Steelers 2021 training camp: Dwayne Haskins entrenched in one of Pittsburgh's most intriguing position battles

The former first-round pick is facing a pivotal training camp

The Steelers don't have too many unknowns as far as the starting lineup is concerned for the 2021 season. Ben Roethlisberger is once again under center for what will be his 18th season. Behind him will be rookie first round pick Najee Harris, who will be charged with helping the Steelers improve what was the league's least productive rushing attack last season. 

Roethlisberger will be surrounded by the same receiving corps that he had the previous season, a group that is led by receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and tight end Eric Ebron. Pittsburgh's re-tooled offensive line will be led by veterans Zach Banner, Trai Turner, Chukwuma Okorafor and reserve B.J. Finney. Defensively, the Steelers return nine starters from a defense that finished first in the NFL in sacks and third in points allowed in 2020. Melvin Ingram will look to help replace departed pass rusher Bud Dupree, while Justin Layne and Cameron Sutton will look to replace also-departed defensive backs Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton, respectively. 

The starting lineup may be largely set in stone, but there are still several intriguing training camp battles Steelers fans will enjoy watching this summer. Let's take a look at three specific position battles to keep an eye on, starting with the quarterbacks who will share a quarterback room with Roethlisberger in 2021. 

No. 3 QB: Dwayne Haskins vs. Josh Dobbs 

For a third straight year, Mason Rudolph will be Roethlisberger's primary backup. The Steelers traditionally keep three quarterbacks on their roster, and that final spot will go to either Haskins or Dobbs. The 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Haskins endured a rocky run in Washington that ultimately led to his release after less than two seasons. Haskins has said all the right things since being picked up by the Steelers less than a month after his release. He looked lighter during the Steelers' OTAs and minicamp. His passing drew praise from Roethlisberger, who said that his new teammate "can throw a football through a carwash and not get it wet." 

He's made a good first impression, but Haskins will ultimately be judged by how he performs during the Steelers' four preseason games. Specifically, Haskins will have to show good command of the Steelers' offense, which is being led by first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada. He will also have to display good accuracy after completed just 60.1% of his passes in Washington. Haskins will also have to take care of the football, which was also not one of his strengths during his first NFL go-around. 

Dobbs is no stranger to training camp position battles. In 2018, he beat out Landry Jones in a spirited position battle. The former Tennessee standout did so by showcasing his mobility and big play ability while also taking care of the football. Haskins has more upside, but Dobbs is a proven veteran who has proven himself helpful to Roethlisberger during quarterback meetings and on the sideline. Haskins certainly has a shot at winning this position battle, but Dobbs should be considered the favorite. 

Prediction: Haskins beats out Dobbs 

No. 2 RB: Benny Snell vs. Anthony McFarland, Kalen Ballage and Jaylen Samuels 

The Steelers are likely looking for a blend of power, speed and versatility behind Harris. The team's second-leading rusher each of the past two seasons, Snell certainly packs the punch Mike Tomlin was looking for when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft. But Snell will have to be more productive this preseason (he averaged just 3.3 yards-per-carry last season) if he is going to stay ahead of Ballage, a physical runner who impressed during OTAs and in minicamp. 

The other running back spot will come down to McFarland and Samuels. Like Snell, McFarland will have to improve his productivity after averaging just 3.4 yards-per-carry last season. McFarland's impressive speed makes up for his lack of receiving prowess while helping level the playing field against Samuels, a three-year veteran who caught 73 passes and four touchdowns during his first two seasons. But his lack of success on the ground led to him getting just 18 touches in 2020. Samuels will have to produce more as a running back if he has any shot at making the 53-man roster. 

Prediction: Ballage edges Snell, McFarland wins job as No. 3 RB 

Punter: Jordan Berry vs. Pressley Harvin III 

Is there anything more exciting than a good battle between punters? Sarcasm aside, this is a significant position battle between a six-year veteran and rookie seventh-round pick. After not missing a game from 2015-19, Berry was released last summer after losing his position battle against longtime Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt. Barry was quickly re-signed by the Steelers following Colquitt's early season struggles. But despite averaging a career-high 45.8 yards per punt in 11 games, Berry will again face training camp competition. This time, it will come against a rookie in Harvin, the reigning Ray Guy Award recipient (awarded annually to college football's top punter). Harvin's 48 yards-per-punt average last season stands as the Georgia Tech and ACC single season record. Berry's experience will help him, but Harvin clearly has the talent to win this position battle.  

Prediction: Harvin wins job as Steelers new punter