Photo: steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially entered their organized team activities (OTAs) for the 2024 year at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and, despite limited access to the event, the first looks at the team’s latest additions – including the rookie players the team selected in this year’s NFL Draft – are emerging.
RT Broderick Jones being closely observed by No. 1 pick Troy Fautanu. pic.twitter.com/58sGkrnA82
— Mike Prisuta (@DVEMike) May 21, 2024
Fautanu, selected at No. 20 overall by Pittsburgh, has been spending some critical time with second-year player Broderick Jones during the training activities. Dan Moore and Isaac Seumalo have also, admittedly, played a part in getting Fautanu to be patient with the new process he finds himself in.
#Steelers first-round OT Troy Fautanu is still trying to to catch up to the NFL’s speed.
“My first impression of practice yesterday is it’s a lot different than college, just the adjustment to the speed. … Yesterday was a rough one but today was a little bit better.” pic.twitter.com/zJvP0EZng4
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) May 22, 2024
#Steelers LBs including newcomers Patrick Queen and rookie Payton Wilson. pic.twitter.com/o6LNJv7V0q
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) May 22, 2024
Considered by many to be the best interior linebacker taken in the draft this year, Wilson has been welcomed into the fold, especially by Patrick Queen – a veteran linebacker who formerly played with the Baltimore Ravens.
#Steelers rookie LB Payton Wilson has caught the early attention of Patrick Queen. His first impressions?
“Athlete. Got that mindset. You can kind of tell the way he talks. He’s a really smart player. … That’s the type of guy you want in your room.” pic.twitter.com/zMwOPCJF6M
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) May 22, 2024
Steelers rookie WR Roman Wilson shows nice concentration on deep ball pic.twitter.com/SEngk1V3PM
— Bo Marchionte (@BoMarchionte) May 23, 2024
Wilson has been predicted by fans to be “the slot guy,” as a receiver, but initial impressions seem to point, early, that the Steelers want to test him at all receiving spots. He’s had opportunities to work next to George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Van Jefferson in the opening days of OTAs.
#Steelers WR Calvin Austin III has big expectations for rookie WR Roman Wilson.
“That’s my dog. You can tell he’s just ready to learn. … Roman’s a baller man. He’s going to be a great player.” pic.twitter.com/XUYHtHnMRg
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) May 23, 2024
Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr., George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Roman Wilson spoke to the media after Tuesday's practice: pic.twitter.com/lhy2GGCjIZ
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) May 21, 2024
As OTAs continue, more information and insights will become available about how players are getting used to playing with each other, improving their own skills, and how they think the team is progressing.
Your daily dose of Steelers quarterbacks throwing footballs pic.twitter.com/EuDoKUomNk
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 23, 2024
Although the Steelers didn’t draft a quarterback in 2024, their entire QB group in fresh to the team. Keeping an eye on their progress is key, as well, due to the new schemes offensive coordinator Arthur Smith may introduce to the team. If the QBs are able to gel with their skill players in OTAs, it sets up success for training camp.
https://twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1793680793132572791?t=ztCdQQypNHIQ7d9WKO4E2A&s=19
The Steelers will take a short break for the Memorial Day weekend and then return.
.@missi_matthews & @DVEMike break down everything that you need to know from the first week of #Steelers OTAs. pic.twitter.com/qq3vCI7BLJ
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) May 23, 2024
