Early Winners at Steelers Training Camp
LATROBE -- There's been no shortage of impressive plays during the first two days of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Despite the heat and a "ramp-up" period, the team has shown plenty, and there have certainly been "winners" through two days of practice.
Here are five.
Nick Herbig, OLB
It's unclear how many sacks Nick Herbig has during the ramp-up period of training camp, but it's easily five-plus. The fourth-round pick has been the most impressive player on both sides of the ball through two days of practice, but it's important to take that with some caution.
Until the pads come on next week, the Steelers defensive line has a pretty significant advantage over the offensive linemen. Herbig is known for his speed and athleticism, and even if it's nice to see his get off be just as strong in the NFL as it was in college, we need to see his play stay consistent during a fully-padded battle.
Still, he's the biggest early winner for the Steelers.
Elijah Riley, Nickelback
Elijah Riley started training camp with an interception and continued on Day 2 with a sack. He's a natural off the edge and brings the exact slot blitz skills the Steelers are looking for.
His biggest challenge will be proving he's capable of playing the slot in coverage and sticking with some pretty talented receivers in the AFC North. Luckily, he'll get an opportunity to showcase his skills against Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin the remainder of camp.
Anthony McFarland, Running Back
The first two days of training camp practice has been HOT. The Steelers dealt with a number of heat-related injuries on Day 2, but that didn't stop McFarland from being the last player on the field both days.
The fourth-year pro has a real opportunity to earn a place on the roster and be involved with the offense. So far, he's taken first-team reps on both days and has made plays on both days - including a touchdown during redzone on a pass from Kenny Pickett.
McFarland seems to want it, and at this point, it should be expected that he's got the NFL game down. If he continues to work as he has, he should be the team's RB3.
Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver
Allen Robinson seems like the Pro Bowl wideout he once was in the NFL. Through two days of practice, he's caught a few touchdowns and has beat some of the team's best cornerbacks in Levi Wallace and Joey Porter Jr.
Robinson has played both the inside and outside and seems to have an instant connection with Kenny Pickett. If the two continue to click, he's an easy candidate for a breakout season - or bounce-back season, whatever you'd like to classify it as. But so far, he's a very promising piece to the offense.
Connor Heyward, Tight End
Connor Heyward appears to be much more comfortable now that he's got his feet wet with the Steelers. After finding his role on the team last season, he's come into training camp as part of the weapons they'd like to utilize.
Heyward is the team's primary option behind Pat Freiermuth as a receiving tight end. The team has used Zach Gentry and Darnell Washington as blockers in the run game, while the other two work as pass-catchers.
It's the perfect mix for the group of four and gives Heyward the role he needs to succeed. His connection with Pickett is certainly going to help him earn a place in the gameplan if he keeps this up.
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