Four items the Steelers need to address before training camp
It’s May, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 54th training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe (PA) isn’t that far off when it comes to football business. Opening day will be on July 25, which gives the Steelers just weeks to knock a few things off their to-do list. There are several items, but the following four are the most important to address before this 2018 team gets to Latrobe.
Sign their 2018 Draft class
The Steelers have already signed four rookies they acquired via the 2018 NFL Draft. The first to sign was not Terrell Edmunds, their number one pick. Instead, it was fifth-round selection, and multi-talented H-back, Jaylen Samuels (May 9). The Steelers recognized the opportunities Samuels presented to them and kept him busy during rookie mini-camp.
“They (had) me playing a lot of different positions,” Samuels said.”In the backfield, running the ball as well, also in the slot, moving around, playing outside receiver, pretty much what I was doing in college.”
The Steelers signed fifth-round safety Marcus Allen and seventh-round defensive tackle/lineman Joshua Frazier (who some thought may be a long-shot to remain with the team) the next day.
Two days later, the Steelers announced they’d signed second-round receiver James Washington (May 12).
The #Steelers have signed 3rd-round pick, OT Chukwuma Okorafor.https://t.co/TABzaFt4Tp
— Zach Metkler (@CoachMetkler) May 22, 2018
Quarterback Mason Rudolph and Edmunds have yet to be signed. Rudolph, Washington, and Samuels all participated in the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event. By all appearances, it looks as if the Steelers will get their 2018 picks under contract and check that off their list.
Werk 💪 Class of 2018 #RookiePremiere pic.twitter.com/XIbVMHWXiJ
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 19, 2018
Get their drafted and undrafted rookies on the field and tested
As far as rookie mini-camp, Edmunds and Allen were very active, which is a positive sign that the Steelers have already begun the testing and will proceed throughout OTAs. Edmunds and Allen not only embraced being asked to take roles at different positions but have built a rapport with each other.
“We’re both calling it back and forth,” Edmunds said of Allen. “We have a lot of communication between us because we both can be interchangeable at the [safety] position.”
Edmunds also played at the linebacker spot, seeming to verify what several of us at SCU believe about Keith Butler transitioning to a hybrid defense. “Regardless of where (the coaches) put you, they believe in you,” Edmunds added. “I’m just going to go out there and give ’em all I got and, hopefully, make a play for them.”
“Being able to prove I could play right tackle and also play left tackle that kind of was a plus,” said Okorafor. “It’s time to just learn. It’s me just putting my head down and getting to work.”
As for the UDFAs, several could be contenders for a roster spot if they are competitive and skilled enough in front of the Steelers’ coaching and evaluating staff.
Jamar Summers, a cornerback at UConn, has shown playmaking ability with eight interceptions as a sophomore for the Huskies and was responsible for 16 pass-breakups in 206-17. Summers has a lot of competition at the position, but he’s a player to keep an eye on.
Receiver Quadree Henderson (Pitt) is hoping to show more than his special teams abilities and spent time with Anquan Boldin and Chad Johnson before the Draft. “I worked with them because I didn’t have as much time [on the field at Pitt for film] to show,” Henderson admitted. “I want to show I can play receiver as well as returner… prove myself to Coach [Mike] Tomlin.”
Other UDFAs to watch: Greg Gilmore (DE, LSU), Jarvion Franklin (RB, Western Michigan), Pharoah McKever (TE, Florida International).
Address the quarterback position
The Steelers are in territory that they haven’t seen in a while – four quarterbacks vying for a coveted roster spot. There is no question that Ben Roethlisberger is Pittsburgh’s top field general, but the Steelers will have to send one quarterback packing unless they re-enact the 1995 situation Bob Labriola recently outlined so well.
The Steelers will need to dig deep in deciding who will get first-team snaps behind Roethlisberger; will they chose Landry Jones, Joshua Dobbs or Rudolph? Before the team reports to training camp, Pittsburgh should have a clear-cut plan – and OTAs may just help them in outlining the future at the quarterback position. It’s highly unlikely four quarterbacks end up on the final 53-man roster and it would be better to address this sooner rather than later.
Prepare as if Bell isn’t a factor
It’s clear that veteran running back Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers are still not close on negotiations. Avoiding Bell and the distraction he presents, intentional or not, is key to getting this Pittsburgh team on track for the upcoming season. In fact, the Steelers should simply prepare as if Bell isn’t a factor. Reports have already come out across various sports news outlets that, like last year, Bell will not attend OTAs.
9-9-18…I can’t wait! #JustBePatient pic.twitter.com/p2vpWQnCVy
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) May 14, 2018
Fans may be patient, but the Steelers can’t afford to be. Bell has until July 16 – just days before training camp – to sign a multiyear contract as a designated “franchise” player; after that date, Bell and the team can only negotiate a one-year deal. No deal and Bell will play his second year in a row under the franchise tag.
“9-9-18” could be a repeat for Le’Veon in more ways than one. – Joe Kuzma (SCU)
The Steelers can’t afford a repeat performance of 2017 – counting on Bell only to have him sit out of OTAs and training camp and then enter the season opener against the Cleveland Browns and gain 32 yards on ten carries; log 15 receiving yards and never find the end zone. He didn’t reach 100 yards from scrimmage until Week 4 (against the Baltimore Ravens).
For a player expected to be an All-Pro with a chance of accumulating 2,000 or more yards from scrimmage in a season, those numbers were disappointing. – Joe Kuzma (SCU)
The Steelers have guys that are ready for OTAs that they should drill, prepare, educate and provide opportunities for before camp kicks off. After all, there is no July guarantee with Bell… and if they wait for it to materialize, the Steelers have wasted valuable time to get the other rushers in prime position to give the team future options.
