3 Offensive Steelers Players Who Need to Shine During Training Camp
With Steelers training camp right around the corner, the NFL’s kickoff weekend is only drawing closer. The summer lull following the draft is coming to a close, and it’s time for the team to get to work for the upcoming season. Here are three offensive players who need to shine in the upcoming weeks.
WR Roman Wilson
Wilson is coming into his second season as a pro. A 2024 third round draft pick from Michigan, Steelers fans have yet to catch a glimpse of this man suiting up on Sundays. Following the George Pickens trade, there once again is a vacancy at the WR2 position. Wide receivers currently on the Steelers roster include:
Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Brandon Johnson, Montana Lemonious-Craig, Lance McCutcheon, DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Cordarrelle Patterson, Ben Skowronek, Roc Taylor, Ke’Shawn Williams, and Robert Woods.
Barring injury, DK Metcalf is the clear WR1. With the remaining options? I think Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III are likely battling for the WR2 spot. While I like Calvin Austin III, I like him a lot more as a #3 option than I do as a #2. This is mostly due to his size and speed. He’s a quick, tiny guy, and I feel his best fit would be in the slot. Another wide receiver could always emerge as a sleeper. However, as it stands today, I can’t help but feel the Steelers felt comfortable with the Pickens trade because they believe in Austin III and Wilson. Roman Wilson needs to have a big camp and step up in year 2. Pittsburgh needs someone on the outside opposite DK Metcalf who can be a viable option for Aaron Rodgers, and I’m hoping he shows he can fit the bill.
Broderick Jones
In the tail end of his rookie season, Steelers fans were excited about Broderick Jones. He showed glimpses of a player who was worthy of the 2023 14th overall pick, glimpses of a book end tackle for the next decade. Unfortunately, he didn’t fair as well in the 2024 campaign. The sophomore slump seemed to have hit Jones full storm, and it was hard for even the causal football fan to overlook a few costly penalties against him.
Coming into year three, we as fans still don’t know who Broderick Jones is. Will he grow into a player worthy of his first round selection? Will he be an average to below average starter, or will he eventually settle into a role as a career backup in the NFL? The jury is still out. I’m hopeful Jones will have a breakout year in 2025, especially with rumors of him switching back to left tackle. While he has played more snaps on the right side, many believe he is more natural on the left.
The Steelers offensive line still has a lot of question marks despite the high draft capital invested in it. Pittsburgh needs to hit on this pick, and Broderick Jones needs to have a strong outing at camp. Without it, and without a cohesive offensive line as a whole, the Steelers will again struggle on offense in 2025.
Troy Fautanu
Pittsburgh’s 2024 first round pick from Washington, Fautanu lost his entire rookie season to injury. I can imagine it was disappointing for the young man, as it was a disappointment to most of Steelers Nation. However, looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to see what Fautanu can do.
With the offensive investments Pittsburgh has made this offseason, including the additions of DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, Jonnu Smith, and Kaleb Johnson, the offensive line really needs to play well. I hate to beat a dead horse, and yes, this is another offensive lineman on the list, but the performance of the O-line makes or breaks the season for the Steelers. At least, it does in my opinion. Aaron Rodgers is 41 years old. He needs protection and time to distribute the ball to his playmakers, and he also needs to stay healthy. He’s not getting any younger, and he is just under two years removed from an Achilles tendon injury. Kaleb Johnson is thought of highly and is supposed to be a great fit for Arthur Smith’s outside zone scheme. Still, he can’t run effectively if no holes open for him.
Fautanu needs a great camp performance for both himself and for the Steelers. He drew the short straw being forced to miss his rookie season due to injury. It’s time to see what he can do at the NFL level. For the Steelers, they need him to fill the vacancy at left tackle left by Dan Moore, Jr. and protect Rodgers’ blind side. Everyone seems to think (or hopes) he can step right in and earn the starting job. Shining at training camp is the first step to earning that job.
G Mason McCormick.
A lot was put on this guy for being a 4th Rnd pick, much the same way the Steelers handled Dan Moore Jr. Not a word was said IF the Steelers were questioning if he can pick up where he left off last season, it’s just been assumed he was. Now that he’s coming into his second season, will he hit a sophomore slump?
The development of the entire offensive line can really change the trajectory of this team’s future. If Jones and Fautanu can prove they are as good as the their draft stock, McCormick can be solid, and Frazier does his thing, that’s a tremendous position group to have established, especially for as young as they are.
Something to remember about Wilson…
He was paired up with Quinyon Mitchell at the senior bowl several times prior to the draft, and Wilson made him look foolish several times.
I am super high on CAIII (I think he is about as talented as Zay flowers, but has been part of a struggling run first offense) and I still think Wilson has a real chance to out shine Austin this pre-season if he stays healthy.
Before the Pads came on last year, according to some other sites tracking, Wilson was leading the team in receptions, tds, yards, ect… in the first four days of camp. He is sudden, and reaches top speed as fast as anyone in the NFL.
I’m of the opposite mind when it comes to the slot WR. I’d rather have CA III’s speed on the outside, spreading defenses out. And a bigger body like Ric Taylor in the slot.