Steelers News: Offensive Lineman Fred Johnson turning heads in Steelers training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the gridiron this week when they reported back to training camp. With practices underway, the news surrounding the black-and-gold is just starting to heat up. As the team returns from their summer break, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until training camp starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how an unknown offensive lineman, Fred Johnson, is turning heads throughout Steelers Training Camp.

Let’s get to the news:

• Everyone thinks the Steelers’ offensive line is set, but there might be a player who is bound and determined to wreck those fan predictions.

Mammoth guard Fred Johnson hard to miss at Steelers training camp, gets shot at tackle

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Fred Johnson might be the tallest guard who’s ever attended a Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. And in what might have been a sign of just how much Johnson intrigues the Steelers, they even threw him into the proverbial fire at tackle, too.

For the 2-minute drill simulation at the end of Saturday’s practice, Johnson was told to play left tackle.

“That was the first time this camp I was at tackle,” Johnson said afterward.

An undrafted rookie from Florida, Johnson has generally been the second-team right guard during camp this far. At 6-foot-7, he’s impossible to miss, particularly at an interior position (no other Steelers guard or center is listed as taller than 6-5).

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Mike Tomlin has his shortcomings, but the Patriots dominance isn’t one of them.

Tim Benz: Patriots dominance isn’t part of Mike Tomlin’s shortcomings

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

It’s been 11 days since Mike Tomlin signed a contract extension to coach the Steelers through at least the 2021 season.

Since then, several arguments have popped up supporting that decision by Steelers ownership. Others have been highly critical.

Both sides make a strong case.

I wouldn’t have done it. But it’s not my money. It’s Art Rooney II’s money. If someday between now and then he wants to fire Tomlin and doesn’t care about the payout, so be it.

However, there is one defense of Tomlin’s extension that I have heard advanced a few times recently that I can’t accept.

Some have said that Tomlin’s postseason shortcomings should come with an asterisk because he has endured the bad luck of coaching in the AFC against the Patriots at the height of their dynasty.

In other words, there’s an assumption that the Steelers’ past eight seasons would have ended later in the playoffs, perhaps with another Super Bowl win or at least another appearance or two, if the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick reign had never occurred.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Pro Football Hall of Fame is expanding their classes, and this could benefit several Pittsburgh Steelers who are Hall-worthy.

Mark Madden: These Steelers could benefit from Hall of Fame expansion

By: Mark Madden, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

In 2020, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will induct a one-time-only class of 20 new members to commemorate the NFL’s 100th anniversary. Ten senior-era players will be included.

Nine players from the Steelers’ dynasty in the 1970s are enshrined in Canton.

Does this decision open the door for more?

A survey of my Twitter followers (2,941 voting) suggests defensive end L.C. Greenwood deserves a spot.

A very informal poll of Pittsburgh football media also chose Greenwood.

But one of said media put it best: “None. Seriously.”

I concur. Nine is plenty. Enough already with the Steelers of the ’70s.

It would be better if safety Troy Polamalu made it in his first year of eligibility, or if Alan Faneca made it after missing out the last four years despite being the best guard of his generation.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

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