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5 Pittsburgh Steelers Facing Make-Or-Break Seasons In 2015

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Jason Bridge-USATODAY Sports

5 Steelers Facing Make-Or-Break Seasons In 2015

Pittsburgh Steelers
Jason Bridge-USATODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to be in good shape going into the 2015 season. They have the most efficient quarterback/wide receiver/running back trio in the league and a revamped, though not necessarily better, defense.

The Steelers also enter the season sporting some significant question marks, particularly defensively, that will likely decide if they are contenders or not. These five players are all facing make-or-break 2015 campaigns.

5. Markus Wheaton

Markus Wheaton Breaking Tackle
Evan Habeeb-USATODAY Sports

5. Markus Wheaton

Markus Wheaton Breaking Tackle
Evan Habeeb-USATODAY Sports

Markus Wheaton just hasn’t lived up to the third-round pick that the Steelers used on him three years ago. He hasn’t been bad by any means, but he hasn’t stood out. His 644 receiving yards last year were solid, but it remains to be seen if he can hang onto the slot wide receiver position with this year’s third-round pick Sammie Coates in town. The big-bodied, strong Coates will likely be too much for Wheaton to overcome.

4. Ryan Shazier

Ryan Shazier Mike Tomlin Steelers
Jason Bridge-USATODAY Sports

4. Ryan Shazier

Ryan Shazier Mike Tomlin Steelers
Jason Bridge-USATODAY Sports

The Steelers gave Shazier a starting spot at inside linebacker last year, and it didn’t go well. A pair of injuries marred Shazier’s rookie campaign, and by the time he was fully healthy, it was too late to reclaim a starting spot as the team was in contention late in the season. Shazier has the tools to be an effective player with his speed, though it remains to be seen if he is strong enough to shed blockers and earn a starting spot.

3. Cortez Allen

Cortez Allen Interception
Jason Hanisch-USATODAY Sports

3. Cortez Allen

Cortez Allen Interception
Jason Hanisch-USATODAY Sports

After the 2013 season, the Steelers let cornerback Keenan Lewis walk and re-signed Cortez Allen, hoping that he would make the jump to a proficient starter. A year later, Lewis made the jump and Allen didn’t. Allen struggled opposite Ike Taylor last year, contributing to a porous secondary. The Steelers drafted cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant just a month ago, and they are both expected to challenge for starting spots.

2. Shamarko Thomas

Shamarko Thomas Steelers
Geoff Burke-USATODAY Sports

2. Shamarko Thomas

Shamarko Thomas Steelers
Geoff Burke-USATODAY Sports

When the Steelers traded up in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, a rare occurrence in the organization, the expectations for Thomas were high. Now, a few years later, Thomas is a question mark as he hasn’t been able to see much of the field. He has been plagued by injuries, but even when healthy could not carve out a spot for himself. He will be given the chance to prove himself with the departure of Troy Polamalu, though the jury is still out.

1. Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones Steelers
Jason Bridge-USATODAY Sports

1. Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones Steelers
Jason Bridge-USATODAY Sports

Outside linebacker is one of the most important positions in this Steelers defense. Applying consistent pressure on the quarterback may make up for a questionable secondary.
Jones was a first-round pick in 2013 but has struggled with injuries in his first two seasons. He flashed some potential last year before an injury essentially ended his season. If he doesn’t step up, his career will be defined by just that: potential, rather than production.

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