Welcome again to Pittsburgh Steelers’ coaching camp. After probably the most fascinating offseasons in crew historical past, there’s a lot to speak about this summer time. The 2025 model of the Steelers will maintain their first camp follow at 1:55 PM/EST right now. We’ll be at St. Vincent Faculty to take all of it in.
When you’re new to the location – welcome. We’re thrilled you’re right here. Every night, we’ll publish a post-training camp report with a rundown of the day’s occasions. Our purpose is to make you are feeling such as you’re sitting proper subsequent to us at camp. Dave Bryan and I may also have a podcast recap every night, except the Friday Night time Lights follow subsequent month.
However earlier than we discuss what occurred on Day One, let’s preview a few of the issues I’m awaiting because the Steelers get coaching camp – and the season – began.
Quarterback
– After all, all eyes might be on Aaron Rodgers’ first camp follow with the Steelers. Restricted to simply particular person reps throughout the crew’s three-day necessary minicamp, right now ought to mark his first work throughout the crew interval. Does he get a “normal” variety of reps, 4 with the primary crew throughout every crew interval? Or will Pittsburgh begin him off on a pitch rely?
Everybody might be in a rush to guage him, and to make certain, we’ll be speaking about that, too. However a quarterback who can’t be hit in a follow the place nobody is sporting pads doesn’t make for probably the most insightful takeaways. Nonetheless, let’s see how he instructions the huddle, makes checks on the line, and if he airs out a deep ball or finds WR DK Metcalf for a giant play to set the tone.
Additionally of observe is how a lot the offense will get him on the transfer. Arthur Smith’s offense loves altering the launch level. Does that mesh with a 41-year-old Rodgers?
– Mason Rudolph isn’t new to Mike Tomlin, however he’s new to Smith’s offense. Schematically, is he used any otherwise than Rodgers? However regardless of his camp efficiency, he’s poised to open the 12 months because the No. 2, so simply getting these reps is essential as a result of they’ll be arduous to come back by in-season.
– Will Howard has created loads of hype since being drafted. There’s so much to love. I’m targeted on the fundamentals: clear operations, good accuracy on the “gimmie” throws, taking good care of the ball, and making sensible choices. That doesn’t imply turning into Checkdown Charlie, one thing many backups are inclined to do, and I wish to see him make assured, aggressive throws.
– Skylar Thompson is the forgotten man within the room. He’s began within the common season and even a playoff sport. This isn’t a wide-eyed rookie. Don’t be shocked if he makes a few performs early on and appears higher than a rookie like Howard in a vacuum. However Thompson’s first purpose is getting reps, and if he’s the No. 4, that’ll be powerful to do. The extra Rodgers is proscribed all through the summer time, the higher for Thompson.
Operating Again
– Jaylen Warren is established however has a brand new position atop the Steelers’ depth chart. His large key’s staying wholesome, that’s apparent, and defending the soccer. He’s been identified to fumble now and again and might’t get within the doghouse by placing the ball on the bottom.
– Rookie Kaleb Johnson is a clear slate. Honestly, the working sport is tough to evaluate till the pads come on and the classes are “dwell” (full tackling). However we will get a really feel for his burst and fluidity. I wish to see him as a receiver out of the backfield after being restricted at Iowa. Move safety may also be key. That may be repped in padless practices by how he ID’s the push and picks it up, but it surely really can’t be evaluated till backs on backers Tuesday.
– How is Kenneth Gainwell used? He’s a succesful receiver and route runner who’s comfy splitting out vast. Is that mirrored, or does he obtain normal backfield reps with the occasional movement out in empty units? His quicks may permit him to impress on this non-tackling atmosphere.
– Then there’s the remaining. What number of reps does Cordarrelle Patterson get as a man many figured can be lengthy launched by now? Trey Sermon is an intriguing potential sleeper. Evan Hull has third-down potential, and Max Hurleman is perhaps probably the most fascinating athlete on the roster with a background as a cornerback, working again, vast receiver, and punt returner. He’ll be enjoyable to trace. Don’t overlook about UDFA fullback DJ Thomas-Jones, both. He wasn’t utilized in that position in faculty, taking part in extra like a Y-off or hybrid participant, however is a strong blocker who jogs my memory of ex-Steeler David Johnson in dimension and skillset.
Extensive Receiver
– Watching DK Metcalf come down the steps is enjoyable in itself. A freak of nature who will certainly make some freak of nature performs all through camp. He ought to get probabilities to open it up and fly downfield and will have enjoyable matchups towards fellow veteran cornerbacks in Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, and a still-growing Joey Porter Jr. As a receiver, his skills are apparent sufficient, however I wish to see him get after it within the working sport. He generally is a tone setter there.
– Roman Wilson had his rookie 12 months worn out by a number of accidents and is mainly ranging from scratch in bodily reps. He impressed within the 4 padless practices he labored in a 12 months in the past and must look the identical this 12 months. Higher, even. Gaining Rodgers’ belief is essential; he needs to be assignment-sound each step. Being wholesome wire-to-wire and absorbing reps is vital whereas displaying good play energy, route-running, and arms.
– Calvin Austin III enters camp because the No. 2 receiver. His sport has grown, however can he really be the second wideout on the crew? I outline that as somebody able to benefiting from one-on-one alternatives gained by the double-teams the No. 1 (Metcalf) instructions. Austin made a lot of his performs from the slot a 12 months in the past. Now, he has to win extra persistently on the surface in any respect three ranges. Can he present extra YAC within the fast move sport?
– The remainder of the group is combating for a roster spot and position. The teaching employees will admire Robert Woods for his all-in effort as a blocker. Ben Skowronek is a powerful particular teamer. After being signed forward of Week One final 12 months, this might be his first camp. Can he present one thing as a receiver? Undrafted free brokers Roc Taylor and Ke’Shawn Williams want large camps to cement follow squad spots, whereas veteran Scotty Miller has critical wheels and will hit a giant play in some unspecified time in the future in camp. Don’t rely out Lance McCutcheon both, who as soon as made the Los Angeles Rams’ 53-man roster as a camp longshot. He’s proved he is aware of the trail. Perhaps he does it once more.
Tight Finish
– The distribution of reps and targets among the many “large three” at tight finish – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington – might be enjoyable to trace. It’ll ebb and move, and “camp stats” are only one piece of a big puzzle, however it will likely be one thing to notice all through the summer time as a potential fall preview. How a lot does Smith transfer round (reply: seemingly so much). Can Washington get extra concerned within the passing sport? There have been spring hints of using him otherwise than a 12 months in the past, however that got here earlier than Smith was acquired from Miami. Is there one participant Rodgers leans on most?
– Connor Heyward enters camp on the bubble. Can Arthur Smith discover a higher option to make the most of him than he did a season in the past? Both method, his primary path to creating the roster will come on particular groups.
– Tight finish depth isn’t tremendous deep. The opposite identify to notice is an intriguing one in UDFA JJ Galbreath. He’s an athletic pass-catcher with good faculty manufacturing; he’s extra practice-squad materials than 53-man roster, however I like his sport and take into account him among the many crew’s greatest undrafted additions.
Offensive Line
– Just like the working backs, the primary few days with out pads make evaluations tough. Don’t get the identical depth, don’t get “dwell” run durations, don’t get the o-line/d-line 1v1s that assist decide people. That received’t come till Tuesday.
What I look ahead to early on is laying the groundwork. Who’s aligning the place? The excellent news is the starters know precisely the place they’ll be, a departure from previous seasons when Pittsburgh rotated its offensive tackles. However what’s going to the second and third-stringers appear like? I particularly wish to see who’s taking part in the place alongside that third crew, particularly who’s at middle. Will or not it’s Aiden Williams, Nick Broeker, Spencer Anderson, or another person? Does Dylan Cook dinner get any work at guard as he did two summers in the past, however not final season?
– Isaac Seumalo will start camp injured. Spencer Anderson figures to interchange him at left guard. However how will that shake up the remainder of the strains? Does Anderson or another person double-dip with reps on a number of strains? It is going to be fascinating to see who advantages most from further snaps.
– Above all, the main focus for these guys is on the small print. No false begins, no pre-snap penalties, know your task and position (taking a look at you, Broderick Jones). Coaches hate these errors in any scenario, however doubly so in camp. These are essential reps that don’t get made up throughout a time period the place the crew must work and develop.
Defensive Line
– Cam Heyward will presumably swimsuit up right now, however anticipate loads of half and relaxation days for him all through camp. That creates probabilities for others. Keeanu Benton is the beginning nostril sort out, however with two sacks in two seasons, it’s a giant 12 months for him. Can he present extra strikes than simply his potent membership/over (that solely goes to his proper)? With out that, it’ll be arduous to maintain blockers guessing and turn out to be a persistently efficient rusher.
– After all, eyes on first spherical choose Derrick Harmon might be key. Just like the offensive line, it’s arduous to guage the d-line and trenches till the pads come on. However he’s athletic and will transfer effectively in such a atmosphere.
The backup line of defense has a variety of choices. Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Yahya Black, and Ezezi Otomewo are just some of the names on the listing. Is Black getting nostril sort out reps or spending extra time at defensive finish? Hopefully, it’s the previous.
– What’s DeMarvin Leal’s position? Is he extra of a defensive lineman or an outdoor linebacker, or will Pittsburgh once more attempt to use him in each positions? He’s in a real make-or-break summer time, and even with a superb efficiency, it is perhaps too late.
– Are there any formational adjustments? Any enjoyable wrinkles, be it “amoeba” (one defensive lineman) seems, or somebody dropping into protection. How about on particular groups? Who’s taking part in on any models past area purpose defend/block? Can a few guys get reps on the kick protection crew? Leal and even Loudermilk have prior to now. Can Lee and Otomewo be part of them? Something that provides worth is a optimistic.
Linebackers
– T.J. Watt will follow, however we’ll see what number of reps he will get right now and all through camp. There’s not a ton of incentive to have him get beat up in the summertime. Let’s see if Alex Highsmith has been working within the lab to make his inside spin transfer stronger after offensive tackles caught on a season in the past.
Jack Sawyer is the headline new addition right here. His bodily nature lends itself greatest to padded classes after we can consider him setting the sting towards the run, however getting eyes on him and whether or not he’s switching sides might be notable. The Steelers usually begin out taking part in guys on one facet earlier than switching issues up all through the summer time.
– Jeremiah Moon returns to struggle for a job on the crew, however cracking the 53 might be powerful. He must develop as a move rusher to really take his sport to a different degree. The opposite instruments are there. Eku Leota spent your complete offseason with the Steelers and can attempt to grasp round on the follow squad.
– Inside linebacker is a equally deep place. Patrick Queen is entrenched as a starter, however is feeling stress after a 2024 season that left loads of meat on the bone. Communication must be clear, and he’s on the middle of it. Payton Wilson is certainly one of my high gamers to look at in camp and throughout the season. He may have a fuller-time position if his run protection/block-shedding steps up. Out of the gate, I’ll be watching to see if the Steelers use a three-man rotation with Wilson, Queen, and Malik Harrison in base or if Wilson and Queen generally is a two-man present.
– The battles exist behind. Cole Holcomb will take part in his first coaching camp since 2023 after his devastating November knee harm two years in the past. He’s cleared to follow, however like CB Cory Trice Jr. a 12 months in the past, it’s potential the Steelers restrict his reps and ramp him up all through the summer time. That may not be identified till the pads come on subsequent week. Regardless, it’s a major milestone for him to enter 2025 with a clear slate and now not catching transferring trains.
– Mark Robinson and Carson Bruener discover themselves in a “two canines, one bone” scenario with the same path to make it by means of particular groups. In the present day begins a battle that ought to play out all summer time. Don’t sleep on Devin Harper both. He’s athletic and has a little bit of NFL expertise. He has labored with ILBs coach Scott McCurley in Dallas. There’s follow squad materials.
Secondary
– Huge issues to look at right here. Pittsburgh has three top-end, starting-caliber cornerbacks: Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Joey Porter Jr. How do they get used? Yesterday, Mike Tomlin referenced all three being on the sector as a lot as potential. Let’s see the wrinkles and alignments to answer totally different offensive groupings. Can we see some three-corner/one-safety seems in base? I feel so.
– Cornerback is a deep group value watching previous the starters. Does Brandin Echols play solely outdoors? In that case, who else will get slot reps? Beanie Bishop might be one. I assume Donte Kent might be one other. Younger guys value watching. Huge 12 months for Cory Trice Jr. Gotta keep wholesome and carve out a job, probably in dime packages like final 12 months, in a aggressive and stacked room.
– Does anybody on the again finish of the depth chart shine? D’Shawn Jamison, who gained spring buzz, or the long-armed Cameron McCutcheon? Ton of fellows to take a look at.
– Security is vast open past Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott, and particular teamer Miles Killebrew. Sometimes, Pittsburgh carries 4 or 5 safeties, which leaves spots on the desk. Quindell Johnson is a sleeper identify. UDFA Sebastian Castro is profiled as a hair-on-fire particular teamer. And I wish to see if any cornerbacks get security reps or at the least rotate post-snap.
Particular Groups
Not at all times probably the most thrilling interval of the day, and the Steelers at all times undergo half-speed (besides the COVID 12 months when issues had been “dwell”). However an necessary interval for thus many individuals, and I wish to see who’s working the place. The return strains are at all times notable to get a lay of the land.
With Cordarrelle Patterson’s roster spot in jeopardy, the Steelers may have two new returners in 2024. Kenneth Gainwell is prone to be one. Who’s the opposite? Let’s see who’s getting work to point out what they will do. A younger man who makes a splash play in preseason motion can dramatically change their roster odds. That begins by getting reps right now to be within the combine on gameday.
