First off- tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started covering the team?
I started off in Pittsburgh – got my B.A. in Broadcast Reporting from Point Park University and covered several sports teams for the University of Pittsburgh, then worked for the Steelers in their communications department as a reporter there.
After that I worked for the Kansas City Chiefs in ’21 and ’22 as a communications assistant before moving back to Pittsburgh to work for Yardbarker covering the AFC North – primarily covering the Steelers.
I know you’ve spend a lot of time at OTAs . Starting off at the quarterback spot, I know there’s the battle between Wilson and Fields – but are you seeing anything interesting in Kyle Allen and even John Rhys Plumlee that makes you think they could be backups in 2025 if they keep just one of Wilson or Fields?
I think the quarterback three position is Allen’s to lose. The ones and twos are Wilson’s and Fields’ to battle out – Kyle Allen is getting all the other reps. Plumlee is being uses more in the return game now just to take advantage of his athleticism. I think he had one quarterback rep today which was his first – in seven-on-sevens.
One of the big questions of course is at receiver. Anyone rising to the top early on opposite Pickens from your vantage point?
Right now they are looking at Van Jefferson closely to see if he can be that guy. He’s running with the ones and Austin is in the slot. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade made after the June 1 deadline.
Calvin Austin has looked really good though – he’s been a quiet winner in camp. He’s been the most consistent at getting open and hasn’t had any drops – we’ve seen that be an issue for some guys in camp. Right now they are looking at Jefferson opposite Pickens and Austin in the slot as the top three guys.
Who are some of the realistic trade prospects in your estimation?
Courtland Sutton and Darius Slayton – those are two names being bounced around, among the reporters here anyway.
How is Roman Wilson looking in all of this? Where do you see his fit early on?
Wilson has been impressing a lot of guys here early. He’s a shorter-frame guy but he’s done well in press coverage on the outside too. But I don’t expect him to be a starting receiver out of the gate. I think his opportunities will grow and he’ll get more reps as the season goes on.
What are you seeing out of new cornerback Jackson – feeling comfortable with him opposite Porter? And how’s the depth behind them?
I think the Steelers are very comfortable with Jackson opposite Porter. The Steelers are going to line up with those two on both sides – I’d be very surprised if those two weren’t the starters. Darius Rush though has been making waves in OTAs and had two more pass breakups today.
Cory Trice is looking good but he’s not at full speed yet. He expects to be at full speed by training camp. We’ll see if he can become that third guy or if Rush will.
How do you think the slot position is going to shake out?
I’m a big Beanie Bishop fan but I don’t know if they want to go with a rookie or one of the veterans to start out there. I think they could add a guy as well – maybe reunite with Chandon Sullivan or bring back Cameron Sutton depending on the legal issues. I’m not sure how interested they are in him.
They could also try Rush in there since he’s been making some plays – but I think it’ll be between Bishop or a veteran player.
On the offensive line – do you think they’ll be able to get something settled now so they can roll into camp with a pretty set lineup so they have time to gel?
It’s going to be an ongoing process – I won’t lie. It’s tough to tell how guys will do without pads on. Right now Jones is starting at right tackle and Moore at left and Herbig at center. When they go with the twos Jones is at left tackle and Fautanu at right and Frazier at center. I wouldn’t be surprised to Frazier start early – isaac Seumalu has praised him and he’s doing well early on.
But I think, and I know fans won’t like this, there will be a mix and match of players throughout camp and preseason to see what’s working best. The team wants to win right now so they won’t rush Fautanu – they may start Moore early on until they feel Fautanu is really ready. But the aim is to have Jones and Fautanu as their outside bookends for years to come.
Not as critical but still – any running backs besides Najee and Jaylen looking impressive enough to maybe find their way on the roster?
I think Ward made strides in the rookie mini-camp. But with Cordarrelle Patterson there as your third back I think that is pretty set. Ward could be a fourth back but they don’t usually keep four – they have been using Heyward even as a fullback to save a roster spot that way.
Much like receiver, there’s a logjam at depth on the defensive line. How does that shake out?
Lowry is the guy right now – he’s the guy that will rotate in first. Leal will be given every opportunity to be that guy but he’s underachieved so far. Lowry is healthy and was signed to a two-year deal. He’s a proven vet and is a massive human being. He’ll get a good amount of reps I think.
How do they handle the inside linebacker rotation?
Holcomb’s health is a question still – it would not be surprising if he didn’t play until midseason. I know Tomlin and Khan said he’s making strides but there’s a lot of gray area there. That’s why they paid Patrick Queen and drafted Payton Wilson. Queen will get the green dot and Roberts will start opposite him. Wilson will get opportunities but I don’t think he’ll play a lot early to be honest except on special teams, and work his way up from there.
Stepping back – who really has surprised or caught your eye so far?
Joey Porter Jr. – he put on five-to-seven pounds and is just hanging with everyone. In the one-on-one reps with Pickens, he’s winning most of those matchups. I don’t know if that’s a credit to him or a discredit to Pickens, but he’s been winning those.
Calvin Austin may be my most under-the-radar guy. He’s getting a lot of reps with the ones and building a really good rapport with Russell Wilson.
And Coach Smith’s offense uses a lot of multiple tight end sets. Freiermuth I expect will have a big year, but guys like Heyward, Washington and Pruitt if he makes the team – they should be able to contribute a lot too, especially in the redzone in the run and passing games. Don’t be surprised if one of those guys ends up catching five or more touchdown passes this year.