Former Vols Josh Dobbs And Justin Hunter In Good Position On Steelers’ First Depth Chart
By Zach Ragan
Former Tennessee Vols Josh Dobbs and Justin Hunter are making a good impression so far with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If you’re in the NFL and there’s an injury in front of you, you’d best take advantage of it.
That seems to be exactly what former Tennessee Vols Josh Dobbs and Justin Hunter are doing.
Dobbs, a rookie quarterback, and Hunter, a four year NFL veteran wide receiver, are both new to Pittsburgh, so it’s imperative they make a good impression during training camp.
Both Dobbs and Hunter are receiving plenty of reps, thanks to injuries to the players thought to be above them on the depth chart.
Hunter is making the most of Martavis Bryant’s absence from training camp. According to most reports, Hunter is absolutely killing it in training camp. He’s developed a good working relationship with Ben Roethlisberger. Thanks to that good working relationship, Hunter is currently listed behind starter Darrius Hayward-Bey on the Steelers’ first depth chart.
Once Bryant returns from his suspension, he will likely slide in front of Hayward-Bey. But I wouldn’t bet against Hunter overtaking Hayward-Bey as Bryant’s backup.
Dobbs is also making the most of an absence. Incumbent backup quarterback Landry Jones has missed time during camp with an abdominal injury, which has given Dobbs the opportunity to audition to be Roethlisberger’s backup.
For now, Dobbs is the default number two quarterback on the depth chart. Bart Houston is Pittsburgh’s only other quarterback, but he’s not expected to be part of the Steelers’ 53-man roster this season.
Before training camp started, I felt Dobbs was a longshot to be the backup quarterback in Pittsburgh this season. Jones’ experience in Pittsburgh’s offense gave him the edge over Dobbs.
Jones’ injury, however, has potentially opened the door to Dobbs winning the backup quarterback job in 2017. I still think, however, it’s a long shot that Dobbs is the primary backup to Roethlisberger in 2017 — at least to start the season.
Hunter and Dobbs have a huge opportunity over the next few weeks to show Pittsburgh’s coaches that they deserve to be a major part of the Steelers in 2017.
Next: Final Pre-Season Game By Game Predictions For Vols In 2017
It’s also worth noting that Dobbs and Hunter aren’t the only former Vols on Pittsburgh’s roster in 2017. Veteran Ramon Foster is once again slotted as the Steelers’ starting left guard. Rookie defensive back Cam Sutton has missed time during training camp and isn’t listed on Pittsburgh’s first depth chart (injured players aren’t listed).