The Steeler training camp is in full effect as some players are starting to separate themselves from others.
The Steelers are anchored into Saint Vincent College’s campus as their training camp is in full swing. Things have been tough as the club was dealing with significant weather interruptions in their schedule. The changes to the practices were altered and that led to some unique circumstances for the team.
No matter what time this club hits the practice field, these players have been making an impact every practice. Keeping a close eye on these five players throughout the pre-season and beyond should be on the to-do list for fans of this group. All players listed in this article have shown up to practice and have constantly flashed their abilities and surprised some by doing so.
Right now, this is a marathon, not a quick sprint to the finish line. This race does need players to be consistent the entire pre-season from the beginning of training camp until the final cuts are made. The NFL is a never-ending loop of proving your worth over others, not just during the pre-season.
Dan Moore Jr. is getting nice reviews in year two with the Steelers
There has been a nice competitive matchup occurring often in the fields of Latrobe during this camp. Dan Moore Jr. has been tasked to block Alex Highsmith on many occasions and that battle has been a tough fight every time. The winner of that battle has flip-flopped often as these two look to sharpen iron with iron.
This second-year tackle returns as the starter on the left side for the Steelers. Moore had an up and down rookie year that saw him play well down the stretch. He deserved another shot at being the undisputed starter on the blind side and it seems like he could take a step forward this season.
Connor Heyward is making a name for himself at tight end
Many know Connor Heyward as the younger brother of Cam Heyward. That is going to be a hard stigma to bypass for this rookie entering the NFL on his All-pro brother’s team. He has done well to start things off on the right foot to catch the eye of many in attendance at practice, including the coaches.
When he was drafted this past spring, there were many questions that followed this selection by the Steelers. He played a bunch of different positions in college, but most saw him as a full back type of player. His position flexibility is what attracted Pittsburgh to him, and he has been able to use that to his advantage thus far.
Heyward has been lining up in an H-back type role on offense and that has created some mismatches in the offense’s favor. He is a strong guy that has some sneaky quickness to him as well. The receiving department is where his eye-opening moments have taken place at the juncture of training camp.
This rookie is on the fast track to make the final roster at the moment as the third string tight end. He has done a nice job where many thought he would need to so that he could make the team. The Steelers could have found a nice gadget player to use on offense as he continues to grow in the tight end role.
Calvin Austin III has shown his explosiveness at Steelers camp
There has been plenty of good receivers sticking out at practice thus far. Anthony Miller gets an honorable mention here as he has been flashing some skills both as a receiver and some in the return game as well. He could make the roster if he keeps on his current trajectory by showing skills both on offense and special teams for the Steelers.
The draft saw Pittsburgh double dip at the position before the event concluded. Calvin Austin III was a highly graded prospect at the point where the black and gold selected him. Many thought that he would go in the third round, but they got a potential steal in the middle of the fourth round.
This speedy receiver brought some doubt to a minority of the fan base. They believed that they were getting another version of Dri Archer coming into the front doors of the facility. That was never the case as this player has been able to stay highly productive throughout his collegiate career.
Austin has been able to use his speed and create explosive plays in training camp thus far. He has been getting more opportunities as certain players miss practice for a variety of reasons. The Steelers seem like they need to find a spot for him on offense and potentially expand that role as the season goes on.
Robert Spillane is pushing for one of the starting linebacker spots
All eyes have been on Devin Bush as he seemingly enters his final year with the Steelers. Many assumed that he would start after the team signed Myles Jack in free agency as a complimentary piece next to him. Both of those things are starting to alter course now for Pittsburgh.
Jack has been the best linebacker in the middle of this defense that they have at their disposal in camp. He will likely be the top backer for the starting defense, but the other spot is up for grabs now. Robert Spillane has been having a great camp by all reports and Bush has not been doing anything spectacular.
Perhaps the coaches are hoping to light a fire under Bush by putting Spillane as the co-starters next to Jack on the first depth chart. It speaks a lot about where Bush is at in his career and what Spillane can do to outwork other players. Not many people thought Spillane would be a top guy in this room, let alone a starter at the beginning of the season.
It still seems like Bush will be the Steelers starter in the middle when it is all said and done. Spillane has been working his tail off to get a shot and he might earn a significant role with this defense if he keeps this up. Either way, this should worry some fans as neither of these players will help the middle of the defense as many had hoped for.
George Pickens is proving that he could be a top receiver for the Steelers
The biggest takeaway from training camp thus far has been George Pickens and what he could be for this team. He might be the best player at camp this year and that should excite many fans heading into the season. The Steelers might have gotten the best receiver in the draft, which was full of many talented playmakers.
There is uncertainty when it comes to who will play quarterback and what kind of play, they will display. It seems like whoever it is calling the shots at the gunslinger spot will have a bounty of riches to throw to. This rookie has been consistent and competitive in every drill that he has been involved in.
This is a talented and confident player that wants to be the best at what he does. His ability to create plays seems almost second nature to him as he routinely makes freakish things happen on the practice field. The coaches have taken notice early and often, which has led to a quick rise to the top of the depth chart for him.
It is not every day that the Steelers name a rookie as a starter this early into their first training camp. That feat alone is impressive for Pickens as he continues to excel in all the challenges that he is faced with. He will help these quarterbacks look good as he continues to grow and become something special.
The Steelers still have a lot of work ahead of them before they play games that count towards their record. These players have shown a good amount of quality in camp to become significant contributors this season.