Minicamp just wrapped up, but the Steelers could be looking for these standouts to break out this season.
Pittsburgh could witness some players emerge as stars this year if they can carry over their success from minicamp. Some might say this part of football doesn't carry much weight behind it, but those people would be wrong. It shows where some players currently are when it comes to their readiness to play. Minicamp is not the final verdict, but a quality start here can put players in front of the pack.
There have been some quality starts for the black and gold during this process, and it could carry over to training camp and beyond.
Everything is all about stacking quality performances this time of year. Either to get a roster spot or earn a certain role on the team. Minicamp is just the start of things for these players. A good start here could lead to a quality training camp and preseason. That could then go all the way through a great regular-season campaign.
No player showed up more in Pittsburgh at mini camp than this WR
Calvin Austin III was the biggest standout at Steelers minicamp. No other player produced a better and more consistent performance than the third-year veteran. This is a big preseason process for him as he needs to show he belongs. The team is full of capable receivers in a battle for starting spots. Austin will not only have to earn snaps on offense but a roster spot as well.
Alan Saunders of Steelers Now had nothing but great things to say about Austin.
"Coming off a strong OTAs session, Austin has continued that work into the situational-football-loaded first two days of Steelers minicamp, and has been the most consistent and reliable member of the Steelers wide receivers corps outside of George Pickens."
Not only was Austin one of the best players at minicamp, but he was the best receiver there according to Saunders. He put on a show and was able to show his speed. A word of caution though as Austin has done this hype-up before only to let us down once the regular season starts. Maybe with two strong-arm quarterbacks on the roster, Austin could get more chances down the field to grow his game.
Get to know some of the Steelers incoming undrafted free agents
An unexpected standout has started to emerge from the rookie class for the Steelers.
Beanie Bishop was signed as an undrafted rookie after this past draft. He started a ton of games in college and led the nation in pass breakups last year.
Surely his age will help him transition to the pro level better since he has a wealth of experience at the position. Another great thing going for Bishop right now is he can play both outside and in the slot. Add in the fact that he could help produce on special teams and he could be an option to make the 53-man roster. He is off to a great start.
One thing you hear when you research about Bishop at minicamp is he is reliable. He remains in the right spot and plays the ball well. He has even made some of the veteran guys on the Steelers look foolish at times. Bishop still has a long road ahead of him before he makes the roster, but his great start at minicamp will have plenty of eyes watching him at training camp.
A running back not named Najee Harris made some waves at mini camp
Everyone is well aware that Najee Harris is entering the final year of his contract, but he isn't the only one.
Jaylen Warren is scheduled to become a restricted free agent once this season concludes, so the Steelers have two different decisions to make at the position. Both Harris and Warren have been a terrific duo, but they might have to pick one or the other soon. Training camp could make matters more awkward if Pittsburgh would re-sign Warren to an extension and leave Harris on an expiring deal.
Right now, Warren is off to a hot start. He has been showing power and skill with his running ability. Unlike Harris, Warren can make explosive runs and create chunk yardage. Harris is more of a power back to try and gain a couple of yards needed to gain a first down or touchdown. Warren could push himself into the starting role at running back if he keeps this up.