2025 Steelers Training Camp Takeaways No.2: Offensive woes continue, and another former Raven joins the defensive backfield

Offensive Takeaways

• Early misconcommunication continues. C Zach Frazier snapped the ball between Aaron Rodgers' legs on the first play of 7 Shots
• Jonnu Smith, Cordarelle Patterson continue to not practice. Smith was seen stretching, but he did not work beyond that. 
• Calvin Austin works the slot with Roman Wilson getting more reps outside on day two
• Broderick Jones is receiving on-the-job training

What it means

Zach Frazier and the offense started things out a little leery, given the first play of 7 Shots was a snap that flew between Rodgers' legs, but it's a new year for everyone. 

Jonnu Smith and Cordarrelle Patterson continued to miss time on Friday, though Jonnu was seen stretching off to the side, and both remain day to day. 

The Steelers tinkered with the alignment of their WRs on Friday, with Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson swapping positions between outside and slot. Austin manned the slot more, and he was just as effective. 

As we have discussed, the Steelers' offense and the team in general will go as far as their offensive line goes, and that starts with Broderick Jones . He has to be ready to go come September, and get reps at LT against Alex Highsmith and others. 

Defensive Takeaways

• Steelers sign Chuck Clark before practice 
• Jalen Ramsey continues to play and blitz from the slot corner position 
• More alignment rotation from T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith 
• Another day of Derrick Harmon in the backfield

What it means?

The Steelers' defense already featured two starters who were former Baltimore Ravens via Patrick Queen and DeShon Elliott, but it now features another potential starter following the signing of safety Chuck Clark. That sets up for a camp battle between Clark and Juan Thornhill, as Mike Tomlin said after practice that Clark will be afforded the opportunity to play post-safety. 

Jalen Ramsey continues to play all over the backend of the Steelers' defense, and he continues to blitz from the slot. One thing is sure through two days. Between his movement and the alignment versatility we have already seen between him, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith, this defense will look very different. 

That includes the potential game-wrecking tendencies of rookie Derrick Harmon, who has had a great two days to start his Steelers career.