Although it has changed a little bit in recent years, typically Steelers rookies have had to wait their turn. But as I recently wrote, this year's draft class has stepped up impressively and we're barely over halfway through the season.
From Chase Claypool's 9 touchdowns, to Alex Highsmith's momentum-changing interception in Baltimore to Antoine Brooks getting his first defensive snap in week 9 against the Bengals, and playing 28 snaps in all, the rookies are more than all right.
The question is why so much success so soon?
Weekly Fan Morning Show guest and former Steeler Bryant McFadden – who had to wait his turn in 2005 before breaking up two passes to help save the AFC semi-final in Indianapolis – says the reason is simple.
Veteran leadership.
"The best way to see organizational success is structure," according to McFadden. "If you don't have structure, if you don't have sound vets, good luck with being successful."
A coach like Mike Tomlin doesn't hurt, either, and Tomlin makes sure the rookies get their due.
"Those guys are working extremely hard," Tomlin says then quickly shifts gears. "But I would be remiss if I failed to mention the quality leadership that we have from our veteran players who do a really good job of embracing our young people and not only helping them in terms of schematics and X's and O's but just ways of life things, taking care of their bodies and things of that nature.
"We have a really good culture here and I would imagine if you ask the rookies they would echo the same sentiment; that the veteran support they get is significant, allowing them to answer the challenges of playing."
One of those veterans is Cam Heyward who learned at the feet of Brett Kiesel, Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton and now he is those guys; actually, has been for a few years now.
"You have to be vocal," Heyward explains, "ask (the rookies) questions to find out what they need. Every guy is different. One might need extra love or extra attention. If you provide that it sets a good base, a good foundation."
Yet DB Cameron Sutton, who wasn't a rookie all that long ago, says ultimately, it's up to the young players themselves. "It's holding yourself to a standard, having an expectation for yourself , willing to come in a listen, take criticism and ready to be productive (when your numbers called)."
Nine games in – and nine wins – is no longer a small sample size. The rookies are ready.
