then an early injury to Harris opened the door for more opportunities. Up through the middle of last week, Snell seemed to have kept the role as the back-up tailback. Then last Wednesday, the fourth-year running back left practice with a knee injury. The problem for Snell is other stepped up.
Anthony McFarland rushed for 56 yards including a nice cut and pick up of 24 yards on third and 1. He has the ability to return kicks and the aforementioned Warren is already having a great camp. Steelers aren't likely to keep four running backs, Snell's injury has moved him from lock to major question mark to make the roster.
Devin Bush
Bush knew as soon as his affordable fifth-year option wasn't picked up, the team had questions about his abilities and future with the Steelers. Yet, Bush has done nothing to stand out and lost his starting job to be relegated to co-starter with Robert Spillane on the team's first depth chart. In the first preseason game, Bush made no tackles.
He only played a limited number of snaps against Seattle, but still zero tackles. Steelers Linebackers Coach Brian Flores said Bush has done good things that just haven't translated into personal tackle numbers. That may be true, but for a former 10th overall pick playing for a new contract from someone, Bush has done little to earn one yet.
