Chris Carter has a large oppurtunity in front of him at Training Camp

Chris Carter has a large oppurtunity in front of him at Training Camp

Steelers second year outside linebacker is being given a great oppurtunity at Steelers camp.  He is the starting outside linebacker right now as camp begins.  Starter James Harrison and back up Jason Worilds are both on the PUP list and there is no timetable give for their return.

Carter will get the reps with the first team in Harrison’s position until either Harrison or Worilds returns from injury.  This will give Carter some good experience and the repetitions he needs to develop.  As a second year guy behind what you know is one of the best at his position you can not ask for much more.

This is perfect for Carter.  He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 draft as a project.  His potential had many teams interested in him but the Steelers picked him up.  Carter was not expected to contribute to the team right away.  He was expected to sit on the bench and learn behind Woodley and Harrison with the potential to become a starter down the line.  He had to make the switch from Defensive End to Linebacker.  A tough transition for anyone. 

That is what he did last year.  He sat back learned and played special teams.  Now with a full offseason under his belt and the two guys who were in front of him injured the Steelers will get to see how much Carter progressed from his rookie season until now. 

This will be a very important training camp for Carter.  He has a very high ceiling once he is comfortable playing linebacker.  His pass rush ability is undeniable.  I can not wait to see how he looks running with the first team.