16 players mentioned by Mike Tomlin following Sunday’s training camp practice
The Pittsburgh Steelers took to the practice field at St. Vincent College for training camp on Saturday. Following practice, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media about their third day on the field. Since he was asked about a number of players, I am excited to bring back the players mentioned article to Steel Curtain Network for the 2025 season! Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period with the exception of an injury update during the opening statement.
Montana Lemonious-Craig, Broderick Jones, & DJ Thomas-Jones
Coach Tomlin gave injury updates on Montana Lemonious-Craig, Broderick Jones, and DJ Thomas-Jones.
“The group displayed really good conditioning, largely, but we’ve had some injuries associated with the start of camp. Take a wide receiver, Montana wasn’t able to finish today with soft tissue injury lower body. Broderick Jones, same thing. I imagine that those can be characterized as day-to-day. DJ Thomas-Jones, at tight end, looked like he had a more significant injury that’s being evaluated. Next time we come together I’ll have some more information in that regard for you.”
Dylan Cook
Coach Tomlin was asked about Dylan Cook being the leader in the clubhouse for the swing tackle role.
“We’re just acclimating. Certainly, he’s a veteran guy that’s been around and has served in that capacity before. I’m not assuming anything at this juncture, at this early stage of development, regarding specific roles and specialization.”
Yahya Black, Cam Heyward, & Keeanu Benton
Coach Tomlin was asked about the art of batting down passes and if Yahya Black showed that at Iowa or if has he picked that up since he’s been here. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
“He did. But, you know, it’s something that we really value culturally. Obviously, I think Cam probably led all interior defensive linemen in the league last year. Benton was also very high. We work at it. He has an aptitude for it, and hopefully it continues, and even more so.”
Patrick Queen & Payton Wilson
Coach Tomlin was asked about coverage guys and including linebacker Patrick Queen, and if Payton Wilson continues to show that to be on the field.
“The reality is in today’s game so much of the matchup component is about guys’ability to cover people, put dangerous people inside and underneath. So athletic linebackers are an asset. Certainly, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are very capable from a linebacker perspective, and so yes, I would include them as significant components of the coverage union.”
Brandin Echols
Coach Tomlin was asked about Brandin Echols’ energy that he’s brought and what your impressions of him so far.
“I like Echols a lot. He’s a hard-working guy. He’s a professional certainly. We’ve competed against him in the past, not only as a defender, but as a core teamer. That’s a veteran guy that brings that energy every day. He’s made some plays, and it’s reasonable to expect that to continue.”
Scotty Miller
Coach Tomlin was asked what Scotty Miller adds to this wide receiver room.
“Versatility. He knows all the spots. He’s highly conditioned. He’s very competitive. He’s been there, done that guy, and so there’s a lot of value in his presence.”
Kenneth Gainwell & Trey Sermon
Coach Tomlin was asked if he has a most anticipated matchup in backs on backers or O-line vs. D-line. In his response, Coach Tomlin mentioned running back Kenneth Gainwell and the aforementioned Payton Wilson.
“You know, I like Kenny G versus Payton Wilson in routes. Kenny G is showing a really good aptitude from a route running standpoint out of the backfield. Payton Wilson, in the second year, is a guy that that’s working to be dominant in the area. It’s just one of those matchups that has my attention.”
Coach Tomlin was asked about what running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon can do.
“Kenny is experienced and versatile. That’s why we require him, not only as a runner, but also as a kick returner in the special team’s game. I know less about Trey. Certainly, I know his college resume. He’s a highly conditioned and ready guy. He’s a professional in terms of his approach to business, so I’m excited about seeing what he brings next week as well.”
Chuck Clark
Coach Tomlin was asked about what Chuck Clark adds to this group and, since he got off the plane and went straight to practice on Thursday, if that impress him at all.
“I’ve been really impressed with his ability to digest schematics in a short period of time and execute defense. I’m not completely surprised by it, because we’ve competed against him over the years. I just know he has a reputation as a really solid professional. I think he’s displayed that the short period of time he’s been here.”
Derrick Harmon
Coach Tomlin was asked if he can learn much about Derrick Harmon from these four days, or does he really need to get the pads on to have any kind of sense of where Harmon is.
“The big man game is played in pads, and I’m looking forward to seeing him and others under those circumstances. Not to discount what he’s done, but that’s such a major component of his job description.”
Kaleb Johnson
Coach Tomlin was asked how he has seen Kaleb Johnson embrace the challenge of improving his receiving ability in pass pro and trying to improve on those areas.
“He’s a willing worker, but you know he needs to improve in all areas. All young people do. We’ve yet to play in pads, and obviously, regarding his position, that’s a major component. So, it’s an incomplete body of work, but it’s an incomplete body of work for all of us at this juncture. Next week is big in terms of some of those things. Blitz pickup is something that’s really evaluated in pads. Certainly, he’s been working to develop and hone his technique, but the physical component is something that’s very difficult to simulate.”
Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen on the Steelers YouTube Channel HERE
