PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their third day of OTAs on Thursday, and unlike a rainy Wednesday, it was a crisp spring day down at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
With that being said, here is what we learned from the Steelers’ third day at OTAs:
Veteran mentors helping rookies
Veteran mentorships are always easy for rookies to get off the ground early. Nick Herbig took quite a liking to T.J. Watt early in his career. Cam Heyward had Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith to start his illustrious career.
Two rookies this year, Kaleb Johnson and Derrick Harmon, seem to be taking full advantage of their roster’s built-in mentors. For Harmon, that mentor is none other than Heyward himself, who is coming off an All-Pro season.
Growing up and playing football, Harmon idolized Heyward and what he brought to the team. Throughout the first three days of OTAs, Harmon has stuck to Heyward each day, asking him questions.
After all, that is what mentors are there for, and Harmon thinks he has a darn good one in the Steelers’ captain.
“It’s good to be around some vets, around older guys and just competing at a high level,” Harmon said. “Just trying to learn from all of those guys and ask them any questions I can. I don’t know what I don’t know, so I’m trying to learn this game and be dominant at this game.”
Harmon told Heyward he was coming in this week to hound him with questions, but he did not mind that.
“I told them I’m asking questions. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to learn,” Harmon said.
Johnson has vocally stated that he needs to work on his pass protection. The Steelers have one of the best pass-protecting backs in the NFL, Jaylen Warren, and Johnson has asked Warren for tips.
“We had drills today and it was straight pass protection. I really like that, because that’s something I really need to work on and something I really want to be reliable on when it comes down to it,” Johnson said. “I’m just out there working on my technique, my hips and everything like that. It’s been good. (Jaylen) Warren has been a huge help to me.”
Johnson has also asked Kenneth Gainwell many questions. He says Johnson is a vocal player who is willing to learn daily.
“He’s always willing to learn,” Gainwell said. “You know, he asks great questions, and he is detailed. He has the right mindset.”
The Steelers need both players to have huge first years for this team to replace Larry Ogunjobi and Najee Harris, and veteran mentors are a good start.
Brandin Echols’ spot
Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols can play outside or slot cornerback. He says the team has him playing outside for now, but he is still learning the nickel’s responsibilities in the playbook.
“If I had to shift inside, I feel like I’d be pretty comfortable. I know what I’m doing, I know what’s going on, so with the experience that I already got playing there, I just come out here and apply it, and it’ll become my normal,” Echols said.
Echols played just 150 snaps in the slot throughout his Jets career, and he even admitted that his body type is that of an outside cornerback. Of course, his body of work showcases a versatile player who can be a ballhawk.
Echols’ calling card is his ability to force turnovers. He has five career interceptions, including three in limited opportunities over the last two seasons.
No matter the position, Echols is prepared to take on the scheme and has already researched the specifics.
“Inside, you got more control over what’s going on on defense, because depending on what side you’re in, depends on what’s going on. Unlike corner, corner you’re getting told basically what to do here, and it’s kind of a free game at corner,” Echols said.
Beanie Bishop, who said he was the first-team slot cornerback on Tuesday, is in a battle with seventh-round pick Donte Kent for that spot.
Frazier ready to lead
The Steelers’ offensive line is obviously important this year, but their stud center, Zach Frazier, is hoping to reach new heights in his second season. That could mean All-Pro, but for Frazier, leadership is where he wanted to focus.
“I feel like it’s completely different. You kind of know what to expect now. Last year going into this time, you had no idea. Didn’t know what to expect, didn’t know what practices were like, still didn’t have a good grasp of the playbook. Now it feels a lot better. It’s nice,” Frazier said.
The focus is on building the Steelers’ young core out on the offensive line, and with the return of Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones’ shift to left tackle, Frazier sees that coming together.
“We want to build that core,” Frazier said. “We want to keep that core together for as long as we can and build on that.”
A sleeper rises
Ever heard of Max Hurleman? If you haven’t, it’s not your fault. Hurleman signed on as an undrafted free agent after his rookie minicamp tryout.
In college, Hurleman played a little bit of everywhere. Hurleman spent his first four seasons at Colgate before transferring up to Notre Dame, where he became a cornerback and return man for the Fighting Irish. With Colgate, he was a running back.
Now? The Steelers have him flipping between slot wide receiver and running back. This week, he has worked exclusively at slot wide receiver.
“I just like to play wherever they tell me to go. I like to say my position’s just football player. So, I have a lot of fun doing it all,” Hurleman said.
A former central Pennsylvania star at Wyomissing, Hurleman is a great athlete who walked on at Notre Dame for his final season. By the end of it, he was running with the second string.
At his pro day, Hurleman received a variety of feedback from scouts about his position. Some wanted him to play offense, while others liked him at cornerback. The Steelers liked him on offense, and that is where Hurleman thinks he turned some heads.
“Since high school, I’ve been training to run routes as a receiver,” Hurleman said. “I just happen to be listed as a running back during my time at Colgate. But even at Colgate, I did play a ton of snaps in the slot, ran the entire route tree. So I’m pretty comfortable with it and I’ve done it for a while. So there’s definitely a learning curve and every coach and every organization likes things a certain way, but I think the fundamentals are there because I’ve done it before.”
Hurleman is working as a return man for the Steelers in addition to his do-it-all gimmick on offense. Unsurprisingly, he looks up to Julian Edelman, who transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver. Some other star running backs who are elite receivers also fit the bill for players he models himself after.
“I can’t help but think of Julian Edelman initially. Just really loved the way that he played the game and obviously the positionless kind of way that he entered the league,” Hurleman said. “That’s very inspiring to me. And just, you know, he did whatever it took to make the team and to help the team win games. So that’s what I’m hoping to do. And I’m hoping to fill those shoes. Aside from that, more current players. I really like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, their running back styles.”
Hurleman has his head down and is working to earn a roster spot. So far, he has made a few tough catches. That has earned him some praise within the organization as he starts his career in the right way.
Brandon Johnson time?
With George Pickens traded to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers need someone on the outside to step up. Could Brandon Johnson be that guy? The veteran wide receiver is in his second year in Pittsburgh, and has a chance to make some noise this summer.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Johnson said. “I believe in myself. I’m just trying to do my best to do what I can and make the team and just contribute any way I can.”
Johnson has a famous cousin, Chad Johnson, who was a pretty good wide receiver. Johnson has not talked to him for a while, though, even if he would give him grief about playing on the Steelers while Chad shined with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Johnson is 6-foot-2 and an X-receiver at his heart. So far, his big-bodied frame has proven useful. Johnson confirmed that is where he is playing the most so far this spring, and he sees the opportunity to do more.
“Never take any time in this league for granted,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen guys come in one year and be gone the next. Never take anything for granted and put your best foot forward every day. You have to, otherwise your job will be gone.”
Other Notes
Keep an eye on Roman Wilson, who continues to flash. He has further developed his route tree, and the Steelers seem to like what he has shown in three days. He has the explosiveness and runway to a bigger opportunity.
Payton Wilson is a bit heavier this year and is ready to take on a more robust role with Elandon Roberts gone. He weighed in at 243 pounds, which he says is the heaviest he has ever been.
Tight end Donald Parham wants to earn a roster spot with the Steelers and enjoys Arthur Smith’s offense. He has changed his offseason training to stave off injuries.
Robert Woods described his style of play as ‘grimy.’ If he had said that to Arthur Smith, Smith would have loved it. Woods still thinks there is more for him to offer.
Will Howard noted he had a ‘rough’ first day but has improved over the last two days. That is natural for a rookie quarterback. And he is right; he has looked better as the week has passed.
Kenny Gainwell might seem like just another running back who is not guaranteed a roster spot, but the Steelers are high on the elusive running back. He will likely play some third-down snaps, and be their kick returner this season.