Steelers News: Tomlin, Harrison, AFC North

The Steelers draft picks have been made and the offseason workout program is in full swing.

Steelers season never truly ends for Steeler Nation so while the team starts to put in the work to prepare for the 2016 NFL season we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Monday, May 9^th.

Tomlin on Rookie Minicamp

The Steelers’ 2016 rookie class to the field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this weekend for Rookie Minicamp. The minicamp is three days for the draft picks, undrafted rookie free agents and tryouts to dive into the playbook and showcase their best “football in shorts” skills for the coaching staff.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin knows the limitations the three days hold for the group but that doesn’t mean he’s not looking to see something in each player. Teresa Varley has his comments on what the Steelers coaching staff is looking for this weekend from the rookies.

"“We can evaluate their overall pedigree. By that I mean how they move, the manner in which they move, the manner in which they control their bodies. Those are some things you can’t coach and those are obviously things we value. That shows up in drill work, it shows up even in this setting, in the controlled setting we’re in right now. Those God-given things usually show up, and that’s what we’re looking for.” – Mike Tomlin"

RIP Mr. Harrison

Steelers linebacker James Harrison took to social media last week to officially announce his return to the team this season however on Sunday Deebo had some sad news to share when he announced the death of his father, James Harrison Sr.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harrison family. It’s never an easy time to lose a parent. Steeler Nation show Harrison some love and support.

Defending against an air strike

The AFC North is known for physical, hard-nosed football. Tough rivalries, cold weather, and punishing defenses; those are the things the AFC north is known for. That and the ridiculousness that is the Browns. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes how this offseason has been all about the top teams gearing up against the passing attack of the other AFC North teams.

The Steelers, Ravens and Bengals have all made additions to their defensive secondary this offseason, some moves more pronounced than others. With quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton and receivers like Antonio Brown and A.J. Green these teams need to be able to defend against the pass.

Next: Did the Bengals fall for something?

The Ravens signed free agent safety Eric Weddle while the Bengals grabbed a Pittsburgh draft target in cornerback William Jackson III, a pick ahead of the Steelers no less. The Steelers themselves loaded up on the secondary with their first two picks. We’ll soon find out which teams can shut down the others’ passing games.