LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – The biggest question we get as reporters at Steelers training camp is how everyone looks. Our former sports director Goose Goslin used to say ‘big and sweaty’ when asked. While that is true, he is a look at my camp superlatives for 2025.
Defensive MVP-Jalen Ramsey
There is no player who as affected their position group like Jalen Ramsey has the defensive backs. It looks like a different defense when he is back there. It’s not to say TJ Watt and Cam Heyward aren’t still great, Heyward is no longer working through team drills and Watt missed a lot of time per coach’s decision. You notice when number 5 is on the field. He is the rarest of players who can cover the best receiver outside, come down in the slot and hammer you or sit in the back and make plays.
Offensive MVP-Aaron Rodgers
DK Metcalf could fit into this category. If offensive surprise is the category, you’d probably vote Darnell Washington. While Mason Rudolph has been great in his role, the 41-year-old Rodgers has picked up his game over the last week. He’s building a rhythm with the offense and Rodgers gets my vote as much for the recent play as the intangibles. When you watch him interact with teammates, when they do well and poorly. He’s teaching at times and holding himself and them accountable. They haven’t played a game or really faced adversity, but you hear nothing but positives from players and coaches about the seemingly controversial Rodgers. He was going to be a leader regardless, but he’s done so trying to win over this team. Cool is the word often used to describe Rodgers and it’s been cool to see him interact with his new team.
Best drafted rookie-Derrick Harmon
The most popular was Will Howard. Even since the injury fans are screaming out his name. Yahya Black has batted down some passes opening eyes and if you are looking for value where drafted, it’s Black. You could make an argument for Black as the best drafted rookie overall. There have been bursts from running back Kaleb Johnson and you notice the shear size of Jack Sawyer. Not surprisingly, once special teams drills got more real Carson Bruener has emerged. Harmon has been slotted as a starter and played like one. There’s not a ton of splash, but he moves the line and creates opportunities. It’s also hard to remember a time where he’s been out of position.
Best Undrafted Rookie-Max Hurleman/Sebastian Castro
Castro had a draft grade and most thought he would go in day three. The safety from Iowa been solid on defense and while unlikely to crack a crowded defensive backfield, he is intriguing as a player who could play a role from the practice squad someday.
Receivers Ke’Shawn Williams and Roc Taylor have at times made plays in camp, Hurleman is a running back learning receiver. He and Williams had touchdowns in the preseason game, and while not as explosive, Hurleman returns kicks, plays other positions on special teams and just looks like a football player you would want your first team to practice against.
If things really go south with Chris Boswell and his contract, former Pitt kicker Ben Sauls might be the most impactful of all.
There were a lot of new faces working in the heat at St. Vincent College and some good performances even beyond these names.