The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced their first-year players and draft picks to their new stomping grounds this past weekend, hosting the first rookie minicamp of the season. In addition to the draft picks and undrafted rookie free agent signees, the Steelers invited 20 undrafted rookies and 14 additional first-year NFL players.
The Steelers will enter 2014 with several potential starting spots open for the first time in years.
ILB Ryan Shazier seems a lock to start next to veteran Lawrence Timmons, with Shazier taking over the “mack” position and Timmons sliding over to the “buck” spot previously occupied by Larry Foote. Shazier sure looked the part over the weekend, flying all over the field in his #50 jersey. Both head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau were impressed with the game speed of their first-round pick, with expectations that Shazier could be an asset both on the pass rush and dropping back into coverage – something the Steelers lacked with Foote, who was primarily a run-stuffer. Second-round pick DE Stephon Tuitt took the field wearing #91, a number worn for over a decade by Aaron Smith. Tuitt has the opportunity to win a starting job opposite Cameron Heyward on the defensive line.
One player who both fans and coaches were excited to see on the field was third-round pick RB Dri Archer. The diminutive Archer – who stands all of 5-foot, 8-inches and 173 pounds – could fill a bounty of positions in the Todd Haley offense, as well as becoming the primary kick and punt returner. One big advantage of the Archer pick is the ability for Pittsburgh to finally allow franchise WR Antonio Brown to relinquish all special teams duties. Brown is an accomplished punt return man – even making a Pro Bowl in that role – but at this point in his career, the Steelers need to limit the injury risk for their top offensive skill player. Archer did not return punts for Kent State in 2013, but the Steelers will give him every opportunity to do so as a rookie. Haley and Tomlin envision Archer as a match-up nightmare, lining him up at anywhere from halfback to fullback to slot receiver, depending on the situation. The thought of Archer matching up against nickel and dime cornerbacks should give opposing defensive coordinators plenty to think about between now and September.
WR Martavis Bryant (6-foot, 4-inches 211lbs.) has already drawn the special attention of Tomlin. Bryant has the size and potential to become a favorite of QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has longed for a lengthy red-zone target for years. Bryant does not lack for confidence, stating to Steelers.com “I can be a big weapon there [in the red zone].” “That is what I specialize in. It’s fun. You know your team can count on you that you can make clutch plays in the red zone when you need a touchdown. Sometimes the quarterback can just throw it up and you can just make plays and keep it simple.” Bryant did not suit up for Saturday morning practice after falling to catch a pass on the sideline during the Friday session. Tomlin seems to have already begun some light hazing of his rookie receiver, jabbing Bryant throughout the Friday practice for a lack of conditioning. That could be a good sign for the rookie, and even with the addition of veteran WR Lance Moore over the offseason and the presence of second-year WR Markus Wheaton behind Brown, Bryant figures to see plenty of snaps with the first unit this summer.
ILB Jordan Zumwalt spent the majority of his practice time at outside linebacker on Friday and Saturday. Zumwalt played both inside and outside for UCLA, and being able to play both positions in addition to his special teams duties should lead to significant playing time as a rookie. “We love that versatility.” stated general manager Kevin Colbert, in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The playing style of Zumwalt is the type of blue-collar, all-go effort that Steelers fans tend to gravitate to quickly.
NT Daniel McCullers had a good showing over the weekend. The 6-foot, 7-inch 352-pounder is fairly mobile for his size, and ultimately he could be a contender to anchor the Steelers 304 defensive front. McCullers did not seem to be overwhelmed by his first professional action, and several Steelers coaches came away impressed with the agility and work ethic of the defensive lineman. He is a player to watch carefully once 2014 Camp Tomlin commences in Latrobe.
A few of the names attending the first rookie camp of 2014 should attract the attention of Steelers fans. Here is a list of the players with local ties who suited up in the black and gold this past weekend, including seven former WPIAL stars.
OL Chris Elkins, a Beaver Falls (Pa.) and Youngstown State product, in camp as an undrafted free agent.
RB Jordan Hall, a Jeanette (Pa.) High School and Ohio State product.
OT Adam Gress, a West Mifflin (Pa.) native and former Penn State Nittany Lion.
A group of four former Gateway (Pa.) High School teammates – Duquesne LB Dorian Bell, Ohio State CB Corey Brown, Miami (Ohio) CB Dayonne Nunley and Hampton LB Delbert Tyler. All four were members of the 2008 WPIAL Quad-A runner-up team.
LB Shane Gordon, a University of Pittsburgh product who started 20 games for the Panthers over the past four seasons.
P Cody Webster, a Central Dauphin (Pa.) High School and Purdue University product. The 2013 Big-Ten Punter of the year and Ray Guy Award finalist who is one of just two punters attending this camp (Brad Wing being the other). The Steelers signed veteran P Adam Podlesh this past offseason, but could save some money at the position if one of these youngsters impresses.
The next official team event for the Steelers will the OTA’s (Organized Team Activities), which begin on May 27.
(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
