Minicamp is the next step in the process to get to the final roster for many across the NFL.
The Steelers just wrapped a bow on their minicamp process, which means the next time the team will come together is at training camp. It will be interesting to see how some of the top players coming out of minicamp and OTAs translate that success over to Latrobe.
Some might be able to carry this success through training camp and onto the 53-man roster when it is all said and done.
Perhaps the obvious choice on the offensive side of the ball has been none other than Calvin Austin III. It makes sense for him to stand out this time of the offseason as he has tons of speed to burn, and no pads are on. He has excelled in this area of the team-building process with the Steelers before, but he has been getting rave reviews this time around.
Steelers' new receivers coach Zach Azzanni has been nothing short of impressed by the receiver.
“His game has improved. I’m really, really excited for his season if he keeps practicing the way he’s been practicing,” said Azzanni.
Austin has not been able to turn the hype into great plays yet in his career, but he hasn't seen tons of chances go his way. With an open spot at receiver, this is the chance Austin needs to take. If he can play with his speed on the field throughout an entire season, then Austin could make a big jump. He needs to be more consistent to get there.
Some interesting notes have come out about the Steeler's rookie class during minicamp.
One interesting tidbit has been from the Steelers defensive coordinator who mentioned the possibility of Payton Wilson becoming the dime linebacker this year. His speed is something that fans will love to see. He has the right mindset going into training camp and competing with his teammates for snaps on defense.
Wilson has a chance to be an impactful rookie for Pittsburgh and make some waves as a starter at some point this season.
From one linebacker to another as Nick Herbig seems to be building his own hype train going into year two.
Since Markus Golden remains off the roster and in free agency limbo, Herbig is the only viable option at outside linebacker behind the two starters. Everyone knew that Herbig would be the front-runner for the third edge rusher role coming into the preseason process. It seems like Herbig could outperform that duty to some degree.
It is unlikely that he could take snaps away from Alex Highsmith, but if he performs strongly at training camp, then the Steelers might not have another option.
Mr. Do-it-all this minicamp has been none other than undrafted rookie John Rhys Plumlee.
He has been in the spotlight during the team-building process, as no one seems to know what the Steelers plan on doing with him. Plumlee signed with the team to be a quarterback, but they seem primed to try him out at multiple spots. He was practicing as a returner during minicamp. He also played receiver in college, so we will see if the Steelers give him a shot at doing multiple things at camp.
If Plumlee wants a realistic chance at making the roster, he will need to show he can provide snaps beyond just a quarterback role.
No other undrafted rookie has had a better off-season process than Beanie Bishop.
He has been able to be sticky in coverage and show that he is a fast learner. He remains consistent in his game and in the right spot from play-to-play. Bishop comes out of West Virginia and led college football in pass breakups last season. He should be on everyone's radar as a potential surprise to make the 53-man roster once the preseason concludes.
It is an open competition at cornerback at training camp, so the arrow is pointing up for Bishop potentially making the team.
