As usual, Mike Tomlin pronounced himself happy with the work his players have put in this offseason, culminating with Thursday’s three-day mini-camp.
While football in shorts often isn’t even a reasonable facsimile of the real thing, there are things that can be gleaned from the spring drills.
Here are one reporter’s observations — that I believe fall within the guidelines of what we’re allowed to divulge — of people and things.
Najee Harris
May as well start at the top. Harris appears to be not just the real deal, but maybe even better. The way he carries himself both in positional and team drills, you’d have no idea he is a rookie. You will get a better idea of Harris in the run game during “live” periods in training camp, but his receiving skills are eye-opening. You may want to get that 22 jersey before they sell out.
Kalen Ballage
During individual drills — with jump cuts, stops and starts, and bursts — Ballage is right there with Harris, and he is also a physical specimen. My suspicion, however, is that those skills fall off once he’s in a game setting. We’ll know more in five or six weeks.
Pat Freiermuth
It’s early, but there is no reason to believe he won’t be able to contribute right away. Ben Roethlisberger threw to him early and often, especially on the day that Eric Ebron missed. Ebron, by the way, may be president of the Freiermuth fan club. When Ebron was asked about him, Ebron answered, “Who?” The reporter repeated “Fryer-mooth,” and Ebron responded, “Oh, that’s how you pronounce it! I’ve just called him Pat. He’s awesome!”
Ben Roethlisberger
He’s been around throughout the last four weeks, even when he didn’t have to be, which hadn’t always been the case in recent years. He’s invested, and he’s enthusiastic. After Ben was shaken up toward the end of Tuesday’s practice, a few of us wondered if he’d do any work on Wednesday. He did. Thursday was geared toward the backups, but Ben was the loudest voice during what turned into a spirited punting competition. Speaking of which...
Pressley Harvin III
The rookie, and seventh-round draft choice, which is not insignificant, went head-to-head against incumbent Jordan Berry Thursday afternoon, probably 8-10 kicks each. When Harvin got off to a rocky start, the veterans started paying attention. Roethlisberger, in particular, was all over him, and after one poor effort, he BOOOOOOOOED as if the Ravens had just run onto the field. To his credit, Harvin never flinched and got better toward the end, but he’ll need to be better.
Kendrick Green
From afar, his build and the way he carries himself reminds me of Maurkice Pouncey but maybe because he is wearing number 53. For a guy who has rarely played center, his shotgun snaps are true; of course, it will be a little different when he has to deal with guys ready to smack him from across the line.
Dan Moore, Jr.
Just as it’s too soon to praise a rookie like Green, it’s too soon to bury another rookie like Moore. But he had trouble against the like of Cassius March, which led to a few false starts. Still, Moore was one of the first players on the field and one of the last off, which shows that he gets it. He is also a project, so he’s a few years away, anyway.
James Pierre
Pierre is one of the most important players on the team; at least he has a chance to be. When the Steelers go to three CBs, and Cam Sutton slides to the slot, Pierre is getting the first shot at the other outside CB opposite Joe Haden. He not only passed the mini-camp test but received an A grade Wednesday with two interceptions, both against Roethlisberger. The first was blanket coverage on a deep ball, and on the second, Pierre didn’t fall for a fake spike. Mike Hilton was an undrafted free agent who is now getting paid. Why can’t Pierre be a similar success story?
Antoine Brooks Jr.
I wasn’t really expecting anything from Brooks, a hybrid DB who was drafted in the sixth round a year ago, but Brooks is getting a look as a slot corner. Tomlin pointed out that Brooks played nearly half the snaps when Hilton missed a game against Cincinnati last season. If he can take that big step as a second-year player that Tomlin always talks about, Brooks could add depth to a spot that sorely needs it.
Vince Williams
I am throwing “Bince” in here just because I like the way he interacts with his teammates. During downtimes, he doesn’t just hang with his position group or only with the veterans, but he gets around, at one point watching teams drills with the tight ends. Maybe he was spying or something, but Williams is quietly an important leader. Basically, he is just a really good Steeler.
Vaccines
Tomlin said the Steelers were “tops in the league,” which, based on reports, means that over 70 of the 90 players on the roster are vaccinated, and it may be quite a bit more than that. With the NFL and NFLPA placing restrictions on unvaccinated personnel, this could/should help. “We’re going to work hard and look for any advantage that compliance may give us,” Tomlin said the other day.
Fans
Welcome; I can’t imagine that the Steelers will not be given clearance to hold training camp at Saint Vincent College, but whether it’s in Latrobe or at Heinz Field, you will be able to attend. Some things will be different — more separation from players and no autographs, for example — but for the first time since December of 2019, you will be able to watch the Steelers in person.