Teresa Varley

OTAs Week 2

Thursday, June 5

Liking what he's seen:The Steelers wrapped up their OTAs on Thursday, prepared to head into their three-day mandatory minicamp next week.

While practice is similar to what you see in OTAs as there are no pads, there will be some differences next week when the energy goes to the next level.

"We have longer practices, a different schedule," said quarterback Mason Rudolph. "It gives you a little bit of a crash course on what the training camp schedule will be like. The young guys, the rookies, will get a feel for how that schedule will flow during training camp.

"And it's always a good three days of work before you head into a little break."

While Rudolph isn't new to the Steelers, this offseason he also has gotten a crash course in the changes since he was last here, from coaches, to teammates, to building changes, since he signed with the team as a free agent.

He spent his first four seasons with the Steelers, then signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, before returning back to Pittsburgh this offseason.

"There is some newness," said Rudolph. "There are new coaches, staff, some little things like a new team meeting room, new weight room.

"I've really enjoyed working with the new staff, Arthur Smith, Tom Arth and Zach Azzanni, and then you have familiar faces like Eddie Faulkner and Fredo (Alfredo Roberts). It's been fun."

Rudolph is also enjoying working with new faces on offense, players he has never been around until now, as well as reconnecting with teammates from his first stint with the team.

"It's an exciting group," said Rudolph. "I've had the chance to work with Calvin (Austin III) and Pat (Freiermuth) through the years, and they're a couple great players. Darnell (Washington), Connor Hayward, consistent playmakers, and then getting to work with DK.

"This past month has been fun, and they helped us a lot.

"I think most everyone outside of the rookies, this is their second year in the offense. So, I've been trying to get myself up to speed, run it a lot, and enjoy working with Arthur. I think everyone has made a lot of strides this spring."

Ramping things up:On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward also likes what he has seen out of the two weeks of OTAs.

Steady progress is something that has been the norm for the defense, with it coming from different angles.

"I think it's a good start," said Heyward. "Guys are running around trying to get in good shape, crafting our technique. It's great for young guys to learn how we practice, get around some of the other vets and grow that way.

"But it's just a start."

Two young players Heyward has taken particular note of are rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black. Harmon was taken in Round 1, Black in Round 5, of the 2025 NFL Draft and both have adapted well.

"I just try to let them know about little things they can work on," said Heyward. "I think it's just trying to get consistent with the work. We understand it's a new team and different things are going on. But they got good heads on their shoulders. They're trying to listen, and that's all you can ask for a young guy."

When Heyward was a rookie, he was coming to a team that was loaded on the defensive line, with young players not expected to break into the starting lineup.

This year, though, things are different, with Harmon having a chance to win a starting spot.

"I was coming in off a team that just went to the Super Bowl, so we were already stacked at the position, and we had a first-rounder (Ziggy Hood) in waiting, so different situation. So, I don't know what's going to happen.

"I think the main thing we just preach right now is good competition and crafting every day. You're going to have your opportunities.

"I feel like when I first got here, all Coach (John) Mitch(ell) told me was get ready for special teams because I've already got my starters. But it's a different situation and it's up for grabs right now. Each man has an opportunity, it's just about who's willing to seize that opportunity."

Heyward knows the upcoming minicamp is big for the rookies, but the mainstay of what they learn is going to come in training camp.

"I think it's important," said Heyward. "It's not everything, but it's a good start. I think in training camp, you get a lot more detailed in certain alignments or in fronts. We can really pre-set technique and you know when you've got the sun beating on you and you're getting ready for a preseason game, then you're getting challenged, but it's a good start."

Added on:The Steelers signed defensive back Quindell Johnson.

Johnson was originally signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears before the start of the 2023 season, appearing in nine games his rookie year, and recording one interception.

Johnson returned to the Rams in 2024, spending part of the season on the team's practice squad. He signed a Reserve/Future contract with the San Francisco 49ers at the start of 2025.

Johnson played college football at Memphis where he appeared in 49 games over four seasons. He finished his career with 320 tackles, 226 of them solo stops, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 10 interceptions, 34 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

He was named first-team All-AAC in 2022, and second-team All-AAC in 2020 and 2021.

In a related move, the team released defensive back Joshua Bledsoe.

Next in line:In his pre-draft report on safety Sebastian Castro, draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic noted "Iowa has developed a reputation for sending alert, competitive and opportunistic defensive backs to the league, and Castro is next up in the pipeline."

The Steelers have apparently noticed. They didn't draft Castro in the fifth or sixth round, where Brugler had projected Castro to be selected, but they signed him as a rookie free agent, an entry-level position that has historically led to opportunity with the Steelers if not a roster spot.

Castro followed running back Kaleb Johnson (third round) and defensive tackle Yahya Black (fifth round) from Iowa City to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The latter two were drafted a year after the Steelers drafted defensive lineman Logan Lee in the sixth round in 2024. There must be something in all that corn.

"It's really a developmental program," Castro explained. "There's always a lot of guys that are starting their fourth year, their fifth year, and that's just how it's been for the past 20 or 25 years or so.

"They want to teach you how to play football and their scheme and how the bigger picture works. And the guys that buy in want to stay in, learn how to do that. It transitions well to the NFL."

It's been that way since Upper St. Clair High School graduate Kirk Ferentz took over as the head coach of the Hawkeyes in 1999.

Ferentz' program is most recognizable for the steady succession of tight ends it has sent to the NFL, including Dallas Clark (first round, 2003), George Kittle (fifth round, 2017), T.J. Hockenson (first round, 2019), Noah Fant (first round, 2019) and Sam Laporta (second round, 2023).

But Iowa football is about more than tight ends. The NFL Network noted prior to the 2025 NFL Draft that 27 defensive backs had played for Ferentz at Iowa prior to landing with NFL teams, including 2024 second-round pick Cooper DeJean.

"I just wanted a shot at the NFL and that's what I have right now," Castro, 5-foot-10 and 203 pounds, maintained.

It's a shot Castro feels well prepared to take advantage of given how Iowa players have traditionally been developed and prepared.

"Iowa gave me the tools and helped me a lot," he said. "When I first got to Iowa I didn't know barely anything about football. Even though I thought I did, I found out quick that I didn't.

"It's a grind, it's definitely a grind. At Iowa they teach you how to work, as well, knowing that routine is very important, how to take care of your body, getting in the film room, and just how everything matters. At the professional level everything does matter, it's all about the details, that's what really sticks out. The difference between winning and losing is those little details."

Wednesday, June 4

A grimy attitude:When you talk about NFL receivers, words that normally come to mind are finesse, explosive and acrobatic, to name a few.

Grimy normally isn't one of them.

It is now in the Steelers receiver room.

Last week receiver Robert Woods made it clear that is an approach the room has.

"We're going to be physical in our room," said Woods. "We're going to be grimy. We're going to be fighting to the end of the whistle, and just playing with and without the football."

It's an attitude that began when receiver Coach Zach Azzanni was hired last year, and it's even more prevalent this year.

"It manifested the day Coach Z got here," said receiver Calvin Austin III. "It starts in practice. It starts now. As a receiver room, we are held to a very high standard. We have to be grimy because in this league everybody is so talented, so your talent isn't always going to win. You have to have that edge about yourself.

"It's not just about an individual. It's our whole room. Our whole room is behind it, and we are going to show it on the field."

Receiver Roman Wilson said it's all an attitude, one that has been on display during OTAs.

And what is that attitude.

"It's just getting out the mud," said Wilson. "Coach Azzanni is the definition of get out of the mud. Real grimy, hard worker, he is a dawg. I am grateful for him."

The attitude is one that has spread throughout the receiver room the last two years, and everyone has embraced it.

"Everybody in their own facet has that grimy nature about them," said Austin. "You have a guy like Ben (Skowronek) who does the dirty work for us. Then you have Roman who has no fear in his heart. You have a guy like Scotty (Miller) who isn't afraid of anybody, goes across the middle. DK (Metcalf), you see what he can do.

"Everybody brings that griminess about them and that's what makes a complete receiver room."

Feeling a difference:OTAs are time to learn, and rookie quarterback Will Howard is taking full advantage of the opportunity to do just that.

Howard, who was drafted in the sixth round out of Ohio State, is in his second week of OTAs and he can feel the difference every time he takes the field.

"A ton," is how Howard described the difference from Day 1 of OTAs until now and how far he has progressed.

And the progression is continuing.

"The couple of days we had last week, I just felt more and more comfortable every single day," said Howard. "Going into this week, I know how practice works. I know how the installs work. I know how all that is going to go, so I'm able to focus more.

"At the end of the day, you're able to really focus more on playing fast when you know what you're doing. The first day of OTAs there was so much new stuff. Even at the beginning of this week there was a bunch of new stuff. So, the first day of it is a little hectic and you're not able to play as fast.

"When you're able get some reps in and really know what you're doing, then you're actually able to play fast and play confident. I think later last week, and even into this week, I feel really good about that."

For a rookie, the physical part of the game is something that comes naturally to them. It's all of the other aspects that are half the battle in making progress each day.

"That is most of the battle, making sure that you know what you're doing, where your feet are," said Howard. "At this level, everything happens faster. You've got to know what's going on, where to put your eyes, where to put your feet. All that kind of stuff really becomes heightened."

Howard isn't alone in his battle. He has plenty of help in his fellow quarterbacks, including Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, who was a teammate of his at Kansas State, where he attended prior to transferring to Ohio State.

"Mason's been awesome," said Howard. "Our whole quarterback room, we have a really good vibe. I think we really hit it off, and obviously me and Skyler have a great relationship

"But Mason's been awesome. He's done it here. He's done it at this level. So just picking his brain. He's been great, been a great dude, willing to answer any questions we have, so it's awesome."

Welcome home:The Steelers welcomed a group of alumni to practice on Wednesday, an opportunity to celebrate them and what they did for the organization, allow them to reconnect with each other, while at the same time they are able to connect with current players.

"This is awesome, just to be able to come in and see what's currently going on," said former linebacker Craig Bingham. "But more importantly, be able see some of your former teammates. Because even though a bunch of us live in this area, it's rare that we all have a chance to get together and spend some time together and get caught up. So, it's been really nice to able to do this. I got a chance see Mr. (Art) Rooney and thank him for that. It's just a really nice thing to do.

"Also, it's fascinating to watch some of the things that's going on with these younger people. It didn't seem like it was that long ago that we were doing that, but granted, it's forever and a day ago.

"It's been really neat to mingle with some of these guys, answer any questions that they may have."

The annual visit is something Coach Mike Tomlin always welcomes as he encourages young players to learn from those who came before them.

"This is what makes the Pittsburgh Steelers unique, the whole organization, the management team, the ownership, is the lifelong connection with them," said former quarterback Pete Gonzalez. "For them to contact us and include us in a lot of the activities, whether it's at the game, whether it's at practice, whether charitable events, it's amazing. It's an awesome thing to do.

"It's nice to meet the young players. It actually keeps us young. We're able to talk to those guys and you see what great athletes they are. The reality is that this is a snapshot in our life, to be out here playing football. So, if we can do anything or say anything that might help them through their career or post-career, we're willing to do that."

Gone camping:Steelers Training Camp will kick off at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. when the players report on Wednesday, July 23. This will be the 58th year that Saint Vincent College will be the Steelers summer home.

The first practice open to the public will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 1:55 p.m. Things always get interesting when the pads go on, and the first padded practice will take place on Tuesday, July 29, also scheduled for 1:55 p.m.

An annual highlight of training camp is the 'Friday Night Lights' practice, which will be held on Aug. 1 at Latrobe Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

The final practice open to the public at Saint Vincent College will be on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. The team will hold a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday, April 14 at Acrisure Stadium, and the practice is not open to the public.

Admission to open practices is free for Steelers Nation, but attendees must have a mobile ticket. Season ticket holders will have early access to secure their tickets via Ticketmaster on Tuesday, June 24, at 10 a.m. ET, and wait list members follow at 11 a.m. ET. All remaining tickets for the public will be available at Noon ET.

Please keep in mind, weather can have an impact on the daily practice schedule, so always check Steelers.com and all the Steelers social handles for practice updates throughout camp.

Click here for the2025 Steelers Training Camp Schedule.

All about the rookies:The Steelers held their annual rookie luncheon on Wednesday at Acrisure Stadium, an opportunity for the team to introduce the rookies to the Pittsburgh community.

In addition to the rookies being on hand, center Zach Frazier was recognized as the Steelers 2024 recipient of the Joe Greene Great Performance Award, presented to the team's top rookie.

Frazier is only the second Steelers center to win the award, joining Maurkice Pouncey, who won the award in 2010.

Frazier was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the 51st overall pick, out of West Virginia.

Change of direction:Back in September of 2023, Northwestern's Evan Hull was on his way down what appeared to be a clear path to establishing himself as an NFL running back.

He had amassed 1,459 yards from scrimmage on 221 rushes and 55 receptions in 2022, up from 1,273 yards from scrimmage the previous season. He had become a fifth-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts. He had made the team coming out of training camp and he had been given a helmet for the Colts' regular-season opener against Jacksonville. Hull caught a pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson for a 6-yard gain late in the second quarter. But early in the third quarter everything changed.

"First carry, torn meniscus, out for the year," Hull recalled.

Hull spent almost the entirety of the 2024 season on the Colts' practice squad (he was active for one game in October and played one offensive snap) but he still managed to glean from the experience what he could.

"At that point, I had not even been able to feel what it was like from Monday to Sunday as far as preparing for a game and things like that, that was taken away from me," he said. "Being able to do that for a full year, even if I wasn't dressing for every game, there was a lot of growth in that, for sure."

Hull's options after last season came down to signing a reserve/futures contract, either with the Colts or with the Steelers. He chose the Steelers, and he's shown up for OTAs enthusiastically embracing an opportunity that became a little more complicated due to the Steelers signing running back Kenneth Gainwell and drafting running back Kaleb Johnson.

"There's gonna be competition, there's gonna be guys that are good, they're gonna draft people," Hull reasoned. "That's just the name of the game that I've realized being in this league. Ultimately, I'm focused on what I can control and that's the stuff that I do out here every single day. How I prepare, how I finish runs, how I finish plays and ultimately doing everything I can with every opportunity that I'm given.

"I feel, honestly, better than I did when I was at Northwestern. Now, it's another year smarter, it's another year healthier, more explosive and just another year under my belt and knowing what it's like to be a pro. I feel more ready than ever to take on this season."

Hull believes what he accomplished at Northwestern established his bona fides as an NFL running back, and that he'll be that again somehow, some way eventually.

"Absolutely," he said. "Even thought it's been a while, that does give me confidence when I think back on it, yes, I belong here and I can hang with the best of them. Ultimately, having that mentality that I have the potential within me to be a starter no matter where I am, and just having that mentality so if that opportunity, that when that opportunity arises I'm ready for it, and I can take the reins full throttle."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Tuesday, June 3

A hard-fought return:It's likely there isn't anyone more excited to be taking part in the Steelers OTAs than linebacker Cole Holcomb.

Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 2, 2023, missing the remainder of that season and all of the 2024 season.

It left questions about Holcomb's future, but he knew he was going to fight his way back, no matter what others were thinking or saying about him ever playing again.

"People said it, but in my mind, it was just do everything I've got to do to get back," said Holcomb. "Just go to work, and come to work every day, and prove myself again.

"It was a serious injury. I'm pretty sure you all saw it. It was pretty gruesome. They basically were emphasizing how important the rehab was going to be.

"If guys don't take it as serious as they should, don't put the work in, they won't be able to make it back. But if you put the work in, you do the extra stuff, you come every day, no matter how bad you don't want to, all that kind of stuff, you can come back from things."

And back he is.

Holcomb has been a constant participant in OTAs, happy as could be to working during the voluntary sessions.

"It feels great," said Holcomb. "Looking back, you never know, one play can end your season. You take stuff for granted. So now, I'm just soaking everything up, enjoying it, having fun out there.

"When we got here, it was just business as usual, but it felt great to be back out there with the guys playing again."

Holcomb has worked relentlessly the last two years, getting back at it the minute he was cleared by the doctors and athletic training staff. It was a long haul, but the work is now paying dividends.

"We've been working hard to come back, and it's been a long road," said Holcomb. "I felt like I'm picking up right where I left off."

Having patience during such a long rehab hasn't been easy for someone who has such a passion for the game, but he knew that was the only option.

"It's hard," said Holcomb. "I'm a pretty impatient person. So definitely had some days where you just want to be out there. And it's frustrating, but it's kind of just one of those take each day, one day at a time, and just keep chopping wood."

The one advantage Holcomb had was the time on the sideline allowed him to continue to learn, something he knows is always valuable.

"I think it definitely helped me," said Holcomb. "It helped me tremendously, being on the sidelines on game day and listening to the coaches talk and then also taking a step back.

"You run the defense, and you're doing stuff and you're five yards from the line of scrimmage, so you can't see as much. But I was 30-yards back watching. I'm like, I know this is about to happen. It's easy to see from there.

"It definitely helped seeing the forest through the trees type of thing. Take a step back and see the big picture."

While being on the field is amazing for Holcomb, there is one thing that is even better.

Being back in the locker room in the role he was accustomed to.

"Shoot, it's just like that sense of team being in a locker room," said Holcomb, stressing that was the thing he missed the most. "It's different even when you're

"There was a point I started to travel, I started doing stuff, but it still wasn't the same feeling as when you were on a team playing. That sense of camaraderie. It seems kind of cliche, but when the guys that retire say what they miss the most, it's the guys in the locker room. You miss playing, but you don't remember that as much. I have more memories from joking around on the plane, or in meetings, or the locker room.

"It's that stuff that I've missed the most."

Getting competitive:Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a staple at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex throughout the offseason, and the eight-year veteran hasn't hesitated taking part in all of the voluntary OTA sessions this spring.

"We're working," said Fitzpatrick. "At the end of the day, what gets you to be a better football player is playing football. It's hard to simulate that whether you are in Florida, Vegas or California. Right now, we are playing football. We're getting better. It's hard to do that on your own."

While OTAs aren't football in pads, it doesn't mean they aren't competitive.

Especially when it comes to the Seven Shots, a highly competitive start to practice where the offense has seven opportunities to score in the red zone, from the two-yard line, and the defense seven opportunities to stop them.

"It's good-on-good," said Fitzpatrick. "It's how we start every day during OTAs. It's highly competitive. (It's) ego and pride. That means a lot in our game."

Getting those competitive juices flowing now, when it's still months away from the start of the season, is something that will benefit the team down the road.

"It's extremely important," said Fitzpatrick. "The more guys that are out there doing their job at a high level, guys that know what they are doing, guys that enjoy the game, they are naturally going to have that competition, that competitive feel to them. The more guys we have like that out there, the more competitive we will be."

Warren taking charge:With Najee Harris leaving in free agency in the offseason, Jaylen Warren now takes on the role of elder statesman in the Steelers' running back room in terms of longevity with the team.

It's a role the fourth-year running back has embraced, not only working with rookie Kaleb Johnson, a third-round draft pick, but veteran Kenneth Gainwell, who was signed in free agency this offseason, as well.

"As a baseline, first and foremost, I'm gonna just play the game I know, play the same football that I've been playing since I was eight years old, but maybe with a little bit more urgency and knowing that there's younger dudes, such as KJ, want to show the ropes to, have a good, a good start to the NFL. And so, yeah, like, I'll do my thing. But it's also spreading (the knowledge). So I know if they look up to me, I don't want to point them in the wrong direction. I want to do what I can to put them in the right direction."

It's a different role than he had his first three seasons, when he shared time with Harris in the Steelers' backfield. Warren has rushed for 1,674 yards and also caught 127 passes for another nearly 900 yards in his first three seasons, serving mostly as a third-down back who also spelled Harris at times.

An undrafted rookie in 2022, Warren burst onto the scene at training camp with his pass protection and willingness to mix it up with much bigger players in that part of the game. While this early portion of OTAs has been teaching new players the Steelers offense, the next step will happen at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., when the pads come on.

"I've been told that I'm great. I've been told that I'm, you know, not so great, as far as you know, an ideal to look forward to, because my sometimes my technique's not as 'clinic,'" Warren said. "When it comes to pass protection. I look at it as like, Mano y Mano, like I'm in a fight. Everyone, 90 to 95 percent of the league's taller than me, but I'm gonna pack that punch. You know what I mean?

"I look at it like I'm not losing man against man. I'm willing to whatever I've got to do to protect my quarterback. I'm just my technique might not be good, but he is going to feel my punch."

-- Blog entry by Dale Lolley

Week One reflections:Among the obvious revelations from Week One of OTAs was how much quarterback Mason Rudolph relished the opportunity presented to him.

"Shoot, I love taking all the reps and being the guy," Rudolph maintained. "I enjoyed it quite a bit. I'm confident in my ability to do that."

Rudolph ran the ball as well as threw it, particularly during OTA No. 3 last Thursday.

"Got to use the legs today a little bit," he said.

The highlight was a quarterback draw for a touchdown/conversion during "Seven Shots," the Steelers' signature practice-opening two-point conversion/short-yardage drill.

"An audible, when we get a look," Rudolph explained. "We talked about it. It's not something that was scripted but we talked about, when we get that kind of a look I can get to that play."

Running isn't something Rudolph has carved out a reputation for being especially dangerous at over his first six NFL seasons but he's nonetheless comfortable with that aspect of his game.

"I am," he said. "I prefer it to be in the red zone so I can score touchdowns and not get beat up in the open field. But quarterback sneaks, short yardage and goal line, I've always enjoyed doing what you can to move the chains."

How much Rudolph will be asked to run and throw moving forward is to be determined. The Steelers opened OTAs with three quarterbacks on the roster (Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard) and traditionally take four to training camp, so the pecking order and the responsibilities at the position are subject to change.

But Rudolph has returned to the Steelers from a one-season exile in Tennessee believing he has the experience, particularly the in-helmet variety, and the understanding how what's required to play the position, the ability to identify and respond to defensive looks and coverages to be able to handle any role he's ultimately assigned.

"I think it's ongoing, you're always trying to improve," he said. "But I think once you've played enough games, I haven't had a lot of starts but I've played enough. I think you start to get a feel for what to expect. I was thinking about Will and thinking about being a rookie myself and about how much experience and reps, and how much more comfortable I am, how much better I am throwing the ball, the understanding of defense now."

Monday, June 2

Fun and games:It was all fun and games for the Steelers on Monday as they took part in a team building day at Kennywood Park.

"This is a major component of team building from my perspective," said Coach Mike Tomlin, who was on hand with his family. "If we're going to have unique relationships, and that be displayed in our play, we've got to be willing to put time in together in an informal way in an effort to build camaraderie and get to know one another. That's what days like today are all about."

Players, coaches and staff, along with their families, spent part of the day at the amusement park, some hitting the thrill rides, while others took it slow on the family-friendly options.

"I like amusement parks. I can do some of the mellow rides," said quarterback Mason Rudolph. "I am not doing the Steel Curtain, though.

"As much informal time we can spend as a team, it helps you connect. You talk about something other than football, and that helps us become closer and learn things about each other we didn't know. It's lowkey. You get to meet some of the families that you might not otherwise.

There was plenty of laughter, some screams especially for those riding the Steel Curtain and plenty of joy all around.

"It was a blast riding the Steel Curtain," said linebacker Cole Holcomb. "I am a little nervous riding coasters but only at the beginning. Once it got going it was fun.

"It was fun being around everybody, getting to know your teammates better. We don't always get the opportunity to hang out as much as we should."

The Steelers annually select an activity to take part in during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) to bring the team together in a relaxed, fun setting away from the field. This is the second year the team went to Kennywood Park, and it definitely was a hit.

"We will get to football and lock in there, but it's cool to see everyone out here having fun and playing games," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who was immersed in winning his youngest daughter a stuffed animal. "We are all competitive and we want to win.

"We don't get that much time to spend with our families during the season. It's a nice treat to be able to show them we can have some fun. I didn't get to bring all of my kids because it is the last week of school."

OTAs Week 1

Thursday, May 29

A world of difference:What a difference a year makes.

That is definitely the case for linebacker Payton Wilson, who in his second season with the Steelers feels much more comfortable in his role than he did as a rookie one year ago.

"It's a big difference, coming in this offseason, going through phase one and two," said Wilson. "I don't have the rookie anxiety or the struggles. I already know the guys, know the playbook. You're still learning, but you can come out here and fly around.

"It's just confidence. The talent is still the same, but just knowing the scheme, flying around, knowing the guys, and you know having a bond with a lot of the guys you're playing with. People don't really look at that, but it helps a lot. To come out here and be able to communicate without having to second guess myself like I was last year in the beginning, it's just been, it has been a world of difference."

Wilson said he is enjoying the opportunity to work closely with fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen during OTAs, and with Elandon Roberts gone via free agency, the opportunities are greater.

"It's been awesome this year and I'm just excited to get out there with PQ," said Wilson. "It's big time. We didn't play every snap together last year, but we played quite a bit together. Just having that chemistry and understanding certain things. I know what he's going to do most of the time, he knows what I'm going to do. We're still learning each other, being out there every snap together right now, but it's going be fun."

It's too early for Wilson to know what his role is going to be in 2025, but one thing he does know, he is willing to put his hand in the pile whenever asked.

"Whatever they need me to do, I'm going to do it," said Wilson. "Obviously I want to be out there every single snap. Trying to prove myself out here in OTAs and camp to do that. But whatever is handed to me right now, it's been great being out there every snap, but I'm just going to do whatever I can to help this team win.

"I have to continue to show the guys I have what it takes with knowing the playbook, communicating, and flying around every snap. There's a good chance for me to just take every snap, and I'm pretty excited."

One aspect that being together during OTAs can help with is communication. It's a topic that came up in 2024, something they worked on as the season wore on. But the defense wants to sharpen it even more, and now is the time.

"I think it starts from day one in OTAs," said Wilson. "Like Coach Mike T(omlin) says, we are just building a foundation. And the foundation is communication. A silent defense is a dead defense. So just communicating, over-communicating, so everyone's on the same page. And when we're all on the same page, you can see what we do. We've just got to be on the same page."

Fitting right in:While OTAs are wash, rinse, repeat for some of the veterans, for the rookies it's one of the most important times of the year as they get their first introduction to everything from the playbook, to their teammates and everything in between.

For linebacker Jack Sawyer, it's been a great start.

"I feel good," said Sawyer. "It's good to get out here and be with the guys that have been here for a while and really get a feel for what it's going to be like. It's exciting.

"I think we're all excited, all of us rookies and are looking forward to camp."

One aspect that has made the adjustment easier for Sawyer is the help from the veterans. To a man they have all been there for him, giving him advice, tips, whatever it is he needs to make the transition easier.

"Thankfully for me, my group, and really the whole locker room, is great," said Sawyer. "All the older guys have been super helpfulAlex (Highsmith), (Nick) Herbig, (Jeremiah) Moon, all those guys have been great for me already.

"It's been a good experience so far and they've helped me with any type of questions, making sure I'm picking the plays up well and understand what I'm doing right now. That's the biggest thing."

Sawyer definitely joins an outside linebacker group that is loaded with talent, with Highsmith, Herbig, Moon and T.J. Watt, and for him that is the ideal situation as a young player.

"It's what I wanted to do, come in a group like this, and be able to learn, and watch these guys, and see how they attack every day as a professional," said Sawyer. "Being able to do that the last couple weeks already has been really good for me. It's been exciting.

"I'm really excited for the future, going forward, and beginning camp with the pads on, seeing even more so what they're like, and how they go about their daily routines, and what they do post-practice, that type of stuff. So, it has been good."

Taking advantage of his reps:Linebacker Nick Herbig knows how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way, and he is doing just that during the team's OTAs.

Herbig said he is using every rep he gets with the first team to his advantage during the voluntary OTAs sessions, something he knows can pay big dividends when the season rolls around.

"I would love to have T.J. (Watt) here, obviously, but I've just got to take it day-by-day," said Herbig. "Any chance I get to run with the ones, that's preparing me for times during the season like last year. We got a little dinged up and I had some starts, so just preparing me in that mental aspect.

"I think that's the approach I like to take every day though, regardless of what position I'm in. I want to approach every day like I'm a starter so I'm ready to go when my time comes."

Last season Herbig started five games at right outside linebacker when Alex Highsmith was sidelined, making sure the defense didn't miss a beat. His work now during OTAs isn't giving him the physical reps that come during training camp when the pads are on, but the mental aspect is just as important for a player going into his third season.

"In this league you don't want to miss your shot," said Herbig. "You don't want to miss your opportunity. So, you've got to stay ready.

"I think any reps I get out here are going to help me take an extra step forward. Just being here with my teammates and getting the camaraderie, learning new things because we're always putting in new plays and new techniques.

"Just being around the guys and learning. I'm still learning a lot from Alex, a lot from Coach (Denzel) Martin, Coach (Karl) Dunbar. It's a great time.

"It's year three. We're always adding in new plays, new drills, new terminology. Just being able to now balance this time of the year. It's not so much banging and physical, it's more mental work. So, just figuring that out for myself has been really good.

"I'm learning about my body still and learning how to balance not going hard every day. You've got to learn how to balance highs and lows. You've got to learn how balance an off day as opposed to a day where we're practicing and lifting. Just taking care of my body and staying on top of my mental health."

While Herbig is spending time with his own mental work, he is also helping younger players as well, including rookie fourth-round draft pick Jack Sawyer. Herbig laughs at the thought of being a veteran, as he is the same age as some of the rookies, including Sawyer, but he does have experience and guidance he can provide.

"It's kind of crazy," said Herbig. "They all call me older. I tell them, I'm only 23. I'm the same age as you guys. It's kind of crazy how time flies, going on year three.

"I wouldn't call myself a vet. As far as being in the league longer, it's a full circle moment. I feel like I was a rookie yesterday. I'm going on year three, and I've got rookies asking me questions. I remember when I was in that position and I was asking T.J. and Alex, so just being able to pass that knowledge along.

"There's been a long line of great outside linebackers and defensive linemen here. So just being able to keep that tradition going and keep the culture alive is special."

Thompson fitting in:For a few months this offseason, Skylar Thompson was the only quarterback under contract on the Steelers' roster after signing with the team soon after the 2024 season came to an end.

Since then, Mason Rudolph was re-signed in free agency and Will Howard was added in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, filling the quarterback room up a little more.

Thompson, 27, was excited about the opportunity to join the Steelers in the offseason following his release by the Dolphins last season and remains excited about the opportunity he has in Pittsburgh despite the new additions at his position.

"It was my first time experiencing getting released and going through that process," Thompson said Wednesday. "It depends on how you look at it. I chose to look at it with an open mind and a move for the good. When the time came to come to Pittsburgh, I was really excited because I thought it would be a great fit for me. This organization, its values and the way it is run is very similar to myself and what I believe in. I was excited for the opportunity and it's been great."

A seventh-round draft pick out of Kansas State in 2022, Thompson was thrust into the national spotlight in Miami when Tua Tagovailoa suffered multiple concussions in 2022. He wound up starting two games in his rookie season leading Miami to a split in those games and then in the team's 34-31 playoff loss to the Bills that season. He didn't play at all in 2023, but saw action in three games in 2024, including one start as Tagovailoa again dealt with injury issues.

But Miami decided to part ways with him at the end of the season and the Steelers decided to add him to the mix.

"I wholeheartedly believe in myself. I went through some adversity last year and got bounced," Thompson said. "I've used it to better myself this offseason and have the best offseason I've had in the league. I believe that is the case. I have a lot of confidence in myself."

Ironically, Thompson is joined in the Steelers' quarterbacks room this year by Howard. The two played together at Kansas State, and Howard was Thompson's eventual replacement before transferring to Ohio State last season for his fifth year.

"It's crazy how life works. We've worked together before and had a great relationship,"

Thompson said. "We've stayed in touch over the years, and I watched him all last season and supported him. It's really cool to reunite and work together. We know how each other works and that's a benefit for us and the whole room. I'm definitely excited to be reunited with him."

Blog entry by Dale Lolley

All ears:If you've glanced at the avalanche of videos generated by media from OTAs, you've probably seen, and heard, head coach Mike Tomlin as an up-close observer of defensive line drills.

"Tedious repetition, detail your work."

"Every day of our life, baby."

No. 1 pick Derrick Harmon has certainly noticed.

"He's gonna coach you," Harmon reported. "He's gonna coach you. He's over there with the D-line at the beginning of practice, every time we start off practice, and he stays here into 'Indy' (individual drills). He's coaching."

Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon via Michigan State, is interested in as much of that as he can get. He's also being coached by, among others, third-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.

"'K.B.,' he was just a rookie (recently) so he knows what I'm going through right now," Harmon said. "He knows what I'm thinking about, what I'm trying to expect, if I'm over-thinking on certain plays.

"He's reassuring me and also coaching me up at the same time. That means a lot to me."

Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who is participating in OTAs in advance of his 15th season with the Steelers, is also providing a veteran presence.

"It means a lot," Harmon said. "It just shows what type of a player the guy is and leader he is, being a veteran right now and being around the rookies and being around the new team, so it means a lot."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Wednesday, May 28

Feeling right at home:DeShon Elliott is with his fourth team since entering the NFL in 2018, and in his second year with the Steelers, the hard-hitting safety feels right at home.

And now, all he wants to do is keep working hard for those who made him feel at home.

"I can definitely improve my game all around," said Elliott. "I did a pretty decent job of tackling, but I've got to get the ball more. I've got to be a bigger leader for this defense. Making sure we're all on our Ps and Qs.

"All I can do is thank God for the position that (Coach) Mike T(omlin) has given me, the opportunity to play this game. Because I've been to a lot of places but it's the only place where I feel like home, so I appreciate them so much for the opportunity."

That feeling of being at home is something that Elliott can't measure. It's something that touches him deeply, not just words, but deep feelings.

"You walk in the building, and honestly, it's hard to describe the feeling," said Elliott, showing in his eyes how sincerely he means it. "Just knowing that when a coach talks to you, he's not talking to you just to check a box. He's talking to you because he actually cares.

"If I'm talking to Mike T, it's about my family or the things I have going on at home, like my dad. They've reached out to try to help me with that. It feels like something different for me.

"I really love being here."

Elliott signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason. He made an immediate impact, starting 14 of the 15 games he appeared in, and finishing the season with 108 tackles, 73 of them solo stops, five tackles for a loss, six passes defensed, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Now as he prepares for his second season with the Steelers, he knows there is more he can, and wants to do, being comfortable in the defense.

"It slowed down a lot probably like midway through (last) season," said Elliott. "Being able to be a Swiss Army knife, an interchangeable part where whatever they need me to play, I'll play it.

"And coming in, knowing this is my family, knowing that they want me here, they love me here. Being able play free and be myself. That's the biggest thing, me being able to be myself."

Ready to do his part:Cornerback Darius Slay was all smiles on Wednesday after the Steelers OTA practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, happy to be out there for his first day with his new team despite the miserable weather conditions.

"It was a great day, a great day, except for the weather," said Slay with a smile. "Other than that, it was a great day just learning and being around the guys, doing my best to help with whatever needs to be done.

"It was important for me to be here. Just trying to get ahead and learn as much as I can, and then work with the guys. So, it's got to be a coordination in the back end.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get to learn and meet new friends, meet new guys, meet new teammates, get a great chance with Joey (Porter Jr.) and help him develop. He can help me develop more."

Slay was signed by the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in March, coming off a Super Bowl Championship season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He knows what it takes to be a part of a Super Bowl team, and that is part of the reason the 13-year veteran is taking part in OTAs.

"This is where championship football starts," said Slay. "I just came off the Super Bowl, and everybody's got to buy in, and this is the type of time that needs to be brought in. I know guys have families and stuff, I've got one as well, but if you want to be a champion, there's some stuff you've got to sacrifice. So, this is one of the jobs I want to sacrifice, which is coming here, being on time, being present, letting guys see my face, and let them know that it's important to me to be here, and I'm here to win."

Slay can be a strong voice of experience in the secondary, along with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, coming in with a resume that is impressive. He was a First-Team Associated Press All-Pro selection in 2017, a six-time Pro Bowl selection (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and a starter for the Eagles Super Bowl LIX championship team.

Now, he brings that experience and more to the Steelers defense, with the ability to help younger players, something he welcomes as he gets to know them.

"I just kind of come out and be myself, hang around, laugh, giggle, play around, talk to them," said Slay. "I'm one of the guys that they know I'm going to talk to you. I'm not afraid for you to wait and come talk to me, I'll come invade your space a little bit. So, it's just learning each other and understanding. And that's how you become a better teammate and that's how you understand each other on the field.

"It's a great opportunity for me. I'm blessed and fortunate to play for 13 years, so I'm thankful for that. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach younger guys, to help them try to reach that type of 13 years because I want everybody to be successful. I'd like to take that on my shoulder because it's a great opportunity."

Porter's learning more:In his rookie season, Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. worked opposite veteran and future Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson. Last season, his running mate at cornerback was veteran Donte Jackson.

This season, for a third-straight year the Steelers will have a new cornerback starting opposite Porter, as veteran Darius Slay was signed in the offseason to hold down that job.

Each one of those players has carried something a little different to the table opposite Porter, and he believes what he can add from each player will help him in the long run become the best player he can be.

"Third year, I'm looking to take that next step. I want to be one of the best in the league, if not the best," Porter said Wednesday on the second day of the Steelers OTA sessions. "I know I've got to put in the work. That's the goal I'm chasing."

It's a goal Slay, 34, could help him achieve. Fresh off of winning a Super Bowl last season with the Eagles, Slay brings a different skill set to the table that, if Porter can learn from him, could help differentiate him from other top corners around the NFL. What is that skill set?

"He gets the ball," Porter said of Slay, who has 28 career interceptions and has averaged 13 pass breakups per season over his 12-year career. "In his Detroit tape, he was a great man-coverage guy. He still is. But he's also throughout the years been a savvy vet playing off (coverage). That's another thing I want to pick his brain on, just being a complete corner."

Porter has recorded one interception in each of his first two NFL seasons and has 17 pass breakups, including 10 last season. But he also had 12 accepted penalties against him last season, which led all NFL defensive backs.

"I feel like there were a lot of things I did well, but there were some little things," Porter said of his second season. "Clean up the penalties. That's the main thing for me. I looked at the tape. It's not as bad as it seemed. It's just little things I need to work on."

Five of those penalties came in one game. Overall, his second season was still very effective. He allowed a passer rating on passes thrown in his direction of just 82.7, well below the league average. Last season, the Steelers were breaking in three new starters in the secondary, with Jackson joining the team, as well as safety De'Shon Elliott and nickel cornerback Beanie Bishop.

Now, with Slay being the only newcomer in the group, Porter feels the secondary is ready to take a big step forward, which is saying something for a team that was tied for third in the NFL with 17 interceptions a year ago.

"We're all looking forward to this year," Porter said. "We all know what we need to work on. We're all excited to come back and see if we can correct our wrongs and play the way we need."

- Blog entry by Dale Lolley

Left, right, left:The Steelers drafted Broderick Jones 14th overall in 2023 to be their left tackle eventually if not immediately, but he wound up seeing the vast majority of his playing time on the right side as a rookie and as a second-year player last season.

OTAs, thus, are providing for Jones a welcomed opportunity to do some much-needed adjusting.

"The first few days have been alright," Jones maintained following OTA No. 2 today. "I'm just glad to get back out here with the guys, working on my techniques being back on the left side. So just trying to get back used to everything and just getting that second-hand nature back with everything that's going on over there, making sure everything's right in my head, not thinking I'm still on the right side.

"This is a great time for me to just keep building on what I've been doing all offseason, my whole life, really, and continue to just get better."

Jones had been a left tackle at the University of Georgia.

"When they initially moved me to right tackle and I played it for so long, and then they tried to make me, like, the swing tackle, it was kinda funky," Jones continued. "But I knew I would be going back to left (tackle), so this offseason I just tried to focus on nothing but the left side and just continue to work that way just to try and get back the feel of the position.

"Confidence is always high. Being back on the left I feel like it's a bigger boost for me just because I've been used to playing on the left side. Being out here going against people like (outside linebacker) Alex (Highsmith) and Nick (Herbig), it really helps with the confidence level. When you're able to block guys like that you feel like you can do it at any level versus anybody."

For Jones, the biggest challenge associated with his switch back to the left side has been making the necessary mental adjustments.

"It's just like flipping the plays in my head," he said. "Some of our plays, they're flip-flopped backwards so you hear them and they might be going one way but it may be called the other way, so staying locked in with the plays and just making sure you know them. You know the plays, you can play at 100 percent."

As Jones reacquaints himself with left tackle, 2024 No. 1 pick Troy Fautanu is bouncing back on the right side. Fautanu started at right tackle last Sept. 15 in Denver but a knee injury wiped out almost all of his rookie season.

"Troy's good," Jones reported. "They tried not to push him too much because he's still trying to work his way back but Troy's looking amazing."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Tuesday, May 27

Back at it:It was back to work for the Steelers on Tuesday, with the first day of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) taking place at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

OTAs aren't mandatory, but that didn't matter to linebacker Patrick Queen.

He wanted to be there.

"I think it's really important to get to meet new teammates, new players in new positions, new calls, new schemes, new things that you're putting in right now," said Queen. "So, I think it is important to be here if you can be here. A lot of people are dealing with a lot of stuff that we might not know about or stuff that we do know about, and they've just got to take care of it. So, I think it's important in all facets to be here, but also focus on yourself at the same time."

There was a large turnout of players on hand for Day 1, something that didn't go unnoticed by Queen.

"I think we've got mostly everybody that's going to be starting on defense," said Queen. "So, that's always huge to have those guys here. And like I said, we've got a lot of new stuff that we're doing, a lot people in different places, a lot of new schemes. So, it's definitely exciting to be here right now."

In addition to new faces, one change for Queen is working closer with fellow linebacker Payton Wilson. Last year it was Elandon Roberts who lined up alongside Queen. This year he is already seeing more of Wilson with Roberts departing via free agency.

"We've got young guys coming in with Jack (Sawyer) off the edge," said Queen. "We got some new corners; we've got new safeties. Payton now alongside me. So that's going to be fun. Offensively, haven't gotten to see too much of the new guys on offense, mostly handling my business on defense, but I think we got a lot of key pieces on the scene."

One thing Queen loves, is he is now on the scene for his second season. While he has a new position coach in inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley, unlike last year when there was a learning curve for him, adapting to a new team, new scheme, and honestly, new everything, this year, it's old hat.

"I'm actually looking forward to going throughout this offseason without this being all brand new," said Queen. "Being able to have some familiarity while you go through this entire team development process, it's a little bit better this time.

"I've still I got a new coach. A few new people on defense, nothing crazy. But still just getting comfortable with the new stuff that we're doing right now, just getting comfortable with the coach, how he wants things done, the way he wants us to play. It's just mostly the same fundamentals, but new little nuances here and there. So just getting used to all that stuff right now."

On hand Day 1:A player who could have easily been given a pass on being at Day 1 of OTAs is defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.

Entering his 15th season, Heyward has definitely been there, done that on the OTA front.

But he was there with his teammates working on Tuesday.

"I am going through the process, going through the process," said Heyward. "It's not anything crazy. I wanted to get out here. I'll get back to the offseason stuff, what I've been doing and training, but it's fun to mix it up."

Heyward even spent extra time on the field after practice, working with the other defensive linemen to just get a little bit more work in.

"These are things I practice every day," said Heyward. "So, if I get them in practice or I get them after practice, it doesn't matter. It's just sharpening the tools."

No doubt Heyward is the veteran presence on the line, his participation a sign to the younger players of what the offseason program is all about.

It's something he learned from players before him, guys like Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel, and now he is the shining example for rookies like Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black.

"It's early in the process, but I think it comes down to communicating the right way, getting on good footing, seeing what their questions are and then going from there," said Heyward. "I think learning from those guys before me, one, you've got to be receptive to it. I think Derrick, Yahya, they've all been receptive. It's the first day, but that's half the battle. And then questions will come around, just being a resource for them early on in their careers, trying to get them ready for the season."

As Heyward stressed, it is only the first day of OTAs, but from what he has seen of Harmon, the team's No. 1 draft pick, he likes.

"I think he moves well, plays with his hands," said Heyward. "Definitely gets on the edge a lot more than a lot of younger guys. I think it's just computing that to our scheme and getting guys caught up.

"He's definitely capable of playing this year. It's just getting caught up, dealing with the rookie wall as it comes about. But I think he's positioned himself well to contribute."

Heyward said it's not to the point where it's 'about passing the torch,' but rather making sure the young players are up to speed so they can make an impact.

"It's about how can we make this team the best it can be," said Heyward. "It's not about holding secrets or anything. It's about making sure we're all growing at a pace that by week one, we're ready to kick this thing up. I'll pass the torch when I have to, but I think the main thing is making sure that we're a strong unit that from top to bottom we can compete with anybody."

Taking care of himself:Nickelback Beanie Bishop knows if he does things the right way, there is a spot for him in the starting lineup when the season rolls around. But he also knows in football anything can happen.

"It's my spot right now, but you've got to always work and keep that competitive edge to remain with the one team," said Bishop. "I wasn't drafted at all. So, who knows. We're still in the offseason. They still could bring a guy in. But I always have that fire underneath me."

One thing is for sure, if the No. 1 spot is his when the season rolls around, it's because he has earned it on and off the field.

Bishop spent a good portion of the offseason getting himself in different shape, focusing on building muscle for strength.

"I lost a lot of fat, just changing my diet," said Bishop. "It was a long process too. Especially with my baking stuff. Guys were asking how do you do that with the baking? I was bringing a lot of the sweets here, cutting back on fried foods and making a lot of stuff myself. I was meal-prepping a lot. I got a smart scale at home. I even got in a routine of a breakfast that I eat every morning, just trying make sure that the calorie intake and stuff stays the same.

"Right now, since we're training more and started OTAs, the calorie intake goes up a little bit."

He said it:Receiver Calvin Austin III said he has made big strides heading into his fourth season, on the field and just with his overall approach.

"Just having that confidence that anytime I step on the field, no one can guard me," said Austin. "Just confidence in my abilities, confidence in my teammates, confidence in the things that I say, confidence in the way that I work and my routes, just overall confidence.

"I just want to go out there and be ready to play ball for real."

Welcome aboard:The Steelers signed receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, who immediately got to work on Day 1 of OTAs.

Lemonious-Craig spent two seasons at the University of Arizona (2023-24), after transferring from Colorado, where he spent three seasons (2020-22).

For his college career, he appeared in 47 games, finishing with 79 receptions for 965 yards, a 12.2-yard average, and nine touchdowns.

In two seasons at Arizona he appeared in 24 games, pulling in 45 receptions for 468 yards, a 10.4-yard average, and four touchdowns.

While at Colorado, he played in 23 games, finishing with 34 receptions for 497 yards, a 14.6-yard average, and five touchdowns.

Roman approach:It was only the first of six scheduled Organized Team Activities on the South Side, but to second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson it might as well have been the regular-season opener at the New York Jets.

"Really, my goals for the season, get better every single day, treat every day like it's game day, every practice like it's game day," Wilson maintained.

The specifics applied toward that end include "come prepared with questions to ask coaches after practice," Wilson continued. "Just be mentally, physically locked in every, single day and just give it my all, give it all I got every, single day so I can get better the next day and be ready for whenever my time is."

The depth chart at wide receiver in the wake of the George Pickens trade suggests opportunity might come knocking for Wilson sooner rather than later.

"Everything I just said you've got to have some urgency with it," Wilson insisted. "You've got to get going, and I'm ready for it."

Wilson never did get going a season ago as a third-round draft pick out of Michigan. He suffered an injury on the first day in pads during training camp at Saint Vincent College and wound up appearing in just one game (a 32-13 win on Oct. 13 at Las Vegas).

Wilson wasn't targeted and ended up playing just five offensive snaps as a rookie. He had accounted for 48 receptions, 789 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches in 2023 at Michigan.

"I don't want to think too much about last year," Wilson said. "But I definitely learned a lot and it definitely helped to shape who I am this upcoming season."

Wilson also has a new veteran from whom he can learn this season it Metcalf, who had already managed to make an impression on Wilson during the early stages of the Steelers' offseason program prior to OTAs.

"I just like watching him," Wilson acknowledged. "He's a phenomenal athlete, great guy. I like the way he practices. I like the way he finishes his routes and how he conducts his business."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta