For the past couple of seasons, there has been the call for the Pittsburgh Steelers to get younger and more athletic on both sides of the ball.
Even though the team only reported to camp on Friday and were in pads and hitting for the first time on Monday, some of the Steelers youth has already begun to open up some eyes.
Granted it has only been a couple of days, but some of the players general manager Kevin Colbert drafted in May could make a strong case for a lot of playing time by turning in solid camps.
They are already off to good starts.
First-round pick Ryan Shazier has shown his speed from the inside linebacker spot and has shown that he isn’t afraid to be physical, which was a knock on him coming out of college. He squared up running back LeGarrette Blount a couple of times backs-on-backers drill Monday afternoon, producing one of the more violent collisions of the first day of hitting.
Although Blount would eventually even the score with the rookie, the fact that Shazier was able to engage offensive players and muscle them up is a great early sign.
As for second-round pick Stephon Tuitt, he is already running with the first team and the defensive end out of Notre Dame is showing the speed and athleticism that made him a highly thought of prospect on draft day.
But everyone wants to talk about the playmakers and third-round pick Dri Archer is giving people plenty to talk about early on.
The Steelers have already began using the rookie running back in the slot in four receiver sets and has made some big plays early on. The Steelers are also using the rookie as the first-team punt returner early on.
If Archer keeps things up, he is going to force offensive coordinator Todd Haley to find ways to get the ball in his hand.
As for fourth-round pick, Clemson wide receiver Martavis Bryant, he was back at practice Monday after missing Sunday’s practice with a groin injury. By all signs, the team is bringing the rookie receiver along slowly.
Rookie corner Shaquille Richardson had an interception on Monday and rookie LB Jordan Zumwalt left practice with tightness in his groin and did not return.
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