It’s two practices. Not even, actually. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ first camp session is all the time brief and Friday’s follow-up was restricted by storms. Regardless of that, it’s straightforward to know why the Steelers drafted the rookie class they did. Rounds one by seven, virtually all have proven flashes of what made them the picks.
First-rounder DL Derrick Harmon had a robust camp debut. Shedding blocks within the operating recreation, getting his palms up in throwing lanes to knock down one Aaron Rodgers’ go, and exhibiting energy on his bull rush towards Troy Fautanu. Pittsburgh isn’t making him “earn” his reps just like the teaching workers has to previous excessive draft picks. Harmon’s working with the starters, beginning within the workforce’s base 3-4 appears and rotating into its nickel packages. The Steelers are giving him loads of runway and Harmon is operating with it.
Operating backs are notoriously powerful to judge in non-padded classes that can proceed by the weekend. However third-rounder Kaleb Johnson’s burst was on show throughout his handful of Thursday’s carries. It’s one thing more durable to seize on tape or broadcast however one thing felt in-person, simply in the way in which the unicorn that’s DK Metcalf needs to be seen to actually perceive. Johnson isn’t on that stage however he’s regarded good in a restricted scope of motion.
Past these moments, his sheer quantity in encouraging. Mike Tomlin praised his conditioning and Johnson is a rocked up 230-something pound again with out an oz of fats on him. It’s represented within the reps Johnson’s obtained. Energetic as a runner and within the display recreation, he’s benefitted from the Steelers having a comparatively small quantity in backs in camp contemplating Cordarrelle Patterson hasn’t practiced in two days. There’s solely 5 working proper now: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell (functioning as a receiver as a lot as operating again ), Trey Sermon, Evan Hull, and Johnson. Extra reps, extra publicity, extra probabilities to be taught and develop. That’s factor for everybody.
Exterior linebacker Jack Sawyer fell into the Steelers’ laps within the fourth spherical. Operating second-team left exterior linebacker the primary spherical, he impressed with constant strain throughout Friday’s session. A flexible rusher, he brings energy and inside rushes and counters in a world the place most attempt to win on the surface edges with velocity. Sawyer presents a unique puzzle to resolve within the thick-bodied rush linebackers Pittsburgh collects greater than most.
Particular groups will comprise most of his rookie taking part in time and Sawyer’s been inquisitive there. A part of the punt safety/protection unit, he had a back-and-forth dialog with coordinator Danny Smith throughout that interval.
Will Howard has been removed from spectacular however he’s run a gentle present. The operation has been clear and constant. No dangerous snaps, no botched handoffs, no wildly off-line throws or poor reads. The ball’s come out on time and Howard appears assured in his reads and progressions.
Carson Bruener has been combating for reps in a deep inside linebacker room. However he’s additionally been energetic on particular groups and may rack up summer season reps on a number of items. Even cornerback Donte Kent, the ultimate choice, made noise Friday with a fast break and shut on the ultimate play, knocking the ball out of tight finish JJ Galbreath’s palms. The one draft decide I don’t have many notes on is fifth-rounder Yahya Black. Trench gamers will be powerful to judge proper now and he’s proven hustle and chase after the ball. We’ll be taught extra quickly.
The group of UDFAs that regarded extra spectacular than previous lessons has largely been quiet to start out. Reps for them will be exhausting to come back by, particularly early in camp with the workforce pretty wholesome. Galbreath’s athleticism and palms have been on show each days. If he retains stacking good reps, there’s actual follow squad materials.
Being measured and cautious is vital the primary two days. There’s nonetheless an extended summer season, fall, and hopefully lengthy careers forward to judge. The “actual” soccer isn’t even right here but and received’t be till the pads come on Tuesday. Many previous gamers have regarded sturdy early solely to fade by the top. However it’s already straightforward to know why Pittsburgh made this group of seven picks the picks to signify its 2025 class.
