Pittsburgh Steelers: Five Key New Faces In 2013 Starting Lineup

Five Key New Faces in 2013 Starting Lineup

This upcoming summer will bring yet another training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the teams across the league. For the Steelers, this summer will also bring forth some battles for numerous positions in their starting lineup.

Just about every starting spot left vacant from last season was held by a player who was a long-time veteran, a Pro Bowl caliber player, or by someone who was just a solid player who had a significant impact on the team. Now younger, less experienced talent who are trying to make their mark in Pittsburgh, and in the league, will fill these positions.

The Steelers will definitely see some changes on both sides of the ball. On offense, the Steeler faithful can expect a new face in the backfield to help improve last year’s horrific running game that was ranked 26th in the league. In addition, a new pass catcher will be on the receiving end of passes thrown by Pittsburgh’s most valuable player, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Defensively, some much-needed youth will be added on each level of the unit. There will be new personnel on the interior part of the defensive line, as well as a new face on the outside of the starting linebacking corps and in the team’s very seasoned secondary.

Though these spots won’t be cemented until sometime in late August, I have taken the liberty of choosing the five players who I think will be key new figures in the Steelers’ starting lineup for 2013.

Cortez Allen-Cornerback

Following the departure of cornerback Keenan Lewis, the Steelers will look to third-year veteran Cortez Allen to help sustain a secondary that was highly instrumental in Pittsburgh’s first-ranked pass defense in 2012.

Jason Worilds-Outside Linebacker

As of right now, linebacker Jason Worilds is penciled in as the Steelers’ pass rusher on the right side of the front seven. However, Worilds will have rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones breathing down his neck for that starting position.

Steve McLendon-Nose Tackle

Of all the new starters Pittsburgh is slated to have in 2013, nose tackle Steve McLendon is probably the most proven. While backing up long-time Steeler Casey Hampton over the past three seasons, McLendon has steadily improved his play on the defensive line and will probably be the most important key to the Steelers’ defense.

Le'Veon Bell-Running Back

The battle for the starting running back spot hasn’t been solidified, but Pittsburgh’s 2013 second-round draft pick Le’Veon Bell seems to be the favorite to be the team’s featured back going into training camp.

Emmanuel Sanders-Wide Receiver

Going into the 2013 season, virtually all eyes will be on wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. The Steelers showed how much they wanted Sanders by retaining him this offseason. Now, he’ll have the chance to prove that he can fill the shoes of the departed speedster Mike Wallace.

Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller, or add him to your network on Google+