Teresa Varley

OTAs Week 2

Tuesday, June 3

A hard-fought return:It's likely there isn't anyone more excited to be taking part in the Steelers OTAs than linebacker Cole Holcomb.

Holcomb suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 2, 2023, missing the remainder of that season and all of the 2024 season.

It left questions about Holcomb's future, but he knew he was going to fight his way back, no matter what others were thinking or saying about him ever playing again.

"People said it, but in my mind, it was just do everything I've got to do to get back," said Holcomb. "Just go to work, and come to work every day, and prove myself again.

"It was a serious injury. I'm pretty sure you all saw it. It was pretty gruesome. They basically were emphasizing how important the rehab was going to be.

"If guys don't take it as serious as they should, don't put the work in, they won't be able to make it back. But if you put the work in, you do the extra stuff, you come every day, no matter how bad you don't want to, all that kind of stuff, you can come back from things."

And back he is.

Holcomb has been a constant participant in OTAs, happy as could be to working during the voluntary sessions.

"It feels great," said Holcomb. "Looking back, you never know, one play can end your season. You take stuff for granted. So now, I'm just soaking everything up, enjoying it, having fun out there.

"When we got here, it was just business as usual, but it felt great to be back out there with the guys playing again."

Holcomb has worked relentlessly the last two years, getting back at it the minute he was cleared by the doctors and athletic training staff. It was a long haul, but the work is now paying dividends.

"We've been working hard to come back, and it's been a long road," said Holcomb. "I felt like I'm picking up right where I left off."

Having patience during such a long rehab hasn't been easy for someone who has such a passion for the game, but he knew that was the only option.

"It's hard," said Holcomb. "I'm a pretty impatient person. So definitely had some days where you just want to be out there. And it's frustrating, but it's kind of just one of those take each day, one day at a time, and just keep chopping wood."

The one advantage Holcomb had was the time on the sideline allowed him to continue to learn, something he knows is always valuable.

"I think it definitely helped me," said Holcomb. "It helped me tremendously, being on the sidelines on game day and listening to the coaches talk and then also taking a step back.

"You run the defense, and you're doing stuff and you're five yards from the line of scrimmage, so you can't see as much. But I was 30-yards back watching. I'm like, I know this is about to happen. It's easy to see from there.

"It definitely helped seeing the forest through the trees type of thing. Take a step back and see the big picture."

While being on the field is amazing for Holcomb, there is one thing that is even better.

Being back in the locker room in the role he was accustomed to.

"Shoot, it's just like that sense of team being in a locker room," said Holcomb, stressing that was the thing he missed the most. "It's different even when you're

"There was a point I started to travel, I started doing stuff, but it still wasn't the same feeling as when you were on a team playing. That sense of camaraderie. It seems kind of cliche, but when the guys that retire say what they miss the most, it's the guys in the locker room. You miss playing, but you don't remember that as much. I have more memories from joking around on the plane, or in meetings, or the locker room.

"It's that stuff that I've missed the most."

Getting competitive:Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a staple at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex throughout the offseason, and the eight-year veteran hasn't hesitated taking part in all of the voluntary OTA sessions this spring.

"We're working," said Fitzpatrick. "At the end of the day, what gets you to be a better football player is playing football. It's hard to simulate that whether you are in Florida, Vegas or California. Right now, we are playing football. We're getting better. It's hard to do that on your own."

While OTAs aren't football in pads, it doesn't mean they aren't competitive.

Especially when it comes to the Seven Shots, a highly competitive start to practice where the offense has seven opportunities to score in the red zone, from the two-yard line, and the defense seven opportunities to stop them.

"It's good-on-good," said Fitzpatrick. "It's how we start every day during OTAs. It's highly competitive. (It's) ego and pride. That means a lot in our game."

Getting those competitive juices flowing now, when it's still months away from the start of the season, is something that will benefit the team down the road.

"It's extremely important," said Fitzpatrick. "The more guys that are out there doing their job at a high level, guys that know what they are doing, guys that enjoy the game, they are naturally going to have that competition, that competitive feel to them. The more guys we have like that out there, the more competitive we will be."

Warren taking charge:With Najee Harris leaving in free agency in the offseason, Jaylen Warren now takes on the role of elder statesman in the Steelers' running back room in terms of longevity with the team.

It's a role the fourth-year running back has embraced, not only working with rookie Kaleb Johnson, a third-round draft pick, but veteran Kenneth Gainwell, who was signed in free agency this offseason, as well.

"As a baseline, first and foremost, I'm gonna just play the game I know, play the same football that I've been playing since I was eight years old, but maybe with a little bit more urgency and knowing that there's younger dudes, such as KJ, want to show the ropes to, have a good, a good start to the NFL. And so, yeah, like, I'll do my thing. But it's also spreading (the knowledge). So I know if they look up to me, I don't want to point them in the wrong direction. I want to do what I can to put them in the right direction."

It's a different role than he had his first three seasons, when he shared time with Harris in the Steelers' backfield. Warren has rushed for 1,674 yards and also caught 127 passes for another nearly 900 yards in his first three seasons, serving mostly as a third-down back who also spelled Harris at times.

An undrafted rookie in 2022, Warren burst onto the scene at training camp with his pass protection and willingness to mix it up with much bigger players in that part of the game. While this early portion of OTAs has been teaching new players the Steelers offense, the next step will happen at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., when the pads come on.

"I've been told that I'm great. I've been told that I'm, you know, not so great, as far as you know, an ideal to look forward to, because my sometimes my technique's not as 'clinic,'" Warren said. "When it comes to pass protection. I look at it as like, Mano y Mano, like I'm in a fight. Everyone, 90 to 95 percent of the league's taller than me, but I'm gonna pack that punch. You know what I mean?

"I look at it like I'm not losing man against man. I'm willing to whatever I've got to do to protect my quarterback. I'm just my technique might not be good, but he is going to feel my punch."

-- Blog entry by Dale Lolley

Week One reflections:Among the obvious revelations from Week One of OTAs was how much quarterback Mason Rudolph relished the opportunity presented to him.

"Shoot, I love taking all the reps and being the guy," Rudolph maintained. "I enjoyed it quite a bit. I'm confident in my ability to do that."

Rudolph ran the ball as well as threw it, particularly during OTA No. 3 last Thursday.

"Got to use the legs today a little bit," he said.

The highlight was a quarterback draw for a touchdown/conversion during "Seven Shots," the Steelers' signature practice-opening two-point conversion/short-yardage drill.

"An audible, when we get a look," Rudolph explained. "We talked about it. It's not something that was scripted but we talked about, when we get that kind of a look I can get to that play."

Running isn't something Rudolph has carved out a reputation for being especially dangerous at over his first six NFL seasons but he's nonetheless comfortable with that aspect of his game.

"I am," he said. "I prefer it to be in the red zone so I can score touchdowns and not get beat up in the open field. But quarterback sneaks, short yardage and goal line, I've always enjoyed doing what you can to move the chains."

How much Rudolph will be asked to run and throw moving forward is to be determined. The Steelers opened OTAs with three quarterbacks on the roster (Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard) and traditionally take four to training camp, so the pecking order and the responsibilities at the position are subject to change.

But Rudolph has returned to the Steelers from a one-season exile in Tennessee believing he has the experience, particularly the in-helmet variety, and the understanding how what's required to play the position, the ability to identify and respond to defensive looks and coverages to be able to handle any role he's ultimately assigned.

"I think it's ongoing, you're always trying to improve," he said. "But I think once you've played enough games, I haven't had a lot of starts but I've played enough. I think you start to get a feel for what to expect. I was thinking about Will and thinking about being a rookie myself and about how much experience and reps, and how much more comfortable I am, how much better I am throwing the ball, the understanding of defense now."

Monday, June 2

Fun and games:It was all fun and games for the Steelers on Monday as they took part in a team building day at Kennywood Park.

"This is a major component of team building from my perspective," said Coach Mike Tomlin, who was on hand with his family. "If we're going to have unique relationships, and that be displayed in our play, we've got to be willing to put time in together in an informal way in an effort to build camaraderie and get to know one another. That's what days like today are all about."

Players, coaches and staff, along with their families, spent part of the day at the amusement park, some hitting the thrill rides, while others took it slow on the family-friendly options.

"I like amusement parks. I can do some of the mellow rides," said quarterback Mason Rudolph. "I am not doing the Steel Curtain, though.

"As much informal time we can spend as a team, it helps you connect. You talk about something other than football, and that helps us become closer and learn things about each other we didn't know. It's lowkey. You get to meet some of the families that you might not otherwise.

There was plenty of laughter, some screams especially for those riding the Steel Curtain and plenty of joy all around.

"It was a blast riding the Steel Curtain," said linebacker Cole Holcomb. "I am a little nervous riding coasters but only at the beginning. Once it got going it was fun.

"It was fun being around everybody, getting to know your teammates better. We don't always get the opportunity to hang out as much as we should."

The Steelers annually select an activity to take part in during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) to bring the team together in a relaxed, fun setting away from the field. This is the second year the team went to Kennywood Park, and it definitely was a hit.

"We will get to football and lock in there, but it's cool to see everyone out here having fun and playing games," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who was immersed in winning his youngest daughter a stuffed animal. "We are all competitive and we want to win.

"We don't get that much time to spend with our families during the season. It's a nice treat to be able to show them we can have some fun. I didn't get to bring all of my kids because it is the last week of school."

OTAs Week 1

Thursday, May 29

A world of difference:What a difference a year makes.

That is definitely the case for linebacker Payton Wilson, who in his second season with the Steelers feels much more comfortable in his role than he did as a rookie one year ago.

"It's a big difference, coming in this offseason, going through phase one and two," said Wilson. "I don't have the rookie anxiety or the struggles. I already know the guys, know the playbook. You're still learning, but you can come out here and fly around.

"It's just confidence. The talent is still the same, but just knowing the scheme, flying around, knowing the guys, and you know having a bond with a lot of the guys you're playing with. People don't really look at that, but it helps a lot. To come out here and be able to communicate without having to second guess myself like I was last year in the beginning, it's just been, it has been a world of difference."

Wilson said he is enjoying the opportunity to work closely with fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen during OTAs, and with Elandon Roberts gone via free agency, the opportunities are greater.

"It's been awesome this year and I'm just excited to get out there with PQ," said Wilson. "It's big time. We didn't play every snap together last year, but we played quite a bit together. Just having that chemistry and understanding certain things. I know what he's going to do most of the time, he knows what I'm going to do. We're still learning each other, being out there every snap together right now, but it's going be fun."

It's too early for Wilson to know what his role is going to be in 2025, but one thing he does know, he is willing to put his hand in the pile whenever asked.

"Whatever they need me to do, I'm going to do it," said Wilson. "Obviously I want to be out there every single snap. Trying to prove myself out here in OTAs and camp to do that. But whatever is handed to me right now, it's been great being out there every snap, but I'm just going to do whatever I can to help this team win.

"I have to continue to show the guys I have what it takes with knowing the playbook, communicating, and flying around every snap. There's a good chance for me to just take every snap, and I'm pretty excited."

One aspect that being together during OTAs can help with is communication. It's a topic that came up in 2024, something they worked on as the season wore on. But the defense wants to sharpen it even more, and now is the time.

"I think it starts from day one in OTAs," said Wilson. "Like Coach Mike T(omlin) says, we are just building a foundation. And the foundation is communication. A silent defense is a dead defense. So just communicating, over-communicating, so everyone's on the same page. And when we're all on the same page, you can see what we do. We've just got to be on the same page."

Fitting right in:While OTAs are wash, rinse, repeat for some of the veterans, for the rookies it's one of the most important times of the year as they get their first introduction to everything from the playbook, to their teammates and everything in between.

For linebacker Jack Sawyer, it's been a great start.

"I feel good," said Sawyer. "It's good to get out here and be with the guys that have been here for a while and really get a feel for what it's going to be like. It's exciting.

"I think we're all excited, all of us rookies and are looking forward to camp."

One aspect that has made the adjustment easier for Sawyer is the help from the veterans. To a man they have all been there for him, giving him advice, tips, whatever it is he needs to make the transition easier.

"Thankfully for me, my group, and really the whole locker room, is great," said Sawyer. "All the older guys have been super helpfulAlex (Highsmith), (Nick) Herbig, (Jeremiah) Moon, all those guys have been great for me already.

"It's been a good experience so far and they've helped me with any type of questions, making sure I'm picking the plays up well and understand what I'm doing right now. That's the biggest thing."

Sawyer definitely joins an outside linebacker group that is loaded with talent, with Highsmith, Herbig, Moon and T.J. Watt, and for him that is the ideal situation as a young player.

"It's what I wanted to do, come in a group like this, and be able to learn, and watch these guys, and see how they attack every day as a professional," said Sawyer. "Being able to do that the last couple weeks already has been really good for me. It's been exciting.

"I'm really excited for the future, going forward, and beginning camp with the pads on, seeing even more so what they're like, and how they go about their daily routines, and what they do post-practice, that type of stuff. So, it has been good."

Taking advantage of his reps:Linebacker Nick Herbig knows how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes his way, and he is doing just that during the team's OTAs.

Herbig said he is using every rep he gets with the first team to his advantage during the voluntary OTAs sessions, something he knows can pay big dividends when the season rolls around.

"I would love to have T.J. (Watt) here, obviously, but I've just got to take it day-by-day," said Herbig. "Any chance I get to run with the ones, that's preparing me for times during the season like last year. We got a little dinged up and I had some starts, so just preparing me in that mental aspect.

"I think that's the approach I like to take every day though, regardless of what position I'm in. I want to approach every day like I'm a starter so I'm ready to go when my time comes."

Last season Herbig started five games at right outside linebacker when Alex Highsmith was sidelined, making sure the defense didn't miss a beat. His work now during OTAs isn't giving him the physical reps that come during training camp when the pads are on, but the mental aspect is just as important for a player going into his third season.

"In this league you don't want to miss your shot," said Herbig. "You don't want to miss your opportunity. So, you've got to stay ready.

"I think any reps I get out here are going to help me take an extra step forward. Just being here with my teammates and getting the camaraderie, learning new things because we're always putting in new plays and new techniques.

"Just being around the guys and learning. I'm still learning a lot from Alex, a lot from Coach (Denzel) Martin, Coach (Karl) Dunbar. It's a great time.

"It's year three. We're always adding in new plays, new drills, new terminology. Just being able to now balance this time of the year. It's not so much banging and physical, it's more mental work. So, just figuring that out for myself has been really good.

"I'm learning about my body still and learning how to balance not going hard every day. You've got to learn how to balance highs and lows. You've got to learn how balance an off day as opposed to a day where we're practicing and lifting. Just taking care of my body and staying on top of my mental health."

While Herbig is spending time with his own mental work, he is also helping younger players as well, including rookie fourth-round draft pick Jack Sawyer. Herbig laughs at the thought of being a veteran, as he is the same age as some of the rookies, including Sawyer, but he does have experience and guidance he can provide.

"It's kind of crazy," said Herbig. "They all call me older. I tell them, I'm only 23. I'm the same age as you guys. It's kind of crazy how time flies, going on year three.

"I wouldn't call myself a vet. As far as being in the league longer, it's a full circle moment. I feel like I was a rookie yesterday. I'm going on year three, and I've got rookies asking me questions. I remember when I was in that position and I was asking T.J. and Alex, so just being able to pass that knowledge along.

"There's been a long line of great outside linebackers and defensive linemen here. So just being able to keep that tradition going and keep the culture alive is special."

Thompson fitting in:For a few months this offseason, Skylar Thompson was the only quarterback under contract on the Steelers' roster after signing with the team soon after the 2024 season came to an end.

Since then, Mason Rudolph was re-signed in free agency and Will Howard was added in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, filling the quarterback room up a little more.

Thompson, 27, was excited about the opportunity to join the Steelers in the offseason following his release by the Dolphins last season and remains excited about the opportunity he has in Pittsburgh despite the new additions at his position.

"It was my first time experiencing getting released and going through that process," Thompson said Wednesday. "It depends on how you look at it. I chose to look at it with an open mind and a move for the good. When the time came to come to Pittsburgh, I was really excited because I thought it would be a great fit for me. This organization, its values and the way it is run is very similar to myself and what I believe in. I was excited for the opportunity and it's been great."

A seventh-round draft pick out of Kansas State in 2022, Thompson was thrust into the national spotlight in Miami when Tua Tagovailoa suffered multiple concussions in 2022. He wound up starting two games in his rookie season leading Miami to a split in those games and then in the team's 34-31 playoff loss to the Bills that season. He didn't play at all in 2023, but saw action in three games in 2024, including one start as Tagovailoa again dealt with injury issues.

But Miami decided to part ways with him at the end of the season and the Steelers decided to add him to the mix.

"I wholeheartedly believe in myself. I went through some adversity last year and got bounced," Thompson said. "I've used it to better myself this offseason and have the best offseason I've had in the league. I believe that is the case. I have a lot of confidence in myself."

Ironically, Thompson is joined in the Steelers' quarterbacks room this year by Howard. The two played together at Kansas State, and Howard was Thompson's eventual replacement before transferring to Ohio State last season for his fifth year.

"It's crazy how life works. We've worked together before and had a great relationship,"

Thompson said. "We've stayed in touch over the years, and I watched him all last season and supported him. It's really cool to reunite and work together. We know how each other works and that's a benefit for us and the whole room. I'm definitely excited to be reunited with him."

Blog entry by Dale Lolley

All ears:If you've glanced at the avalanche of videos generated by media from OTAs, you've probably seen, and heard, head coach Mike Tomlin as an up-close observer of defensive line drills.

"Tedious repetition, detail your work."

"Every day of our life, baby."

No. 1 pick Derrick Harmon has certainly noticed.

"He's gonna coach you," Harmon reported. "He's gonna coach you. He's over there with the D-line at the beginning of practice, every time we start off practice, and he stays here into 'Indy' (individual drills). He's coaching."

Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon via Michigan State, is interested in as much of that as he can get. He's also being coached by, among others, third-year defensive tackle Keeanu Benton.

"'K.B.,' he was just a rookie (recently) so he knows what I'm going through right now," Harmon said. "He knows what I'm thinking about, what I'm trying to expect, if I'm over-thinking on certain plays.

"He's reassuring me and also coaching me up at the same time. That means a lot to me."

Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who is participating in OTAs in advance of his 15th season with the Steelers, is also providing a veteran presence.

"It means a lot," Harmon said. "It just shows what type of a player the guy is and leader he is, being a veteran right now and being around the rookies and being around the new team, so it means a lot."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Wednesday, May 28

Feeling right at home:DeShon Elliott is with his fourth team since entering the NFL in 2018, and in his second year with the Steelers, the hard-hitting safety feels right at home.

And now, all he wants to do is keep working hard for those who made him feel at home.

"I can definitely improve my game all around," said Elliott. "I did a pretty decent job of tackling, but I've got to get the ball more. I've got to be a bigger leader for this defense. Making sure we're all on our Ps and Qs.

"All I can do is thank God for the position that (Coach) Mike T(omlin) has given me, the opportunity to play this game. Because I've been to a lot of places but it's the only place where I feel like home, so I appreciate them so much for the opportunity."

That feeling of being at home is something that Elliott can't measure. It's something that touches him deeply, not just words, but deep feelings.

"You walk in the building, and honestly, it's hard to describe the feeling," said Elliott, showing in his eyes how sincerely he means it. "Just knowing that when a coach talks to you, he's not talking to you just to check a box. He's talking to you because he actually cares.

"If I'm talking to Mike T, it's about my family or the things I have going on at home, like my dad. They've reached out to try to help me with that. It feels like something different for me.

"I really love being here."

Elliott signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason. He made an immediate impact, starting 14 of the 15 games he appeared in, and finishing the season with 108 tackles, 73 of them solo stops, five tackles for a loss, six passes defensed, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one interception.

Now as he prepares for his second season with the Steelers, he knows there is more he can, and wants to do, being comfortable in the defense.

"It slowed down a lot probably like midway through (last) season," said Elliott. "Being able to be a Swiss Army knife, an interchangeable part where whatever they need me to play, I'll play it.

"And coming in, knowing this is my family, knowing that they want me here, they love me here. Being able play free and be myself. That's the biggest thing, me being able to be myself."

Ready to do his part:Cornerback Darius Slay was all smiles on Wednesday after the Steelers OTA practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, happy to be out there for his first day with his new team despite the miserable weather conditions.

"It was a great day, a great day, except for the weather," said Slay with a smile. "Other than that, it was a great day just learning and being around the guys, doing my best to help with whatever needs to be done.

"It was important for me to be here. Just trying to get ahead and learn as much as I can, and then work with the guys. So, it's got to be a coordination in the back end.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get to learn and meet new friends, meet new guys, meet new teammates, get a great chance with Joey (Porter Jr.) and help him develop. He can help me develop more."

Slay was signed by the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in March, coming off a Super Bowl Championship season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He knows what it takes to be a part of a Super Bowl team, and that is part of the reason the 13-year veteran is taking part in OTAs.

"This is where championship football starts," said Slay. "I just came off the Super Bowl, and everybody's got to buy in, and this is the type of time that needs to be brought in. I know guys have families and stuff, I've got one as well, but if you want to be a champion, there's some stuff you've got to sacrifice. So, this is one of the jobs I want to sacrifice, which is coming here, being on time, being present, letting guys see my face, and let them know that it's important to me to be here, and I'm here to win."

Slay can be a strong voice of experience in the secondary, along with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, coming in with a resume that is impressive. He was a First-Team Associated Press All-Pro selection in 2017, a six-time Pro Bowl selection (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and a starter for the Eagles Super Bowl LIX championship team.

Now, he brings that experience and more to the Steelers defense, with the ability to help younger players, something he welcomes as he gets to know them.

"I just kind of come out and be myself, hang around, laugh, giggle, play around, talk to them," said Slay. "I'm one of the guys that they know I'm going to talk to you. I'm not afraid for you to wait and come talk to me, I'll come invade your space a little bit. So, it's just learning each other and understanding. And that's how you become a better teammate and that's how you understand each other on the field.

"It's a great opportunity for me. I'm blessed and fortunate to play for 13 years, so I'm thankful for that. I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach younger guys, to help them try to reach that type of 13 years because I want everybody to be successful. I'd like to take that on my shoulder because it's a great opportunity."

Porter's learning more:In his rookie season, Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. worked opposite veteran and future Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Patrick Peterson. Last season, his running mate at cornerback was veteran Donte Jackson.

This season, for a third-straight year the Steelers will have a new cornerback starting opposite Porter, as veteran Darius Slay was signed in the offseason to hold down that job.

Each one of those players has carried something a little different to the table opposite Porter, and he believes what he can add from each player will help him in the long run become the best player he can be.

"Third year, I'm looking to take that next step. I want to be one of the best in the league, if not the best," Porter said Wednesday on the second day of the Steelers OTA sessions. "I know I've got to put in the work. That's the goal I'm chasing."

It's a goal Slay, 34, could help him achieve. Fresh off of winning a Super Bowl last season with the Eagles, Slay brings a different skill set to the table that, if Porter can learn from him, could help differentiate him from other top corners around the NFL. What is that skill set?

"He gets the ball," Porter said of Slay, who has 28 career interceptions and has averaged 13 pass breakups per season over his 12-year career. "In his Detroit tape, he was a great man-coverage guy. He still is. But he's also throughout the years been a savvy vet playing off (coverage). That's another thing I want to pick his brain on, just being a complete corner."

Porter has recorded one interception in each of his first two NFL seasons and has 17 pass breakups, including 10 last season. But he also had 12 accepted penalties against him last season, which led all NFL defensive backs.

"I feel like there were a lot of things I did well, but there were some little things," Porter said of his second season. "Clean up the penalties. That's the main thing for me. I looked at the tape. It's not as bad as it seemed. It's just little things I need to work on."

Five of those penalties came in one game. Overall, his second season was still very effective. He allowed a passer rating on passes thrown in his direction of just 82.7, well below the league average. Last season, the Steelers were breaking in three new starters in the secondary, with Jackson joining the team, as well as safety De'Shon Elliott and nickel cornerback Beanie Bishop.

Now, with Slay being the only newcomer in the group, Porter feels the secondary is ready to take a big step forward, which is saying something for a team that was tied for third in the NFL with 17 interceptions a year ago.

"We're all looking forward to this year," Porter said. "We all know what we need to work on. We're all excited to come back and see if we can correct our wrongs and play the way we need."

- Blog entry by Dale Lolley

Left, right, left:The Steelers drafted Broderick Jones 14th overall in 2023 to be their left tackle eventually if not immediately, but he wound up seeing the vast majority of his playing time on the right side as a rookie and as a second-year player last season.

OTAs, thus, are providing for Jones a welcomed opportunity to do some much-needed adjusting.

"The first few days have been alright," Jones maintained following OTA No. 2 today. "I'm just glad to get back out here with the guys, working on my techniques being back on the left side. So just trying to get back used to everything and just getting that second-hand nature back with everything that's going on over there, making sure everything's right in my head, not thinking I'm still on the right side.

"This is a great time for me to just keep building on what I've been doing all offseason, my whole life, really, and continue to just get better."

Jones had been a left tackle at the University of Georgia.

"When they initially moved me to right tackle and I played it for so long, and then they tried to make me, like, the swing tackle, it was kinda funky," Jones continued. "But I knew I would be going back to left (tackle), so this offseason I just tried to focus on nothing but the left side and just continue to work that way just to try and get back the feel of the position.

"Confidence is always high. Being back on the left I feel like it's a bigger boost for me just because I've been used to playing on the left side. Being out here going against people like (outside linebacker) Alex (Highsmith) and Nick (Herbig), it really helps with the confidence level. When you're able to block guys like that you feel like you can do it at any level versus anybody."

For Jones, the biggest challenge associated with his switch back to the left side has been making the necessary mental adjustments.

"It's just like flipping the plays in my head," he said. "Some of our plays, they're flip-flopped backwards so you hear them and they might be going one way but it may be called the other way, so staying locked in with the plays and just making sure you know them. You know the plays, you can play at 100 percent."

As Jones reacquaints himself with left tackle, 2024 No. 1 pick Troy Fautanu is bouncing back on the right side. Fautanu started at right tackle last Sept. 15 in Denver but a knee injury wiped out almost all of his rookie season.

"Troy's good," Jones reported. "They tried not to push him too much because he's still trying to work his way back but Troy's looking amazing."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Tuesday, May 27

Back at it:It was back to work for the Steelers on Tuesday, with the first day of OTAs (Organized Team Activities) taking place at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

OTAs aren't mandatory, but that didn't matter to linebacker Patrick Queen.

He wanted to be there.

"I think it's really important to get to meet new teammates, new players in new positions, new calls, new schemes, new things that you're putting in right now," said Queen. "So, I think it is important to be here if you can be here. A lot of people are dealing with a lot of stuff that we might not know about or stuff that we do know about, and they've just got to take care of it. So, I think it's important in all facets to be here, but also focus on yourself at the same time."

There was a large turnout of players on hand for Day 1, something that didn't go unnoticed by Queen.

"I think we've got mostly everybody that's going to be starting on defense," said Queen. "So, that's always huge to have those guys here. And like I said, we've got a lot of new stuff that we're doing, a lot people in different places, a lot of new schemes. So, it's definitely exciting to be here right now."

In addition to new faces, one change for Queen is working closer with fellow linebacker Payton Wilson. Last year it was Elandon Roberts who lined up alongside Queen. This year he is already seeing more of Wilson with Roberts departing via free agency.

"We've got young guys coming in with Jack (Sawyer) off the edge," said Queen. "We got some new corners; we've got new safeties. Payton now alongside me. So that's going to be fun. Offensively, haven't gotten to see too much of the new guys on offense, mostly handling my business on defense, but I think we got a lot of key pieces on the scene."

One thing Queen loves, is he is now on the scene for his second season. While he has a new position coach in inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley, unlike last year when there was a learning curve for him, adapting to a new team, new scheme, and honestly, new everything, this year, it's old hat.

"I'm actually looking forward to going throughout this offseason without this being all brand new," said Queen. "Being able to have some familiarity while you go through this entire team development process, it's a little bit better this time.

"I've still I got a new coach. A few new people on defense, nothing crazy. But still just getting comfortable with the new stuff that we're doing right now, just getting comfortable with the coach, how he wants things done, the way he wants us to play. It's just mostly the same fundamentals, but new little nuances here and there. So just getting used to all that stuff right now."

On hand Day 1:A player who could have easily been given a pass on being at Day 1 of OTAs is defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.

Entering his 15th season, Heyward has definitely been there, done that on the OTA front.

But he was there with his teammates working on Tuesday.

"I am going through the process, going through the process," said Heyward. "It's not anything crazy. I wanted to get out here. I'll get back to the offseason stuff, what I've been doing and training, but it's fun to mix it up."

Heyward even spent extra time on the field after practice, working with the other defensive linemen to just get a little bit more work in.

"These are things I practice every day," said Heyward. "So, if I get them in practice or I get them after practice, it doesn't matter. It's just sharpening the tools."

No doubt Heyward is the veteran presence on the line, his participation a sign to the younger players of what the offseason program is all about.

It's something he learned from players before him, guys like Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel, and now he is the shining example for rookies like Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black.

"It's early in the process, but I think it comes down to communicating the right way, getting on good footing, seeing what their questions are and then going from there," said Heyward. "I think learning from those guys before me, one, you've got to be receptive to it. I think Derrick, Yahya, they've all been receptive. It's the first day, but that's half the battle. And then questions will come around, just being a resource for them early on in their careers, trying to get them ready for the season."

As Heyward stressed, it is only the first day of OTAs, but from what he has seen of Harmon, the team's No. 1 draft pick, he likes.

"I think he moves well, plays with his hands," said Heyward. "Definitely gets on the edge a lot more than a lot of younger guys. I think it's just computing that to our scheme and getting guys caught up.

"He's definitely capable of playing this year. It's just getting caught up, dealing with the rookie wall as it comes about. But I think he's positioned himself well to contribute."

Heyward said it's not to the point where it's 'about passing the torch,' but rather making sure the young players are up to speed so they can make an impact.

"It's about how can we make this team the best it can be," said Heyward. "It's not about holding secrets or anything. It's about making sure we're all growing at a pace that by week one, we're ready to kick this thing up. I'll pass the torch when I have to, but I think the main thing is making sure that we're a strong unit that from top to bottom we can compete with anybody."

Taking care of himself:Nickelback Beanie Bishop knows if he does things the right way, there is a spot for him in the starting lineup when the season rolls around. But he also knows in football anything can happen.

"It's my spot right now, but you've got to always work and keep that competitive edge to remain with the one team," said Bishop. "I wasn't drafted at all. So, who knows. We're still in the offseason. They still could bring a guy in. But I always have that fire underneath me."

One thing is for sure, if the No. 1 spot is his when the season rolls around, it's because he has earned it on and off the field.

Bishop spent a good portion of the offseason getting himself in different shape, focusing on building muscle for strength.

"I lost a lot of fat, just changing my diet," said Bishop. "It was a long process too. Especially with my baking stuff. Guys were asking how do you do that with the baking? I was bringing a lot of the sweets here, cutting back on fried foods and making a lot of stuff myself. I was meal-prepping a lot. I got a smart scale at home. I even got in a routine of a breakfast that I eat every morning, just trying make sure that the calorie intake and stuff stays the same.

"Right now, since we're training more and started OTAs, the calorie intake goes up a little bit."

He said it:Receiver Calvin Austin III said he has made big strides heading into his fourth season, on the field and just with his overall approach.

"Just having that confidence that anytime I step on the field, no one can guard me," said Austin. "Just confidence in my abilities, confidence in my teammates, confidence in the things that I say, confidence in the way that I work and my routes, just overall confidence.

"I just want to go out there and be ready to play ball for real."

Welcome aboard:The Steelers signed receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig, who immediately got to work on Day 1 of OTAs.

Lemonious-Craig spent two seasons at the University of Arizona (2023-24), after transferring from Colorado, where he spent three seasons (2020-22).

For his college career, he appeared in 47 games, finishing with 79 receptions for 965 yards, a 12.2-yard average, and nine touchdowns.

In two seasons at Arizona he appeared in 24 games, pulling in 45 receptions for 468 yards, a 10.4-yard average, and four touchdowns.

While at Colorado, he played in 23 games, finishing with 34 receptions for 497 yards, a 14.6-yard average, and five touchdowns.

Roman approach:It was only the first of six scheduled Organized Team Activities on the South Side, but to second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson it might as well have been the regular-season opener at the New York Jets.

"Really, my goals for the season, get better every single day, treat every day like it's game day, every practice like it's game day," Wilson maintained.

The specifics applied toward that end include "come prepared with questions to ask coaches after practice," Wilson continued. "Just be mentally, physically locked in every, single day and just give it my all, give it all I got every, single day so I can get better the next day and be ready for whenever my time is."

The depth chart at wide receiver in the wake of the George Pickens trade suggests opportunity might come knocking for Wilson sooner rather than later.

"Everything I just said you've got to have some urgency with it," Wilson insisted. "You've got to get going, and I'm ready for it."

Wilson never did get going a season ago as a third-round draft pick out of Michigan. He suffered an injury on the first day in pads during training camp at Saint Vincent College and wound up appearing in just one game (a 32-13 win on Oct. 13 at Las Vegas).

Wilson wasn't targeted and ended up playing just five offensive snaps as a rookie. He had accounted for 48 receptions, 789 receiving yards and 12 touchdown catches in 2023 at Michigan.

"I don't want to think too much about last year," Wilson said. "But I definitely learned a lot and it definitely helped to shape who I am this upcoming season."

Wilson also has a new veteran from whom he can learn this season it Metcalf, who had already managed to make an impression on Wilson during the early stages of the Steelers' offseason program prior to OTAs.

"I just like watching him," Wilson acknowledged. "He's a phenomenal athlete, great guy. I like the way he practices. I like the way he finishes his routes and how he conducts his business."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta