What Are The Largest Issues We Realized Throughout Steelers Minicamp?

What are the biggest things we learned about the Steelers during minicamp and OTAs?

The Steelers wrapped up minicamp and the players are all down in Cancun or something, so it’s reflection time. While we won’t see the team again until they break for training camp, most of the pieces of the puzzle are in place. So, what do we know about the Steelers and the team they will be in 2025?

The most obviously important thing we learned about the Steelers during minicamp is who their quarterback will be. For better or worse, it will be Aaron Rodgers — because he wouldn’t be here if not. But with that overwhelmingly obvious point out of the way, what other key details did we learn? Feel free to share your thoughts, but here are some of mine, in no particular order.

• Broderick Jones feels more comfortable at left tackle, which will hopefully lead to better play. Jones is potentially the key to the success of the entire offensive line for the foreseeable future. That makes his comfort level a big deal, not just now, but five years from now. And for now, they have Aaron Rodgers to protect. Jones admitted the Steelers will have to learn his tendencies when he spoke during minicamp.
• Ostensibly, the Steelers showed during minicamp they are very high on WR Calvin Austin III. That doesn’t mean they won’t trade for a wide receiver, even if it seems they’re more interested in tight ends. But it means they do believe in him and anticipate he’ll be a significant contributor.
• This one is too hard to call because it’s too early, but everyone is impressed with Cole Holcomb. But being impressed with somebody doesn’t mean you have an opportunity for him. All the Steelers who spoke about him in minicamp glowed, but can he earn playing time? I’m sure he doesn’t want people to know him as just the guy who returned from injury.
• Darnell Washington came to play this year and wants to be a part of the Steelers’ passing offense, as he showed in minicamp. Entering Year 3, he is really evolving into a professional and studying his craft. He is working on transforming his body, and it seems everyone noticed.

Feel free to add, but these are the Steelers stories that stuck out to me from minicamp and OTAs.

The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, whatever they feel the need to call it, after another disappointment last season. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.

Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback question. While they ultimately traded George Pickens, they have other decisions to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so most of the roster construction is complete.

But we still have a long offseason ahead for Steelers football, or football in shorts. At least we can finally put the Aaron Rodgers situation to bed and move on to other things. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.