Steelers rookie is losing trust he hasn't even gained yet
After a sweltering day two at camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers were welcomed by downpours at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe today. And while the relief from the heat was probably nice, it was counterproductive, to say the least. So now that we have discussed the setting, here are the main takeaways from day three at […]
After a sweltering day two at camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers were welcomed by downpours at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe today.
And while the relief from the heat was probably nice, it was counterproductive, to say the least.
So now that we have discussed the setting, here are the main takeaways from day three at Steelers camp:
Darnell Washington isn’t in Georgia Anymore
Despite being labeled as a steal on day two of the draft, Steelers rookie tight end Darnell Washington has struggled to acclimate to the NFL, with today's practice only adding to his difficult adjustment period:
This was Pickett's first interception of camp and comes off a deflection where Washington touched the ball but couldn't haul it in. It was wet and the contest was there, but Washington is nearly 6'8", meaning that's a piece of cake for him.
Add on the fact he was removed from the lineup after a false start earlier in practice and it was a day to forget to say the least.
The good news is that we're still early on in camp and Washington is an excellent blocker. We know that route running and receiving is where he needs to develop, so hopefully we will see that over the next three weeks.
Connor Heyward is Doing More With Less
In other tight end-related news, Connor Heyward is hot on the heels of Washington, proving to be valuable early in camp and building off a solid rookie year, especially given his 6th-round draft status:
A little jet motion into the flat, and Heyward makes the adjustment on a ball that was intentionally low and away.
Heyward would go on to have another great grab later in practice, proving to be Pittsburgh's second-best receiving option at tight end, behind the man they call "Muth."
Washington is still the favorite to be second on the depth chart, but it won't be like that for long if Heyward keeps this up.
Trice is Nice
When the Steelers selected rookie CB Cory Trice Jr. in the seventh round of this year's draft, I couldn't have come up with a better steal if I tried. And following an active day two, that looks to be the case:
An obvious man-to-man situation, (the slot corner walking up to cover #26 Anthony McFarland gives it away) Trice's length is what allows him to make the play here, as he joins fellow rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. in the over 6'3"club.
He maintains ideal leverage and plays the ball at it's apex, using perfect timing for the PBU.
He may have his work cut out for him, but I wouldn't be shocked if he makes the final 53, especially playing ball like this.
Hakeem the Dream On Grass?
Hakeem Butler was signed by the Steelers this offseason after an incredible season in the XFL that saw him produce highlight reel catches on the regular.
Well, Butler is carrying that skillset over to camp:
A beautiful back-shoulder from Pickett, Butler gets deep downfield on an out and up, which is a tricky route for such a tall player. (Butler is listed at 6'5")
Now, Butler finds himself buried in a wide receiving corps that has plenty of speed and talent at the top, but his size is a rarity amongst the group. If he keeps making plays like this, he may just stick around in Pittsburgh.
Steelers’ “Pony Up”
One of the prevailing themes over the first three days of practice has been Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada's usage of "Pony Personnel."
That's when two backs are in the backfield, but instead of a fullback and one running back, there are two running backs.
Jaylen Warren and Anthony McFarland have seen the majority of the work in that personnel, and if McFarland is going to run like this, I'm all for it:
The Steelers are obviously not in pads, but that's a special kind of agility and vision on display from McFarland there, making me more than excited to see the wrinkles that two back sets could add to Pittsburgh's offense.
So the battle for tight end number two is one that will garner monitoring, especially if Heyward continues to play the way he has. Outside of that, it was largely a wet and sloppy day in Latrobe, meaning the defense had the upper hand, as they should.
That's a stark contrast to yesterday, where a hot and humid setting allowed the Steelers' offense to take advantage of a defense still sorting itself out.
Since day one was largely a walkthrough, that makes it one-one in my book with the tiebreaker set for tomorrow followed by a scheduled players' day off on Monday.
Steelers Super Bowl-champ James Harrison just became immortal in Pittsburgh
He can never be forgotten now
Featured image via: Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube
