5 positive Steelers storylines coming out of Week 1 of OTAs
When it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers, negativity is king right now.
Fans and media alike just enjoy throwing that proverbial shade on the Steelers with every step this offseason.
- Waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision
- Inability to keep two decent wide receivers on the roster
- Questionable decision making in offseason moves
- Banking on the 2026 NFL Draft before the 2025 season
I could go on, but I feel you know exactly what I’m referring to when it comes to these thoughts among the fan base and specific media outlets.
As for me, I’m sick of all the negativity, and wanted to focus on the positive aspects of the Steelers first week of Phase III of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Yes, there were actually positive storylines this past week. So, before the team starts Week 2 on Tuesday, here are some positives coming out of these workouts:
1 – Cole Holcomb’s Return
I’ve said it on multiple podcasts, but I’ll say it here in writing as well. If Holcomb can come close to being back at his pre-injury status, the Steelers will have the deepest inside linebacker room in the NFL. Holcomb’s story is a great one not just for his comeback, but also his willingness to work with the Steelers during his rehabilitation. It seems he is ready to return and be a contributing member of the defense, and that is not just a great story, but great for the defense.
2 – Broderick Jones Dropping Weight
Last year our own KT Smith went to Saint Vincent College to check out a Steelers practice. He noticed Broderick Jones wearing a sweatsuit under his pads, and not looking ready to play. When you hear Jones has dropped 20 pounds this offseason, you can start to connect the dots on what Coach Smith saw last training camp. Good on Jones for taking the initiative, and executing the team’s plan for him, and coming into offseason workouts with a new body and mindset.
3 – Roman Wilson’s Back
Red shirt seasons in the NFL are difficult for anyone, let alone a 3rd Round pick. Nonetheless, Roman Wilson is hoping to pull a Calvin Austin III and have a productive first season after losing his rookie season to injury. Some have written off Wilson as a potential answer to the Steelers’ issues at wide receiver, but anyone who watched the clips from OTAs saw Wilson looking fast and fluid, something you didn’t see as he battled both ankle and hamstring injuries last season. It’s good to see Wilson at least having a hand in the pile for 2025.
4 – Kaleb Johnson’s Work Ethic
I didn’t realize Johnson was as big as he was until seeing video from OTAs. I knew his measurements, and watching his game tape from Iowa, but you don’t realize just how massive he is for a running back. Najee Harris was big too, but Johnson carries it differently. While Harris was thick, Johnson is lean and looked highly conditioned. But that’s not what surprised me the most. I loved to hear Johnson attacking his proverbial weakness in pass protection, and leaning on veterans like Jaylen Warren to help him improve. Diagnosing weaknesses this early in the game is a sign of maturation, and makes me like Johnson even more heading into 2025.
5 – Mason Rudolph, the Consummate Professional
I’ve felt bad for Mason Rudolph since 2018 when Ben Roethlisberger ripped the pick publicly on his weekly radio show. Since then Rudolph has been through more than most can say in their entire career.
- He was literally knocked out vs. the Ravens in 2019
- Accused of using a racial slur
- Had his own helmet used against him as a weapon
- Watched the team who drafted him show little interest in keeping him
- Saw others drafted after him
- Went to the Tennessee Titans, only to return the next year
He’s been through a lot, and through it all he has remained the consummate pro. Even as everyone is talking about Aaron Rodgers potential arrival to the team, Rudolph just does what he does. He keeps his head down and works. There is something to be admired with Rudolph’s approach, and he absolutely is a positive storyline after Week 1 of OTAs.
To hear more on this topic, check out the Friday “Let’s Ride” podcast, which can be heard in the player below.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for Week 2 of OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp.
Really do wish the Steelers would call off the soap opera and go with Mason. Rodgers is a shiny object who might be attractive to some with short range vision, but I believe Mason would ultimately take them to a better place.
I absolutely agree Ernie!
I concur. We’ll see how things play out. That James Dator sums up much of what many Pgh fans feel on SB Nation NFL, with the exception of double-Dutch dumb idea of trading for Cousins if AARod retires.
Lord, grant us the serenity to accept that which we cannot change.
Nice article Jeff. Positivity is good & the upside with all these scenarios are very possible. I understand all the concern of fanbase, but I do think we upgraded the team from last year no matter who is the QB.I do & have felt the same way about Mason for years. Is he a top tier QB, probably not but personally I’d be fine with Mason at the helm. I’ve always said that he did get a chance, but feel he never got a consistent chane. Seemed that something always happened to keep him off the field on a consistent basis. Being greedy I would like to see what he would do as a true QB 1 to finally answer my inner questions & do believe we have the team to have a decent season as I said I think the roster I improved from last year & do believe he could do better than just the moon ball we had last year.
100% Jason! Well stated.
Jeff, what an excellent article! So very well crafted and presented. Thank you! I’ll ride along and add my own thoughts as well:
1. Amen! Amen! Amen! When I saw video this past week of Holcomb going through some footwork drills, I was blown away by how complete he looked. I loved him when he was playing and I’ve been praying he could get back and contribute! It looks like he’s on track!
2. This is good. Haven’t really thought much about it, but I did see that. Maybe that means he has taken this opportunity with total seriousness to establish himself as that guy! That would be awesome for the good guys!
3. It’s hard to tell sometimes from the short clips, but he sure as heck did look explosive! Hopefully that will translate to actual games!
4. STUD. He look like nothing but a complete stud. Fast, sturdy, massive. I mean, what’s not to like?
5. For much the same reason you state in your opening sentence regarding Mason here, I have ALSO been a strong fan, unwavering supporter and dream keeper of Mr. Mason Rudolph since his drafting. I have been enough of a believer in him that I actually also followed the Titans last season to see him play. I, for one, am super glad he returned. I agree with all of your further points as well. I genuinely believe he can be (at minimum) a fine ‘bridge starter’ in 2025! I would LOVE to see him run an offense set up for him, crafted around his skill set and executed to his talents. For once with this team. He has ALWAYS run someone else’s offense in Pittsburgh. And on top of all that, as you pointed out Jeff, he has handled himself with nothing but quiet professionalism.
Agree w/SY. Time to take my own advice. Have a great Sunday!
Thanks SY!! Great additional thoughts too!
Thanks Jeff!
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s I’m happy that Mason Rudolph will be the Steelers starting quarterback and no Kirk Cousins and no Aaron Rodgers
Go w/Mason and save your money, and see what he can do. I believe he deserves a shot, and if it doesn’t work then that is another stone turned, and no what ifs going forward. I really don’t believe AR’s heart is into playing, at least not for the Steelers. I don’t believe he can lead the team to the SB, and last time I checked he’s had about the same drought in getting to the big game as MT.