Steelers Minicamp: Upcoming week presents an opportunity to change how Pittsburgh handles rookies
Traditionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers like to take things slow when it comes to rookies. Opting for a grace period as opposed to baptism by fire, they believe in cultivating young men into the people and players they want them to become before inserting them into the starting lineup. But when analyzing offensive storylines heading into […]
Traditionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers like to take things slow when it comes to rookies.
Opting for a grace period as opposed to baptism by fire, they believe in cultivating young men into the people and players they want them to become before inserting them into the starting lineup.
But when analyzing offensive storylines heading into mandatory minicamp, it's obvious that Pittsburgh can no longer use that line of thinking:
Storyline #1: OL Rotation
For all of OTAs, not one Steelers rookie took starting reps along the offensive line. And while Mason McCormick is unlikely tp unseat James Daniels as a starter this year, there is no way that both OT Troy Fautanu and C Zach Frazier shouldn't be in the starting lineup come Week 1.
This is not the time, nor the place for Pittsburgh to take it slow with the rookie class. Both Fautanu and Frazier are instant impact starters who will be serviceable at worst, and potential Pro Bowl caliber players at best, but are certainly more apt than the two veterans at those positions.
So if you're Pittsburgh, allocating time and reps on others at minicamp is just delaying the inevitable.
Storyline #2: QB "Battle"
Truthfully, there's not much of a battle right now when it comes to who will be starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That could change come training camp, but whether it's allocation of reps, sources, or boots on the ground, all signs point to this being Russell Wilson's job.
Now, the more days that Fields can stack where he looks the part, the better, and certainly at Steelers minicamp. Even if the mind of Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin is already made up, the leash for Russell Wilson is undoubtedly short.
No one. Not fans, coaches, or ownership will tolerate a lackluster start in 2024 when they know a gauntlet of opponents is set up down the stretch. Justin Fields has to keep chipping away in preparation for whatever opportunity presents itself.
Storyline #3: WR #2 Battle
As it stands, veteran WR Van Jefferson is the Pittsburgh Steelers WR #2 behind only George Pickens on the depth chart. No shade at Jefferson, but that is part of the reason why Pittsburgh has been rumored to be so heavily involved in trade talks when it comes to the WR position.
So while Jefferson may have to compete for the role with an external resource down the road, for now he has to worry about rookie Roman Wilson.
Steelers Minicamp: CB #2 role could be up for grabs despite recent trade for veteran corner
Here are three defenders to watch at mandatory minicamp.
