Mike McCarthy's training camp looks much different than the ones we are used to under Mike Tomlin. But just because there are no live tackling sessions at Pittsburgh Steelers training camp this year doesn't mean that players aren't working their butts off to prove their worth to the team.
As we near the final stretch of training camp practices and look ahead to the NFL preseason, it's clear that some Steelers stood above the pack in Latrobe. Since the pads came on, these players have drawn the attention of fans and the media alike.
The performance gap between these players and many of their peers on the 90-man roster was notable. This doesn't guarantee each of them a prominent role in 2026—or even a spot on the 53-man roster, for that matter—but these eight players will have a chance to keep their outstanding momentum going into the preseason after a grueling training camp.
These 8 Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t have asked for a better training camp
Roman Wilson
As a 2024 third-round pick, the Steelers had a right to be disappointed in what Roman Wilson offered in each of his first two NFL seasons. But in his third Steelers training camp, Wilson looks like a completely different player.
Though there have still been a few miscues between Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the young receiver has routinely showcased the ability to get open and to be a primary target on offense... and after recording just 12 receptions in his first two seasons, this is a welcome sight.
Wilson's impressive performance at Steelers camp warrants the starting slot receiver job to begin the year. Suddenly, the future looks encouraging for the unproven wideout.
Asante Samuel Jr.
From Day 1 of practice until the third week of practice, there might not have been a more consistent player on a play-by-play basis—and that's saying something, considering the nature of the cornerback position. Asante Samuel Jr. has been rock-solid this summer, and the defense didn't seem to miss a beat with Joey Porter Jr. sidelined.
Samuel's remarkable play has already raised questions about how new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham can get this guy on the field when Porter and Jalen Ramsey return to action. There will no doubt be sub-package roles for Samuel, and if Ramsey or Porter happen to miss any game action, the Steelers appear to be in good hands with Samuel after the training camp he's had this year.
Payton Wilson
After a promising rookie campaign in 2024, Payton Wilson took a step back in his second season in 2025. Because of this, we needed to see signs of encouragement from Wilson this summer, and that's exactly what we saw.
Wilson has been a menace when stacking and shedding blocks during Steelers camp (which is one area of his game that was criticized last season). He's also flashed his phenomenal closing speed and ability to sniff out the football. Wilson's impressive August makes him look like the potential steal of the draft many fans thought the team was getting two years ago.
Brandon Smith
This isn't a household name, but Brandon Smith has been downright impossible to ignore at Steelers training camp. The big wideout has mossed smaller defensive backs at times and has made one notable play after the next.
Smith went from being a practice squad hopeful to a player who could legitimately make the Steelers' roster as the final receiver. He's still a long shot to stick around on the 53-man roster, but his performance this summer will certainly have the coaching staff thinking twice about his future with the team.
Derrick Harmon
This is exactly the type of second-year training camp performance every team wishes to see from their first-round picks. Harmon had a quieter start to camp as a rookie in 2025 before dealing with a pair of MCL injuries during his first NFL season. This year, however, he already looks like a dominant force to be reckoned with.
Harmon has shown impressive speed-to-power rushes while routinely knifing past offensive linemen to get after the ball carrier. The physical talent has always been there, and it seems the second-year defensive lineman is really starting to put it all together.
Daylen Everette
It's hard to have a winners list for Steelers training camp without mentioning Daylen Everette. The rookie cornerback out of Georgia has grossly exceeded early expectations, and some in the Steelers media believe the team may have hit a home run with Everette.
With an impressive combination of size (6'1 1/4'', 196 pounds) and speed (4.38), Everette has exceptional tools. And if he's already pairing those with an excellent feel for the game and the ability to close on the football, the Steelers could really have something going for them here.
Yahya Black
Black is notably bigger and stronger in his second Steelers training camp in 2025... and that's really saying something. The Iowa product is impossible to ignore, as the biggest player on the team can routinely be found walking around with his belly hanging out of his rolled-up jersey.
But it's not just Black's physique that stands out; it's his performance. The young defensive lineman has been working as the Steelers' first-team nose tackle, and he's been nearly impossible to move at the point of attack. This is a great sign for a team that struggled against the run last season. After his strong summer, Black could be in for a massive second-year leap.
Doneiko Slaughter
Most fans won't recognize the name Doneiko Slaughter, as the 2025 undrafted free agent spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad before signing with the Steelers this offseason. However, the defensive back quickly made his presence felt at Steelers camp and never looked back.
Slaughter only seems to be getting better as camp nears its end. Unfortunately, there might not be room for him on the 53-man roster when Ramsey and Porter return, but he's more than earned a spot on the practice squad, and his performance reminds me of former Steelers cornerback James Pierre.
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