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Steelers OTAs, Coates Finishes, Big Dan Slim Down

By Kim Myers

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have broken OTAs for the week and will resume on Tuesday. While the guys take a break from drills for the weekend we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Saturday, May 30th.

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Sights and Sounds from OTAs

The Steelers wrapped up their first week of football in shorts on Thursday and here are some of the sights and sounds from the first three days. During the first day we learned that Antonio Brown has no intentions on holding out as was rumored earlier.


We also got the chance to see Ike Taylor return to the practice facilities as a coach. Taylor will be part of the defensive assistant coaching staff through OTAs and into training camp this year. We got to see free agent acquisition running back DeAngelo Williams take the field with the rest of the running back corps.

Coates can finish

Steelers third-round draft pick WR Sammie Coates participated in two of the three OTA days this week as he left early to attend the NFL Rookie Symposium. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reminds us how the draft criticism of Coates was his tendency to drop balls and not finish plays.

Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert noticed through just two practices that Coates is a strong finisher.

"“He looks like he knows how to finish a play with strength, especially in the middle of the field. That’s something I noticed.” – Marcus Gilbert"

Big Dan Slimmed Down

Steelers NT Daniel McCullers returned for OTAs to hear some compliments, according to the Trib’s Mark Kaboly. McCullers managed to drop about 15 pounds in the offseason, not purposely, but because he learned through his rookie season in the NFL that it’s important to take care of his body as a football player.

"“I learned last year that it’s a long season and you have to take care of your body.” – Daniel McCullers"

Big Dan sure hopes his weight loss will result in more playing time as he saw action in only 82 snaps in nine games last season. I sure would like to see more of his strength and athleticism, especially if it’s improved with the weight loss and helps with his techniques.

"“I feel that if I continue to work hard and do what I need to do that I will get playing time. Coach Mitch (John Mitchell) likes me as a player and thinks I can be a great one.” – Daniel McCullers"

Defensive line coach John Mitchell had said last month that he’s expecting to be able to use McCullers at nose tackle as well as on the line in their nickel packages.

Next: Former Steelers WR Lance Moore Speaks Out

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