After the rain-dud that was Tuesday’s follow, the Pittsburgh Steelers will try to carry the staff’s first true padded session later at present. The primary “actual” soccer of the summer time, evaluations really start now. They don’t finish now, it is a lengthy course of, however the tone of follow shits from the four-day acclimation interval the place gamers wore simply helmets to a few intense days.
With a giant day forward, listed here are among the prime matchups I’m wanting ahead to watching.
WR DK Metcalf vs CB Jalen Ramsey
Finest-on-best. Rivals for a very long time with battles of their Seahawks/Rams days, these are two massive and bodily folks with no scarcity of confidence on both facet. Sadly, I could miss the one-on-one interval as a result of it normally coincides with backs on ‘backers, one of many highlights of coaching camp. However any snippets I get shall be price tuning into and any possibilities within the staff interval, although Ramsey is usually within the slot and never on Metcalf, shall be a deal with. Count on each to make performs.
Ramsey already has an interception this camp and Metcalf remains to be on the lookout for his first true downfield playmaking second.
RB Kaleb Johnson vs Everybody
Johnson would be the fundamental focus of the backs on ‘backers drill. Anybody new and particularly any rookie will get examined to see what they’re fabricated from. A drill slanted to the protection, the objective is for the rookie to point out good method (sturdy base, eyes up, correct posture) and want-to. Don’t again down from the drill. I doubt Johnson will however this shall be his first massive check. He can run the ball – that isn’t a query. His ceiling and enjoying time shall be dictated by how effectively he protects QB Aaron Rodgers and the way effectively he catches the soccer. His first examination is at present.
OT Troy Fautanu vs T.J. Watt
A troublesome matchup for Fautanu. However that is the good thing about dealing with an elite participant like Watt. Assuming Watt isn’t getting a relaxation day, Fautanu ought to see a pair reps in opposition to him in the course of the 1v1 competitors interval that takes place later within the day. Can Fautanu deal with inside rushes and energy strikes he’s struggled most in opposition to in his restricted motion since being drafted? He doesn’t have to look excellent however holding his floor could be a superb place to start out.
Fautanu will face Watt within the run recreation throughout staff intervals, too. One other space to look at.
Left deal with Broderick Jones is clearly a notable title. Although Mike Tomlin stated he’ll return to follow Wednesday, let’s examine and see if he’s practising absolutely or if a “return” simply means particular person classes.
OG Mason McCormick vs DL Derrick Harmon
Kicking inside a spot, a second-year participant like McCormick and rookie like Harmon is attention-grabbing. Two massive and highly effective guys nonetheless honing their crafts. Isolating Harmon on this 1-on-1 setting will provide an awesome have a look at his rush strikes. Within the offseason, he stated he wished to win together with his preliminary transfer extra typically as an alternative of counting on counters. McCormick had a superb rookie 12 months given the circumstances however I wish to see his punch land extra constantly whereas preserving his pad stage down.
Backup Operating Backs/Tight Ends vs LB Cole Holcomb
It’s laborious to foretell who Holcomb will face within the 1-on-1 protection drill. Most likely quite a lot of gamers. Irrespective of who he’s paired with, it’ll be an awesome likelihood to look at Holcomb’s athleticism coming off his almost career-ending 2023 damage. Thus far, he has practiced absolutely and moved round effectively. He additionally dressed for yesterday’s follow, although it’s nonetheless necessary to examine the field of him taking part within the reside tackling classes. They’ll be his first for the reason that damage.
If Holcomb can proceed to look wholesome and transfer effectively in house, he’s more likely to make the staff. How he responds not simply at present however over this string of five-straight practices shall be key and a real check of the well being of his knee after attrition.
I’d love for him to face a little bit little bit of rookie tight finish JJ Galbreath, a plus athlete who can check Holcomb. The offense is in these drills however Holcomb merely maintaining shall be constructive. Thus far, Galbreath has shined however he’ll have to preserve making performs now that the protection can hit again.
WR Roman Wilson vs The Subject
Like Holcomb, Wilson may face quite a lot of folks. Cornerback Darius Slay might be his sparring associate in 1-on-1, assuming Ramsey takes on Metcalf whereas CB Joey Porter Jr. and WR Calvin Austin III sq. off. Wilson has had a quiet begin to coaching camp with simply one catch throughout staff intervals of the Steelers’ 4 practices. Making noise at present could be best. In fact, Wilson was injured early within the staff’s first padded follow a season in the past so breaking out at present could be candy redemption. He may actually use a robust session.
Honorable Mentions
A handful of smaller and extra random matchups deeper down the depth chart. Possibly not all these occur so completely however they’re ones I’d wish to see.
– WR Robert Woods vs CB Cory Trice Jr.
– RB Kenneth Gainwell vs LB Payton Wilson
– OT Dylan Prepare dinner vs EDGE Jack Sawyer
– OG Aiden Williams vs DL Logan Lee
– WR Roc Taylor vs CB Cameron McCutcheon
– TE Darnell Washington vs S Chuck Clark
– WR Max Hurleman vs CB Donte Kent
– OT Gareth Warren vs EDGE Eku Leota
– RB Trey Sermon vs ILB Mark Robinson
