5 Steelers players who made the most of minicamp

[hawaiiansteel]

5 Steelers players who made the most of minicamp

JOE RUTTER | Friday, June 15, 2018

Minicamp is in the books, vacation is on the horizon for the players and five-plus weeks remain until training camp begins at Saint Vincent in Latrobe.

Before football becomes an afterthought and the calendar flips from spring to summer next week, let's look at five Steelers players who benefited from the three-day minicamp that concluded Thursday:

1. QB MASON RUDOLPH

The rookie third-rounder held his own during OTAs, taking advantage of Ben Roethlisberger's absence from seven sessions to get valuable repetitions under center. Roethlisberger, like most offensive starters, was given the final day of minicamp off, allowing Rudolph and second-year quarterback Joshua Dobbs to take the snaps.

Rudolph will head into training camp with a chance to win the backup job from Landry Jones. Nothing he did over the past month at spring workouts showed he isn't up to the challenge.

2. WR JAMES WASHINGTON

Rudolph's running mate at Oklahoma State already was expected to push for playing time as the No. 3 wide receiver. With JuJu Smith-Schuster missing all spring workouts, including minicamp, because of a knee injury, Washington continued to accrue valuable practice time. Although veterans Justin Hunter and Darrius Heyward-Bey often worked with the first team, Washington was on the field for a lot of three-receiver sets. He also continued to develop a rapport with Rudolph.

3. RB JAMES CONNER

Showing he is fully recovered from MCL surgery, Conner continued to impress when the ball was in his arms. He flashed nice speed and cutback ability in the backfield. Sure, it was nothing more than football in shorts and no hitting was permitted, but Conner looked up to the task of handling the workload while Le'Veon Bell stays at home without a contract.

4. S JORDAN DANGERFIELD

Free-agent acquisition Morgan Burnett sat out minicamp with what coach Mike Tomlin termed a minor injury. This opened playing time for a younger player on the roster.

Instead of selecting rookie first-rounder Terrell Edmunds to work alongside Sean Davis in the secondary, the Steelers went with Dangerfield, the former undrafted player from Towson. Perhaps the coaching staff didn't want to disrupt Edmunds' rhythm with the second team as he tries to learn the playbook. Or maybe they wanted to get an extended look at Dangerfield, who has played sparingly despite being around since 2014.

5. LB TYLER MATAKEVICH

When Matakevich took first-team reps at the start of OTAs, it seemed like only a matter of time before he started alternating series with free-agent Jon Bostic. That hasn't happened yet, an indication that Tomlin is serious about giving Matakevich a legitimate shot at starting aside Vince Williams at inside linebacker.

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...st-of-minicamp

[Steel Maniac]

Got my doubts about Tyler but I hope he and Boston are what we need; since it doesn’t seem like we’ll be adding Bowman to the mix.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

... With JuJu Smith-Schuster missing all spring workouts, including minicamp, because of a knee injury,

...
Free-agent acquisition Morgan Burnett sat out minicamp with what coach Mike Tomlin termed a minor injury.

...
http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/...st-of-minicamp

Wow, I hadn't heard about these injuries. Definitely worrisome, esp. JuJu out with a knee injury.

Anyone remember reading about these injuries before?

[fordfixer]

Dangerfield finally getting some respect

[RuthlessBurgher]

Ramon Foster gives his list of Steelers players who have impressed this offseason

The Steelers’ staring guard gives talks players who have been turning heads this offseason.

By Jeff Hartman
Jun 18, 2018, 1:45pm EDT

Last season Ramon Foster could have been labeled a fortune teller after mandatory minicamp wrapped up. After the final workout, the Steelers official website asked him who impressed on the field the past few weeks.

His answer was, “No. 40”, and that player was none other than Mike Hilton.

As we all know, Hilton went on to be a large part of the Steelers’ defense in 2017 and did more than just make Foster look like a tremendous prognosticator, he proved to be a critical part of the team.

So, with his 2017 prediction proved accurate, who stood out through 2018 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp?

“No 38, the kid from North Carolina Sate,” Foster told Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com this week.

“He looks well conditioned,” Foster assessed. “He’s a guy that’s finding the hole and going, he’s fast. He has to work on a few things as far as protections, but he’s looking really good.”

“He’s doing more than just run the ball,” Foster said. “Le’Veon (Bell) created the blueprint for this thing. If you’re a young running back that’s coming up, learn how to run the ball and catch the ball.

“He’s made two or three combat catches in the end zone, back-shoulder fades and jump-balls where you’re like, ‘this kid’s got something,’ receiver stuff, which is huge. That gives him an opportunity. He’s just so stoic, too. He’ll catch the ball and just go back like it’s work as usual. That’s what you have to appreciate about a young guy like that.”

“Another one is (running back James) Conner,” Foster continued. “Conner is looking really damn good. No. 38 and Conner have both had really good off-seasons.

“Another one is (wide receiver) Justin Hunter. He’s making plays I didn’t see him make all of last year, for sure. Justin’s looking like a guy, I wouldn’t be surprised if Justin has a really good year this year. Deep balls, high jump-balls, he’s just catching combat catches. Justin is looking really good.”

“Justin, No. 38 and Conner have had really good springs. Those three are guys I’m really looking forward to seeing (in training camp), but mostly Justin.”

Foster has called his shot before, but will he be able to do it again? If he does, it would only mean good things for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense in 2018.

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/6/18/17475030/ramon-foster-gives-his-list-of-steelers-players-who-have-impressed-this-offseason-james-conner-nfl

[flippy]

So, with his 2017 prediction proved accurate, who stood out through 2018 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp?

“No 38, the kid from North Carolina Sate,” Foster told Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com this week.

“He looks well conditioned,” Foster assessed. “He’s a guy that’s finding the hole and going, he’s fast. He has to work on a few things as far as protections, but he’s looking really good.”

“He’s doing more than just run the ball,” Foster said. “Le’Veon (Bell) created the blueprint for this thing. If you’re a young running back that’s coming up, learn how to run the ball and catch the ball.

“He’s made two or three combat catches in the end zone, back-shoulder fades and jump-balls where you’re like, ‘this kid’s got something,’ receiver stuff, which is huge. That gives him an opportunity. He’s just so stoic, too. He’ll catch the ball and just go back like it’s work as usual. That’s what you have to appreciate about a young guy like that.”

I can't wait to see #38 get some playing time. He's probably the draft pick I'm most excited to see develop. I think the Steelers hit a home run on this pick and are getting a very special player.

[RuthlessBurgher]

I can't wait to see #38 get some playing time. He's probably the draft pick I'm most excited to see develop. I think the Steelers hit a home run on this pick and are getting a very special player.

Jaylen Samuels was my choice for favorite draft pick this year

Your favorite Steeler draft pick in the 2018 draft?

Mine is RB/FB/TE/H-back Jaylen Samuels, N.C. State 6'0" 225 lbs. with pick 5.165

From NFLDraftScout:

Playing every offensive position (except offensive line) over his collegiate career, Samuels was a do-everything performer at NC State, running wildcat, taking hand-offs, lead blocking and lining up outside and in the slot. The ACC created an “all-purpose” category on their postseason all-conference team to fit a player with Samuels’ skill-set.

Samuels averaged 6.1 yards per rush for the Wolfpack, but his abilities as a pass-catcher are what will be his calling card in the NFL. He passed Jerricho Cotchery and Torry Holt for the most career receptions (202) in NC State history and has NFL-level ball skills to extend, snag and finish throws away from his body.

Chameleon skill-set and comfortable filling multiple offensive roles. Coordinated route-runner with short-area quickness to separate from man coverage. Consistently extends and bails out inaccurate throws with his catch radius. Makes focused grabs in congestion. Open-field athleticism to sidestep and force missed tackles. Never concedes and runs through contact to finish. High football IQ and situational awareness. Assignment alert in pass protection…tough to find accurate words to describe his extreme competitive nature and isn’t shy letting the opponents know about it. Played every non-lineman position on offense, using his versatility to exploit defenses. Finished his career with almost 3,000 yards of total offense and didn’t miss a game the last four seasons. School’s all-time leader in receptions (202), consecutive games with a reception (41) and ranks second all-time in offensive touchdowns (47).

Granted, in terms of pure RB ability, Samuels is not in Le'Veon Bell's league (or else he would never have lasted to round 5), but he is built very similarly to Le'Veon Bell and excels at all of those other Le'Veon Bell type of things such as catching the ball out of the backfield, can run a full route tree from the slot position, can block well, has a nose for the goal line, has a high football IQ, competitive nature, etc.

There has been preseason talk of a "pony backfield" in Pittsburgh for years which never seems to come to fruition once the regular season arrives, but putting Bell and Samuels in the same backfield could cause fits for defenses, because either of them could line up virtually anywhere, can carry the ball, can block, can run routes, can catch, etc.

I could really see a Larry Centers like career for this kid (remember him with the Cardinals in the 90's?). If not, think back to former Steeler (and Seahawk) John L. Williams...something like that. I don't see him ever being a RB1, but even if he only gets handed the ball 2 or 3 times per game, I think he is capable of catching 50 or 60 ball for 500-600 yards in any given season.

http://www.planetsteelers.com/forums...the-2018-draft

Last year, the under-the-radar player that I was most excited about coming into training camp was Mike Hilton, and that worked out tremendously well for us...here's hoping for a repeat performance.

07-17-2017
10:53 AM
RuthlessBurgher

Okay, folks...I'm back from my week long trek to Alaska (amazing trip, by the way...drank water from a glacier, kissed a moose and everything)...

With camp now only 10 days away, I gotta revive this prediction thread and take my shot here.

I'm hearing some very positive things about tiny DB Mike Hilton.

I'm predicting that this 5'9" 184 lbs. former UDFA (who spent camp last year with Jacksonville last August, then was on New England's practice squad for only 1 week last September, before ultimately landing on our P.S. in mid-December) not only makes the final 53, but I also see him beating out wily vet Will Gay, free agent signing Coty Sensabaugh, rookie 3rd round pick Cam Sutton, and former Ole Miss teammate Senquez Golson for the starting slot corner position between Artie Burns and Ross Cockrell.

I see him being the defensive equivalent of what undersized UDFA Eli Rogers gave us in the slot last year on offense.

How's that for a prediction?

http://www.planetsteelers.com/forums...ghlight=hilton

[Iron City Inc.]

We're talking minicamp? Minicamp? Not training camp? Training camp is at least real practice. Practice! You get my point do NOT get to excited or to down on anyone this time of year. Camp opens in 6 weeks I'll be there and we'll get at least some idea of what we have or don't have at that time.

[hawaiiansteel]

We're talking minicamp? Minicamp? Not training camp? Training camp is at least real practice. Practice! You get my point do NOT get to excited or to down on anyone this time of year. Camp opens in 6 weeks I'll be there and we'll get at least some idea of what we have or don't have at that time.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Top 5 Pittsburgh Steelers story lines heading into training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for training camp, and there are some story lines to keep an eye on leading up to camp.

By Jeff Hartman
Jun 20, 2018, 9:29am EDT

It may seem like a long ways away, but July 25th will be here before you know it, and that is the exact date the Pittsburgh Steelers report to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA for their annual training camp leading up to the 2018 regular season.

The 90-man roster has been set for several weeks now, and besides a few tweaks here and there, what you see is what you get for the black-and-gold. With the players set, what will people be talking about as the team heads to training camp? Here are the Top 5 story lines to keep an eye on.

What do you think will be the outcome of these story lines? Let us know by leaving a comment in the comment section below, and become a part of the BTSC community!

Le’Veon Bell Contract

Of course this has to be the top story line. Why? Because Le’Veon Bell is one of the best players on the Steelers’ offense, and the deadline for him signing a long-term deal, or playing under the franchise tag, will fall just before players report to camp (July 16). If the team is somehow able to ink Bell to a long-term deal, it will be a huge story line for both the roster, and the salary cap. However, if the two parties fail to find middle ground for a second-straight year, the story line will be Bell’s swan song in the Steel City.

Backup QB

Coming into the season it was assumed rookie Mason Rudolph would be QB3 and Landry Jones QB2, leaving Joshua Dobbs looking for new employment elsewhere. While it is only football in shorts, Rudolph has impressed making many wonder if he could backup Ben Roethlisberger, making Jones and/or Dobbs expendable. Having a story line surrounding the backup quarterback position is a good problem to have, meaning you have an entrenched starter, but this will be fun to watch, and make the preseason more watchable than previous years.

Safety battle

What to do at the safety position? The Steelers picked up Morgan Burnett and Nat Berhe in free agency, Sean Davis is the lone safety returning from last year and Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen were both selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Throw in Jordan Dangerfield and you have a full house of safeties entering training camp. The story line here isn’t so much who will make the team, but how will the team use these players? Will they deploy Edmunds and/or Allen as sub package specialists? Will the safeties be expected to ease some of the burden off the lack of inside linebacker athleticism lost by Ryan Shazier? Who will play free safety? All of these answers will come soon enough when camp begins.

Inside Linebacker

Speaking of inside linebacker, how the Steelers plan on using these players is anything but certain. Jon Bostic was signed in free agency, yet Tyler Matakevich spent the entire offseason alongside Vince Williams as the starting linebacker. Will Bostic be nothing more than depth? Will Matakevich be able to hold down the starting linebacker spot without jeopardizing the entire defense? Who will be staying on the field during sub packages? Plenty of questions, and unlike the backup quarterback role, the decisions made at this position will have a huge impact on the team.

Running Back

Le’Veon Bell will be in black-and-gold this year no matter what, and the story line with this position resides in the depth at the position. James Conner has reportedly looked great this offseason, but behind him is up for grabs. Jaylen Samuels’ versatility is attractive, and the question then becomes how many backs will the Steelers keep? Assuming Bell, Conner, Samuels and Roosevelt Nix make the team, what will they do? Will Fitzgerald Toussaint continue to defy the odds and make the team, or will someone like Stevan Ridley impress enough to make the roster?

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/6/20/17476362/top-5-pittsburgh-steelers-story-lines-heading-into-training-camp-mason-rudolph-leveon-bell-nfl-news