For the first time in what feels like a long time, the Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be at a premium for pass catchers. That was on full display in Day 1 of Steelers OTAs when Michael Pittman and second-round pick Germie Bernard put on their new jersey for the first time.
It was only the first session without pads, and while plenty can change between now and Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, but Bernard has all of the potential to be an impact player for the Steelers.
Steelers OTAs Day 1: Rookie WR Germie Bernard ‘Knows Everything’
Praise From Pittman
Pittman has seen a lot over the course of his six-year NFL career. The veteran receiver is closing in on 100 career games and has plenty of experience to share with every member of the Steelers receiver room. He has worked with a variety of quarterbacks in those six years, including Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan and Daniel Jones. It was a bit of a revolving door for him and the organization, and now he gets to work with a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, whose presence will result in a tough decision for the coaches when roster cuts come around.
On Day 1 of Steelers OTAs, Pittman was very complimentary of Bernard and believes he can make an impact right away.
“He’s been in here for two weeks, and it’s like he already knows everything,” Pittman told reporters on Monday, including PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh.
Farabaugh added that Pittman also shared with reporters that Bernard is handling everything the right way as a rookie. For Steelers fans, this is simply a breath of fresh air after the antics of newly-tagged George Pickens, Chase Claypool and Antonio Brown. It appears as if Pittsburgh has turned the page and will have a receiver who simply puts his head down and works hard every time he steps on the field.
D.K. Metcalf did not speak after Day 1 of Steelers OTAs, but it will be interesting to hear his perspective as well when the team’s PR staff makes him available to reporters.
Versatility is Key for Bernard
Bernard was utilized on the outside and in the slot last season at Alabama. Head coach Kalen DeBoer took advantage of his skill set to help gain every advantage in a tough SEC last year. Now, that experience is going to pay off for Bernard once he is fully ingrained in Mike McCarthy’s offense.
It is unknown if Bernard will be utilized on jet sweeps and swing passes out of the backfield like he was in Tuscaloosa, but it is almost a given that he will not line up exclusively in the slot or on the outside.
“Michael Pittman Jr. says that all of the WRs have been moving around to play the X, F, and Z positions in the offensive formation with Mike McCarthy,” Farabaugh also reported from Steelers OTAs.
Bernard’s ability to learn all three spots as quickly as possible will dictate how much playing time he gets in the early games of the season. However, given how complimentary Pittman was about him, it reveals that it should not be an issue for the new Steelers receiver.
“We like his versatility, his flex to play inside and outside,” offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said after Bernard was drafted. “And when we get him here, certainly we see a guy that can play inside, outside, and ultimately when we start practicing, we’ll see where he fits best with the other receivers.”
Bernard is Officially Signed
As if Monday wasn’t enough of a whirlwind of a day for Bernard, the Steelers second-round pick has officially signed his rookie deal. According to the team, it is a four-year deal for Bernard. His contract being taken care of and out of the way will now allow him to solely focus on football and learn McCarthy’s playbook.
One thing is certain: the future is very bright for Bernard.