The Steelers are about a week into training camp, and the consensus feeling is that this years camp is different.
Refreshingly different.
Training camp was typically physically grueling under Mike Tomlin, but Mike McCarthy brings a new approach of precision and tempo. Through a week of practices, the “ramp up” period is complete and the pads have begun to clash.
The emphasis has been on the ability to play fast by applying the classroom and spring install directly to the field. Offensively, the quarterbacks have had a good handle on the new playbook with McCarthy never too far to do some hands on coaching. The defenders have been seen moving around the formations and playing free and fast, rather than overthinking.
Below are some thoughts and notes on the first four practices of Steelers training camp.
QBs Stealing the Show
Training camp is set up for QB success. Quarterbacks can’t be hit or even disrupted in any way. No pads and lowered physicality favor receivers slicing through secondaries, but all four quarterbacks have looked comfortable and confident slinging the ball all over the field, and I do mean slinging.
The entire field is being used. Aggressive shots downfield and across the middle – an area of the field unknown to nearly an entire generation of Steelers fans.
Aaron Rodgers’ arm is as live as ever, making crispy throws with ease. Mason Rudolph looks like Mason Rudolph, the veteran backup. While Will Howard isn’t the natural thrower that his counterparts are, his work ethic shows through, having mastered the offense and made some very nice touch throws of his own. Drew Allar’s development appears to be rapid, with obvious improvement from OTA’s and minicamp, where his teardown and rebuild began.
McCarthy vowed to “develop the room,” and the results are clear, at least as far as they can be in this setting.
Defense on the Move
The earliest reports on Patrick Graham’s defensive philosophy were that he molds his scheme around the players, but he also comes with some refreshing wrinkles of his own.
The most refreshing are players on the move. The versatility gives the defense the advantage by keeping the offense guessing. They cannot key in on blocking schemes to eliminate a rusher or take advantage of a weakness in the secondary or along the defensive line. A few versatile pieces of note so far:
- Edge rushers swapping sides & lining up inside
- 3 edge rushers on the field at once
- Yahya Black taking starter snaps at nose tackle
- Keanu Benton is playing all positions along the DL
- Jaquan Brisker at nickel and safety
Unfortunately, with Jalen Ramsey on the PUP list, he’s yet to take the field, but when added to the mix, he will give the defense even more versatility at corner and safety.
Depth Chart
The team announced its first depth chart yesterday. It represents more of a formality than gospel, but there are a few observations of note:
- Mason Rudolph listed as QB2, ahead of Will Howard
- Broderick Jones is listed as LT2, although he’s been practicing with the 3rd team. While recovering from a neck injury, he wasn’t able to work out. He’ll assume 2nd team reps once he regains football shape.
- Eli Heidenreich listed as RB6 and doesn’t appear anywhere else on the depth chart
- Roman Wilson is one of three starting wide receivers, ahead of Germie Bernard
- Yahya Black is the starting NT with Keanu Benton now a DT
- Malik Harrison has fallen behind Carson Bruener at ILB
- Jalen Ramsey is NCB with Jaquan Brisker at S
- Free safety and strong safety are not specified
- Kaden Wetjen has already won the KR/PR jobs
Other Thoughts/Notes
Lets Keep Four
I remain adamant that it’s not far-fetched to keep 4 QBs on the 53-man roster. The positional versatility that Mike McCarthy prefers lends itself perfectly to sacrificing a roster spot for a 4th QB. Having so many players capable of contributing at multiple positions maximizes roster flexibility. Mason Rudolph continues his role as primary backup, in case a spot starter is needed. Will Howard continues to develop in competition to the QB of the future.
Logjam at RB3
Kaleb Johnson, Travis Homer, Lew Nichols, and Eli Heidenreich are fighting for a single spot behind Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren.
- Eli Heidenreich brings versatility to contribute on 4 phases of special teams, as well as on offense at running back and receiver. He hasn’t wooed in practice so far.
- Travis Homer was a targeted free-agency signing. He provides strong special-teams ability with some experience carrying the ball on offense.
- Lew Nichols was impressive in training camp and preseason in 2025, but he’s likely a camp body who could be kept on the practice squad once again
- Kaleb Johnson is the most interesting due to his 3rd round selection just one year ago. He’s been given a good opportunity to impress by earning first-team reps. He’s also participated as a kick returner, which offers a great chance at redemption after his woeful attempt last season.
This feels like Travis Homer’s job right now. His experience and special-teams ability give him flexibility and value. Eli Heidenreich is a prime practice squad candidate, with Lew Nichols joining him if they elect to keep two RBs. Kaleb Johnson screams trade candidate to me. He’s young, fresh, and talented. Unfortunately, he just doesn’t fit under the new staff and could garner a draft pick in return.
WR is a Strength
A weakness for far too long, wide receiver has become a strength for the Steelers. Roman Wilson’s impressive showing has earned him the WR3 position, keeping 2nd-round rookie Germie Bernard at bay – for now. A WR corps that was all-DK or nothing last season is now 4 deep with Metcalf, Pittman, Wilson, and Bernard.
Wilson is unique in that he is the only one of the bunch who has the quickness and speed to consistently separate.
Yahya Black at Nose Tackle
Everyone besides Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin knew Keanu Benton had no business lining up as the primary nose tackle. Thankfully, the new staff recognizes that, and Yahya Black has taken the majority of first-team reps at the nose. Benton is on a contract year and will be hungry. Now the coaching staff has put him in the best position to succeed. It could be a big year for Benton.
Derrick the Disruptor
Reports indicate that Derrick Harmon is a major disruptor in camp so far – looking much more like the player I evaluated before the 2025 draft. I wrote,
“Harmon is a high-energy defender who wins early, but sometimes overexerts himself and fails to finish at the QB or at the ball carrier.”
Last year, we saw Harmon excel as a run stopper by simply standing his ground, but this year it appears he’s playing free and fast. I look forward to him disrupting the passing game along with his run-stopping ability.
Preseason 1 Week Away
Next Thursday, the Steelers will host the Packers in their first preseason game. Following another week of camp, I’ll present to you “What I’m Looking For” in the “real” Steelers football of the 2026 season.
Make sure you’re following on X for all updates & articles. Excited for a new season and hope you will follow along.
