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Rookie Le'Veon Bell consumes majority of attempts at Steelers training camp

The young man has a long way to go before locking down the starting spot currently up for grabs, but the team is giving him every opportunity to show them what he is bringing to the table.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport

Considering it is only the first actual day of practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers in pads, one must be careful when attempting to discern between the various reports coming out of Latrobe. However, one thing is certain -- the Steelers want to find out exactly what rookie Le'Veon Bell is capable of at the professional level.

Simply taking the most reps doesn't necessarily equate to being the hands-down favorite to win the starting job. The coaching staff already knows what veterans Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer are capable of, although both may exhibit an increase in performance due to increased training commitment this off-season. LaRod Stephens-Howling may be new to the Steelers, but as a veteran of the NFL there will be enough game tape to dictate his potential. Unfortunately for Baron Batch, the same can be said for him.

With still over a month between this first padded practice and the beginning of the season, Bell will receive even more opportunities to show off his skills. Though he was shown respect by getting the bulk of the reps today, a fit and fired up LaMarr Woodley reportedly 'schooled' the rookie on two occasions, serving as a reminder that there is still a ways to go before he's fully ready for the starting spot. But how did Bell do in his anticipated match ups with fellow rookie Jarvis Jones?

Bell also did have a decent showing in offense vs. defense drills, but unfortunately for him, so did Redman and Stephens-Howling. The running back battle will continue to be one of the most hotly contested of the training camp season.

ICYMI on Behind the Steel Curtain today: