Steelers Set their Depth Chart – For Now

The Steelers be all means have many question marks as they get set for Mike Tomlin’s first training camp in a month. On Thursday, some of the starting positions were a bit of a shock, and I think that we will see some of these change as we get into camp and the team starts to develop under their new head coach.

Chukky Okobi gets the nod to start at center over Sean Mahan. I don’t think the team went out and spent as much as they did on Mahan and not eventually have him start. I for one liked the pickup of Mahan, and think that his physical play at the center position will eventuall send Okobi to the bench.

Deshea Townsend at right corner over Bryant McFadden. I have high hopes for McFadden, and while I have always liked Townsend’s attitude and desire, in the end I think Bryant wins the job and keeps it.

Ryan Clark over Anthony Smith at free safety. This one I agree with. I thought that Clark played ok last season, and while I would like to see him pick his play up, I think for now Smith is more effective when the team goes to their nickel and dime packages.

Max Starks at right tackle over Willie Colon. Again, not a shock here. The coaches like Colon, and he’ll get his shot, but for now Starks still plays the spot well, and I would like to see the depth at this position as the year goes on.

“No job is secure,” coach Tomlin stated yesterday as the team closed camp. “This is not a security business and if they are looking for security, they need to find a new line of work. I told those guys that I am going to base my decision on them and what they do on a day-to-day basis, not their reputation or resume — and I mean what I say in that regard.”