The OTAs won't dictate the outcome of the remaining preseason process, but the Pittsburgh Steelers remained active during the offseason workouts, and some impressed more than others.
It might not be the final word regarding who makes the 53-man roster, but a strong start is ideal. While many will focus on different rookies' performances, some veterans showed varying degrees of success.
No player on the roster has received more praise during OTAs than Roman Wilson. He has been terrific, and it's wonderful to see Cole Holcomb running around the field after his catastrophic knee injury, which forced him to miss last year.
The losers during OTAs weren't too crystal clear for the Steelers, but you can read the tea leaves that some players at the bottom of the depth chart could be facing an uphill climb to make the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers saw mixed results from their OTAs as some did well, and others struggled
Winner: Roman Wilson, WR
Many have circled Wilson's name as a potential replacement for George Pickens. No matter who else is on the roster, Wilson must prove his worth this season. He was Pittsburgh's third-round selection in 2024, and after missing last year due to injury, he must show off his talents. Everything appears to be moving in a positive direction for Wilson with the rave reviews he has received at OTAs.
Accomplishing accolades at this time of year is nice, but it matters most once the pads go on at training camp. Hopefully, the second-year man out of Michigan can ride his momentum from OTAs in a positive direction. It could lead to a breakout campaign if he continues at this level of play. He has the talent, but he must stay healthy.
Winner: Cole Holcomb, LB
When Cole Holcomb signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Steelers during free agency in 2023, many would've expected a starter to make positive strides at voluntary workouts.
After a reliable start in Pittsburgh, Holcomb suffered a devastating knee injury, which knocked him out of last season. His loss on the roster was a tough pill to swallow, but he is back and seems raring to go.
Holcomb might not be a starter for the Steelers this season, but he could be a perfect role player. He also gives this club a fantastic depth option in case they run into injury concerns. No one knows how the veteran linebacker will rebound from such a gruesome injury, but all signs at OTAs are encouraging. Everyone hopes that Holcomb can return to form and be an effective player.
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Loser: Skylar Thompson, QB
While there haven't been many reports coming out of OTAs about Skylar Thompson, there have been plenty about Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Logic might think, "No news is good news," but that is not always the case regarding the quarterback position. The Steelers' stale negotiations with Aaron Rodgers keep the future of Thompson in limbo. He could be out of Pittsburgh by the end of summer.
Thompson hasn't gotten much attention at OTAs, which signals he could be gone before the regular season. Thompson was the first quarterback under contract with Pittsburgh this offseason. He brings some starting experience, but he isn't someone you want competing for a starting job. Rodgers will eventually sign, which will make Thompson nothing more than a camp arm.
Loser: Sebastian Castro, S
There isn't much to knock about Sebastian Castro's performance at OTAs. He hasn't gotten much love in terms of media coverage, but that isn't uncommon for an undrafted free agent. His biggest hurdle remains at the slot cornerback position.
Many thought he would jump into that competition immediately, but the coaching staff has not allowed Castro to face off against Beanie Bishop and Donte Kent.
Pittsburgh made Castro a priority free agent following the NFL Draft, and many thought he would be in the slot cornerback battle. His absence from that position will force him to earn a roster spot as a safety, which will be tricky. The former defensive star at Iowa must beat out his insurmountable competition. It might be a battle that he can't overcome if he fails to stick his nose in the slot cornerback fight.