Training camp is underway for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and all eyes are on how this roster ultimately comes together. From questions at quarterback to grueling defensive line battles, there are countless storylines worth following this summer.
As is always the case, though, everyone is closely monitoring the development of the rookie class.
While we as fans have gotten accustomed to big production from rookie draft classes under Omar Khan, that may not be the case this year. While this crop of players has plenty of intrigue, the path to playing time isn’t obvious.
Instead, for this class to shine, it will have to come on special teams. So much so that it could be the only way this rookie pool proves their worth this season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rookies have to step up on special teams this year
While the top of the draft class has some notable names, their path to playing time isn’t clear. We all expect Max Iheanachor, Germie Bernard, and Gennings Dunker to develop into core starters, but playing time as a rookie could be tough to come by.
The hype around Dunker has rightfully cooled down. He appears poised for a redshirt year as a rookie since he is taking most of his snaps at left guard out of the gate. He can throw his name into the ring next year and get snaps if an injury occurs this season.
Iheanachor has a cleaner path to a spot on paper, but he was classified as an underdeveloped tackle in this draft. Giving him ample time isn’t a bad thing. Add in a now-healthy Broderick Jones and a surprisingly solid Dylan Cook last year, and the Steelers can afford to let their top pick develop on the bench for now.
The rookie with the best shot at playing time is Bernard, but even if all goes right, he will be the third receiver in a conservative offense. That doesn’t scream a dominant rookie campaign.
Instead, special teams is where the top snaps are available for this rookie class. The most obvious is Kaden Wetjen, as he is penciled in to be the kick and punt returner from the get-go. Riley Nowakowski also profiles as a solid coverage member on return units.
Daylen Everette has the build to shine as a gunner (a role that is wide open with James Pierre now in Minnesota), while Robert Spears-Jennings and Eli Heidenreich both have some experience on special teams and are expected to cut their teeth there if they make the team.
This is where the Steelers have an immediate need, and frankly, this is the only spot that the rookie class can shine this year. Simply put, we may be talking about a special teams player earning Pittsburgh’s rookie of the year award.
If Dunker is a non-factor, Iheanachor isn’t needed, and Bernard has a typical slow first season for an Aaron Rodgers rookie receiver, we will be talking about a special teams rookie being the top contributor for the Steelers.
It could be Wetjen with a few big returns. It could be Everette if he shines as a gunner in his first year. Or it could be someone like Spears-Jennings if he finds a way to block a few punts.
No, it isn’t the most glamorous position, but special teams is going to be key for the Steelers' rookies this year. Don’t be shocked if the top rookie season is determined by who plays the best on kick and punt units.
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