The Steelers held their annual rookie minicamp over the weekend, allowing us to see the draft class, undrafted free agents, and some tryout players for the first time in a football setting as Pittsburgh Steelers. I say football setting because that’s exactly what it is. The players are in the black and gold, they’re on the field at the UMPC Rooney Sports Complex, and they’re being directed by the Steelers coaches, but there is very little actual football happening.
Organizations all treat this period of the offseason differently – the Steelers choose to treat it as an orientation of sorts. Much of what happens at minicamp occurs behind closed doors, such as meetings, team dinners, and even a tour of the Steelers Hall of Honor at the stadium. There is some light field work as well, which Mike Tomlin commented on, saying, “We got some on-field work and development of skill relative to the positions that they play.“
Two of the on-field sessions were open to the media, which, from afar, allowed me to make some light observations.
This Draft Class is BIG
Mike Tomlin stated in his post-draft press conference that their draft strategy was to “retool physicality,” and it’s safe to say that they executed their plan. Of course, when you add two defensive linemen and a run-stopping outside linebacker, they come with size. But, it appears even the offensive additions were part of the plan to “retool physicality”.
The 6’1″, 224-pound Kaleb Johnson appears to be a Najee Harris clone until he gets moving. He has a second gear, which is unnatural for a man of that size. Will Howard, whose 6’4″, 235-pound frame has drawn comparisons to Josh Allen appears to be a mountain of a man at QB. Of course, Allen is a monster physically, but I see more Andrew Luck than Allen in Howard’s physique. Regardless of who he’s compared to, Howard is a thick-bodied QB with the ability to move.
Along with Howard and Johnson, you’ll see the 6’2″, 256-pound DJ Thomas-Jones lined up in the backfield. A collegiate tight end, he was a priority UDFA for the Steelers, though it appears here he is playing a different position..
It Appears a Fullback is in Play
During free agency, the Steelers brought in 9-time Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a visit. He ultimately returned to San Francisco, but it was obvious that the position was in the teams plans going forward.
D.J. Thomas-Jones was a tight end in college, collecting 73 receptions for 653 yards and 12 TDs in his career, but at 6’2″ and 256 pounds, the Steelers must believe he is best suited to line up in the backfield.
Thomas-Jones may have a real shot at making the Steelers roster. Following the draft, he was a priority UDFA, receiving a $30,000.00 signing bonus – the highest ever given out by the team to a non-QB.
Connor Heyward is listed on the official roster as FB/TE, but the majority of his reps come on special teams. If a contributing fullback is to be used going forward, it will most likely come in a different form than Heyward.
The re-introduction of the fullback into the Steelers’ offense also contributes to their plan to “retool physicality”.
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I’ve watched a lot of Steelers football over the years, and I could be wrong, but this appears to be a new cadence for the offense..
Now I say it’s new to the Steelers offense, because we’ve heard this one before. It’s the same cadence famously used by none other than Aaron Rodgers.
Was it installed FOR Aaron Rodgers, and a slip-up by the coaching staff not considering that the media would be present and allowed to record? Not likely. They either don’t care, or it could just be offensive coordinator Arthur Smith having a little fun stirring things up a bit.
Whatever the case, it doesn’t appear to have been noticed by many, but I found it interesting. Still no official word on Rodgers by the way.
Don’t Count Out Undrafted Free Agents
Unofficial RB1, Jaylen Warren, became a Pittsburgh Steeler by way of free agency after he went undrafted out of Oklahoma State in 2021. Beanie Bishop earned his way onto the roster in 2024 as an UDFA and became a major contributor at nickel corner.
The Steelers value the undrafted free agent pool, often finding contributors there. When asked about their success at making the Steelers roster, Tomlin mentioned that there has to be an “element of their game that’s varsity“. To me, that’s very telling and can clue us in as to who has a chance to make the 2025 squad.
The aforementioned D.J. Thomas Jones has versatility with abilities as a blocker, receiver, and ball carrier, though his varsity element may be away from the game. After the 2021 season, Thomas-Jones entered the portal to transfer from Ole Miss and attend his hometown college of South Alabama. He didn’t ditch the SEC for the Sun Belt conference to improve his draft status; it was to be close to home to help his sick mother.
Sebastian Castro is an interesting UDFA in that he excels in a position of need for the Steelers. Although he is listed as a safety, Castro played 65% of his snaps in the slot position in his final season for the Iowa Hawkeyes. With questions at nickel between Beanie Bishop and newcomer Brandin Echols, Castro may be “varsity” enough to earn his way into the competition at Training Camp this summer.
Trey Sermon
Along with the rookies, several veteran players are invited to minicamp on a “tryout” basis. Running back Trey Sermon attended the camp and was awarded a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
Having spent time with the 49ers, Eagles, and Colts, Sermon has 505 career rushing yards and 3 TDs in his four-year career. He’s no lock to make the final roster, but he brings valuable depth with NFL experience to training camp and preseason.
