10 Players Who Impressed at Steelers Training Camp: Week 1
LATROBE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up Week 1 of training camp, and despite it being a "ramp up" week, there was no shortage of exciting plays.
Sleepers started to emerge early, and a few depth pieces are making enough noise that we should start paying attention. Leaving Saint Vincent College at the end of the first week, here's who stood out.
Nick Herbig, OLB
No one will make-or-break more when the pads come on than Nick Herbig. The rookie outside linebacker has taken full advantage of the first week of training camp, being virtually unstoppable on the outside.
He needs to continue his dominance once offensive linemen can get more physical, but early expectations for this fourth-round pick are high. Herbig appears to be just as explosive as the Steelers believed he was.
Hakeem Butler, WR
Butler was quiet during the few two days of practice but turned things around in a big way over the weekend. The XFL star had two deep catches on Day 3, showing his body control, and using his size to dominate second-team defensive backs.
If his play continues to rise, he should be worked into a few first-team reps with Kenny Pickett. That'll decide just how real he is for the Steelers, but he's on his way to earning that opportunity if he keeps making plays.
Anthony McFarland, RB
Anthony McFarland has been the most impressive offensive player through one week of training camp. The backup running back is fighting for a spot as the RB3, but as of now, it doesn't feel like much of a competition.
The fourth-year back is using his receiving skills to get involved with the first-team as an option out wide, and easily broke the biggest run of Week 1 at Saint Vincent College.
He's done this before, where he shines early and fades off, but this year he does seem to be much more comfortable on the field. If year four is his breakout season, the Steelers are going to get a decent return for their veteran runner and a player they've been waiting to burst onto the scene.
Alex Highsmith, OLB
You have to try not to judge Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt too much before the pads come on. Both players are too dominant to say they've been a "star" against linemen who can't actually block them.
But Highsmith does look even more explosive than he did a year ago. After signing his contract extension, expectations grew quiet a bit, and so far, he appears to be ready for the pressure.
He's giving Dan Moore Jr. a run for his money on every rep, and is going to make the left tackle competition very fun once Moore and Broderick Jones start splitting reps against him.
Elijah Riley, DB
Elijah Riley is turning a real opportunity to be a starter in Pittsburgh into a very narrow position battle. Tre Norwood continues to see the most first-team reps, but Riley is making the most plays, and he's working his way up the depth chart.
Riley ended the week with the starters and rounded out Week 1 with an interception, pass deflection and at least two sacks. He's yet to give up a big play (outside of a dropped touchdown in seven shots against George Pickens) and seems like the best fit for the job to this point.
Keanu Neal, DB
Keanu Neal is being utilized everywhere by the Steelers. Without Minkah Fitzpatrick, and now Damontae Kazee, he's the only true starter this team has at the safety position. That's still not stopping Teryl Austin from using him in the box, at inside linebacker, and even rushing off the edge.
Neal appears to be a natural fit in the defense and someone fans could get excited about once the pads come on and he's allowed to be more physical.
Connor Heyward, TE
Connor Heyward deserves a bigger role in the Steelers' offense. How a 5'11 tight end is this good, no one knows, but he's possibly the team's second-best route runner and could be their most reliable set of hands.
Right now, Heyward is being used as the backup receiving tight end behind Pat Freiermuth, and took a handoff up the middle that excited the entire sideline.
He's making plays every chance he gets, though, connecting with Mitch Trubisky a few times in all four practices.
He's developing quickly into a secret weapon for the Steelers.
Kenny Robinson, DB
The hometown defensive back has come into training camp red hot to start opening week. The Wilkinsburg representative has the coaches buzzing, and back-to-back days to end the week, you could hear defensive assistants yelling "atta boy Kenny" after plays.
Robinson finished Week 1 with two interceptions against Mason Rudolph, including one in the endzone during seven shots.
He's got a long way to climb before making this roster, but he's got some early buzz he can ride into Week 2.
Cody White, WR
Cody White has been around the Steelers for a few years, and the feedback you always get about him is that he's as reliable as they come. The long-time practice squad receiver is flashing some very nice catches during camp and it's hard to say he's dropped a pass so far.
White isn't a name to overlook at the bottom of the depth chart. He's a quality special teamer, has excellent hands and is familiar with the team. If there was a name that could surprise a lot of people, he'd probably be it.
Allen Robinson, WR
Allen Robinson looks more like 23-year-old ARob instead of 29-year-old ARob. The veteran wideout is making plays on a daily basis and has found an instant connection with Kenny Pickett.
Aside from being limited on the final day of the week like many other veterans, Robinson flashed excellence every day. His most notable catch came on a hesitation where he faked out Levi Wallace and found himself wide open for a long touchdown from Pickett.
Robinson was brought in to be the veteran presence with a chance to revive his career once again. From the looks of it, odds are high he succeeds in doing so.
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