The Pittsburgh Steelers 2017 rookies got their first taste of NFL action yesterday as the team hit the field for Day 1 of Rookie Minicamp.
Like any team event, there are plenty of storylines to catch up on. With Pittsburgh’s rookies being a part of one of the best draft classes in league, living up to the “Super Bowl contender” hype starts from Day 1.
As the class of 2017 entered the field, Pittsburgh began to see the future of the organization. With all seven draft picks having tremendous upside, this entire class is expected to shine at one point or another during their career.
Right now, what the Steelers are focused on is creating the best batch of rookies they can moving forward. Each rookie in attendance thrived to impress any chance possible. With the entire coaching staff in attendance, these players put it all on the line, hoping to land a spot on the roster.
With all the excitement, battles, and energy, there are plenty of headlines everyone should catch up on, starting with Cameron Sutton claiming he’s a “starting” cornerback in Rookie Minicamp.
Third-round pick Cameron Sutton was a "starting" cornerback today in Steelers rookie minicamp, he said.
— Jacob Klinger (@Jacob_Klinger_) May 12, 2017
It’s a little confusing, but as long as it’s confidence, fans and coaches are happy to see the Tennessee product embracing his talent. As an expected contributor in his first year, with the potential to compete for the nickelback job, Sutton is expected to be one of the best players attending the minicamp.
Going out there and wanting to start is great. In this instance, Sutton was probably referring to himself starting on Friday at one of the three cornerback positions. Either way, we’re glad to see he’s out here wanting to be the top dog in the secondary.
Pittsburgh’s other cornerback draftee made headlines as well. Brian Allen is more of a coverage corner than a physical player, but his size doesn’t perceive that. At 6’3, 215-pounds, Allen is the biggest defensive back on the team. If Keith Butler and Mike Tomlin can turn him into a tackler, he could be a great resemblance of Richard Sherman.
Talked to Brian Allen. Steelers rookie CB is a big man. Could be a LB.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 12, 2017
Artie Burns and Sean Davis are big DBs. Allen has 'em beat by 20lbs
Then, there was the “new” receiving coach. With Todd Haley wearing a brace on his knee, veteran wideout, Darrius Heyward-Bey, stepped in to help out the rookies. With JuJu Smith-Schuster joining the rotation this fall, Heyward-Bey got a first-hand look at his competition this summer.
Darrius Heyward-Bey watching the rookie WRs with Todd Haley pic.twitter.com/B5Ggm1SwN8
— Chris Mueller (@bychrismueller) May 12, 2017
There was plenty of action in Day 1 of Rookie Minicamp. As the team returns for Day 2, every player will set out to continue proving their worth to the franchise. With 51 men looking for their shot in the NFL, there will be a ton of storylines to keep up with over the next two days.