5 Must-Watch Players at Steelers Training Camp
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to Saint Vincent College to start four weeks of training camp before heading into the 2023 season.
It's going to be exciting. The plays are going to bring plenty of thrills. And like every season, there are going to be players who sneak up on you without warning.
Then, there are the guys you need to watch from the jump. Not sleepers. Not young players who can make a name for themselves. Veterans whose presence needs to be felt in order for this team to succeed in the regular season.
Heading into Steelers training camp, these five stand tall amongst the rest.
Allen Robinson
The Steelers finally have a redzone threat. After trying to find their guy in Chase Claypool and possibly Zach Gentry, Pittsburgh decided they're going with a sure bet, trading for Robinson in the offseason.
Now, it's about production. Robinson is three years removed from his last 1,000-yard season or the last time he caught five-plus touchdowns.
Kenny Pickett is going to rely heavily on Robinson in the redzone. Pittsburgh loves to open practice with redzone play, which means we'll get an early look at Robinson's ability each day.
Calvin Austin
Some have dimmed the light on Calvin Austin with the uneasiness that he's coming back from a foot injury. Well, everything I've heard about the second-year wide receiver is that he's ready to burst onto the scene in an even bigger way than he would've as a rookie.
Austin should contribute in the slot and on the outside, and Najee Harris even mentioned him coming out of the backfield. He's got all the tools to be an electric player in the NFL, and as long as he's utilized well, and stays healthy, it's hard to imagine it doesn't work out.
Keanu Neal
Keanu Neal could compete for a starting job next to Minkah Fitzpatrick. He's also going to be used in a number of places on the field, moving into the box and possibly playing inside linebacker from time to time.
What Neal brings to Pittsburgh is a lengthened Terrell Edmunds. He has experience as a linebacker and has the ball skills for safety. The Steelers are going to utilize both of them, which could make Neal their secret weapon on defense.
Watching this player at practice is going to be exciting, and if he gets a few thuds during camp, he'll be an instant Steeler.
Patrick Peterson
There are two reasons to watch Patrick Peterson. First, to see if he's still got it. He's 32 years old but coming off a four-interception season. He says he's still got plenty in the tank, and the Steelers seem to believe him.
The second is to find out where he's playing. While the early expectation is him playing on the outside and bouncing to the slot, it could be that he's a full-time slot cornerback with some movement to the outside. And as the starters next to him, Levi Wallace and rookie Joey Porter Jr. will man the boundary.
Kenny Pickett
The Steelers' 2023 success relies on many things. None are bigger than Kenny Pickett.
The second-year quarterback is going to get his first training camp as the starter. All eyes will be on his play from the moment he steps on the field, and unlike Mitch Trubisky getting booed at camp a year ago, the reactions are (hopefully) more excitement than disappointment.
Every throw Pickett makes it going to be analyzed by the masses. He's the center of attention, with hundreds of fans watching six days a week.
It's time for the Steelers QB to feel the pressure and time for us to see how he reacts.
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