The following time the Steelers take the follow area, they will be in pads, which is when many imagine actual soccer begins.
Whereas placing on the pads can change so much, listed here are the 5 gamers who’re on the rise following the primary week of coaching camp.
Cornerback Beanie Bishop
Bishop, an undrafted rookie, has been one of many biggest stars of training camp to this point. He has earned reps at slot nook with the first-team protection and has seemed the half, flashing his coverage ability.
Why Bishop went undrafted is up for debate. The West Virginia product was everywhere in the area in 2023, registering a career-high 67 tackles, 4 interceptions and 24 passes defensed. He additionally returned a punt for a landing.
Nonetheless, he is aware of he has removed from earned a beginning job.
“I’ve to return again tomorrow and show myself once more and do the identical factor the subsequent day,” Bishop said. “…I am making an attempt to reap the benefits of all of the reps that I get. On daily basis I am coming to compete for a spot similar to everybody else.”
If the 5-foot-10, 184-pound nook can nonetheless hold when the pads come on, Pittsburgh could have discovered itself a diamond within the tough.
Cornerback Donte Jackson
The Steelers’ choice to commerce extensive receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in alternate for Jackson has been extremely debated, however it could transform a good commerce. At the very least, that is what early indicators are pointing to.
Jackson has been spectacular by way of the primary few practices, forcing quarterback Justin Fields to throw his first interception of camp and matching up properly towards extensive receiver George Pickens.
Head coach Mike Tomlin isn’t shocked to see his robust begin, nonetheless.
“I like his power, I like his spirit,” Tomlin said. “He is a soccer lover, he is aggressive, however we knew that about him earlier than he received right here. That is why he is right here. He is simply confirming a few of that.”
Quarterback Justin Fields
Fields has been operating with the first-team offense whereas fellow quarterback Russell Wilson recovers from a calf injury and has been making the most of his reps.
He confirmed off his athleticism throughout a read option, going untouched for the primary 10 yards of the 20-plus yard carry, after which displayed his arm power, connecting on lengthy passes with extensive receivers Calvin Austin III and George Pickens.
Whereas Wilson is in a contest with Fields, he thinks his counterpart has faired properly to this point.
“He is achieved an excellent job. Each play, he is going towards a extremely good protection,” Wilson said. “He is a extremely good competitor. He processes properly and he is an incredible younger expertise, for certain.”
Wilson nonetheless has the “pole place” to be Pittsburgh’s starter and can seemingly return on Tuesday, but when Fields continues to stack good practices and preseason performances, he’ll give Wilson a run for his cash.
Linebacker Payton Wilson
Wilson has been the primary participant to take the sector virtually day by day of coaching camp. That has caught the eye of these in attendance, however his play is beginning to be a magnet for his teammates, too.
On Sunday, the rookie linebacker earned reps with the first-team protection and forced a fumble on tight finish Pat Freiermuth.
It is protected to say veteran security DeShon Elliott is impressed.
“He may be essentially the most mature rookie in the case of preparation,” Elliott said. “He is a freak athlete. He is actually good. He learns from his errors, and he would not repeat them twice.”
It can nonetheless be powerful for Wilson to win a beginning job with veterans Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts more likely to be the starters, however he may carve out a job for himself if he continues enjoying the way in which he has been.
Broad receiver Roman Wilson
Wilson had a little bit of a bumpy begin throughout OTAs and necessary minicamp, however he appears to be catching as much as the NFL’s pace.
The rookie extensive receiver had his finest day but on Sunday, making a few good catches, together with a deep fade over Bishop.
