4 Steelers whose stock is rising before training camp

It's hard to gauge much from offseason workouts. That's why listening to players and coaches is important this time of year. What they say about teammates and players on the team gives a glimpse into how things went during Steelers OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

Numerous beat reporters and Steelers insiders have shared their thoughts regarding a handful of players and their performances during offseason workouts.

Based on comments during media sessions and early reports, here are four Pittsburgh Steelers players whose stock is on the rise before training camp.

WR Calvin Austin III

If you have been following the team closely this offseason, seeing Calvin Austin's name on this list should not come as a surprise. Russell Wilson admitted early on that Austin was leading the charge in wide receiver drills, while WR coach Zach Azzanni noted substantial improvement since the beginning of offseason workouts.

Austin hasn't gotten a fair shake yet. A foot injury in 2022 caused him to miss his entire rookie season and the following year, he was at the mercy of QB Kenny Pickett and OC Matt Canada. Year 3 could be a breakout campaign for the electrifying receiver.

TE Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth is coming off a down season in 2023, in which he dealt with numerous injuries. A hamstring ailment forced him out of action early in the season, and when he returned, he was hardly utilized. This led to a career low in catches, targets, and receiving yards.

Fortunately, there's hope. Steelers tight ends have been raving about Arthur Smith in this offense and what he will do to aid this forgotten positional group in Pittsburgh. Freiermuth had a strong offseason and could be the biggest benefactor from the new OC hire. His stock hit rock bottom late in the 2023 season, but it's quickly on the rise in the weeks leading up to Steelers training camp.

LB Payton Wilson

Not many rookie third-round picks can walk into the facility and earn praise from veteran teammates like Payton Wilson. Wilson showed maturity beyond his years when speaking to the media and picked things up quickly during OTAs and minicamp.

This isn't uncommon from a 24-year-old draft pick with five years of experience at the collegiate level, but Wilson was also considered by many as one of the best linebackers in the nation. Expectations are high for the former NC State star and his stock is rising ahead of training camp.

CB Beanie Bishop

Even though the Steelers signed Cameron Sutton to a one-year contract, Beanie Bishop isn't about to be left in the dust. The undrafted rookie is out to prove himself. During mandatory minicamp, Bishop lined up against all sorts of wide receivers and proved he could battle it out against any body type.

Bishop was one of the standout players at minicamp thanks to his impressive pass coverage. He projects as a slot cornerback in the NFL and the fiery competitor may stand the best chance of any rookie UDFA to make the final roster in 2024. Bishop's stock is on the rise as we approach Steelers training camp.