Football is back! Rookie minicamp Friday 5-11-18 (Part 1 of 2)

[Buzz]

I don't believe Edmunds, Rudolph and Okafor have signed yet, but apparently that doesn't preclude them from attending minicamp.

[pittpete]

[Ghost]

Just a dumb question ... I didn't see that we'd signed all the rookies, but they all participated in mini-camp?

I thought folks weren't allowed to do official Steeler activities till they'd signed? Or did I miss it that they all had already?

Thanks!

Every team in the league has some form of a “rookie participation agreement” that guys sign who have not signed an actual contract (each team has their own way of writing the agreement – it’s not specified by the NFL or Player’s Association). For the drafted players, it assure them the team will deal with them in good faith and sign them to the contract they would have otherwise signed – all contracts for every draft position now have a slotted salary amount so it's somewhat set for what they would make.

I’d have to assume the undrafted guys have their agents work with the Steelers for some sort of similar agreement for compensation or at least medical coverage should they get hurt. Since 95% + of the undrafted guys won’t make the team I’d guess they are not playing hardball when it comes time to agree to show up and participate in practice and drills.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

The Steelers are putting first-round safety Terrell Edmunds' versatility to the test early in rookie minicamp. Edmunds (No. 34), who looks every bit of 217 pounds, said he played safety and linebacker snaps for the defense. He's also getting to show his leadership by making a few defensive calls. "You can't think that you are a first-round pick and everything is going to fall to you," Edmunds said. "I come out here and compete every day."


Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Wide receiver James Washington said he models his game after Dez Bryant, and he displayed a few Dez qualities in Steelers rookie minicamp - burst after the catch and ability to secure the ball in traffic. Washington had a few indecisive moments running routes, but coach Mike Tomlin said the second-round pick made big plays on Day 2.


Jeremy Fowler
ESPN Staff Writer

Mason Rudolph "made some plays" on Day 2 of Steelers rookie minicamp, coach Mike Tomlin said. Despite a few under-center fumbles on Day 1, the quarterback responded with seven straight completions in team drills, according to receiver Marcus Tucker, who likes Rudolph's "really big arm" and leadership. "Certain guys just have a command of the huddle, and I think he's one of those guys," he said.