PITTSBURGH -- OTAs are the first time Pittsburgh Steelers rookies and veterans get together on the same field. That means it is an excellent time to gain new relationships, and especially mentorships for 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.