Training camp is always an exciting time. Fans cant wait to see the new offseason acquisitions take the field for the first time. Two-time Super Bowl champion and Steelers Hall of Honor inductee Ben Roethlisberger is no different with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hes looking forward to seeing players like QB Aaron Rodgers and CB Jalen Ramsey suit up for the Steelers.
And on Tuesdays episode of Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger, Big Ben named his top three(ish) things hes excited about when it comes to this years team. It all starts with Ramsey and the Steelers defense.
I think the defense has, yes, youve lost Minkah, but youve got players& Roethlisberger said. I think youve got a potential of a defense to be a top-five defense in this league.
Roethlisberger mentioned OLB T.J. Watt as one of those players. Thankfully, the Steelers and Watt came to an agreement on a lucrative contract extension before camp. Insider Gerry Dulac said that head coach Mike Tomlin played a big role in the timing of the contract, preventing it from being a hot-button issue at Saint Vincent College. Having Watt ready and a full participant at training camp is a positive thing.
Roethlisberger wonders if Father Time will catch up with DT Cam Heyward. He did note, however, that Heyward played at a level that was unexpected for his age. Heyward also isnt showing signs of slowing down. Combine Watt and Heyward with the rest of the pass rushers and rookie first-rounder Derrick Harmon, and the Steelers certainly have a fearsome defensive group of players affecting the line of scrimmage every down.
The reinforced secondary deserves attention as well. DB Jalen Ramsey has already made notable plays early in camp. Tomlin says he isnt locked into playing just in one spot on the field, either. Then, theres CB Darius Slay, who brings title-winning experience to the table from his time with the Eagles.
Undoubtedly, the Steelers have the players who can make a top-five defense, at least on paper. Its hard not to be excited to see them take the field.
There are also spots on the offensive side of the ball just as exciting.
The tight end room, Roethlisberger said. Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth, and Mount Washington. I think theres just a lot of potential there to do some things.
Jonnu Smith is coming off a career year with the Miami Dolphins, notching his first Pro Bowl appearance, and is reunited with his old tight ends coach and offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Hes looking forward to working with Freiermuth, saying that they can help each other improve. Then theres Darnell Washington, an absolute mountain of a tight end who can both block and hurdle linebackers. With Arthur Smiths affinity for tight ends, this position group oozes potential.
Roethlisberger is excited to see the quarterback throwing to them, too. He thinks QB Aaron Rodgers resume speaks for itself. The four-time league MVP will surely be a Hall of Famer one day. How can you not be excited to see a Hall of Famer play?
Roethlisberger didnt forget special teams. He is excited to see K Chris Boswell, the man he calls the best kicker in the game. Perhaps some will be concerned with Roethlisberger saying hes excited to see the kicker, but he went 41-for-44 last year on field goals, hitting 93.2 percent of his attempts. Thats pretty darn good.
Its not all roses for Roethlisberger, though. He does have concerns about the offensive line, specifically OT Broderick Jones, and the wide receiver position. Roethlisberger thinks that Jones slimming down could be a positive thing, but hes still concerned about how well hell play left tackle. The blind side tackle position may be the most important spot on the line for protecting an aging Rodgers. Insider Mark Kaboly said Jones is struggling to start camp, and that will definitely be something to keep an eye on once hes practicing in pads.
As for the receiver position, Roethlisberger is questioning the depth there. He said he likes both DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, and he wants to like Roman Wilson, but hes not confident beyond those first two players. He hopes someone will step up, whether its Wilson or someone else. Perhaps the tight end room that hes thrilled about can help take that pressure off the wide receiver room.
Just like every year, there are things to be excited about and to be concerned about with the Steelers roster. Hopefully, the things Roethlisberger is excited about will all pan out while his concerns prove inconsequential.
