CB opposite Ike
Bryant McFadden is looking to become the starter this year. He'll have to bump Deshea Townsend to the nickel back if he wants to do that. McFadden had two bum ankles last year, and that slowed his development. Maybe this is the year for him?
Center
OK - Mahan was miserable at center last year. I think Hartwig should be an upgrade, but he still needs to win the spot. The interior of the OL was bad last year, and Hartwig winning the spot could help it become stable (probably not stellar though).
Offensive Guard
With Faneca leaving, there seem to be two bodies competing for the LG spot - Kemoeatu and Colon. Colon's short arms seem to make him more suited to guard, and he gave up a lot of sacks at RT last year. The RG position is not so certain either. Simmons did not play very well last year. Maybe it was his diabetes? Dunno...but whoever does not win the LG battle might just start at RG.
MLB
Don't look now Foote, but Timmons is slated to play in the middle. This should be an interesting battle between the savvy vet and a talented young player. I think both will get some playing time, but who wins the starting spot is a curious thing.
3rd WR
Nate Washington has turned into a serviceable 3rd WR. Not stellar, but he seems to have reduced his drops. Having Sweed compete for time with Nate will improve both of the WRs. The 4WR sets should be quite dangerous this year.
My prediction - BMac starts, The OL is Smith-Colon-Hartwig-Kemo-Starks, Foote starts and Timmons plays mostly passing downs, and Sweed is the 3rd WR.
Go Steelers!
