Early risers and surprise standouts from Steelers Training Camp

As the Steelers grind through the heat of training camp in at Saint Vincent’s College in Latrobe, a handful of players are separating themselves from the pack. Whether it’s veterans reaffirming their dominance or newcomers making a name for themselves, these standouts are shaping the narrative heading into preseason.

Jalen Ramsey

The big name coming from the recent Miami Dolphins in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade has turned heads in Latrobe with his ability to make plays. Ramsey hasn’t lost any step, and looks like a major upgrade in the Steelers secondary: one who can also play anywhere on the field.

Ramsey can be seen lining up in press man on the line of scrimmage, typically in the slot matching up with slot receivers or tight ends. However, he’s also been spotted sliding into single-high safety looks while playing along the boundary and also anywhere in the box when defending the run.

Throughout camp Ramsey has stood out, maybe more than anyone else, making plays and helping fans quickly forget about Fitzpatrick.

D.K. Metcalf & Jonnu Smith

Two more major additions to the Steelers this offseason, Metcalf and Smith are both being paid handsomely to improve Pittsburgh’s odds at contending for a championship. From the start of camp it’s obvious that the team views them as major chess pieces in the offense, as a majority of all pass targets have been in the direction of one or the other.

Metcalf has been a physically imposing force on offense, often competing for – and making – combat catches in the end zone. Smith, on the other hand, is operating as more of a receiving threat and is also building a rapport with both Aaron Rodgers and backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Both players already appear to be the boost Arthur Smith’s offense is looking for in 2025. Playing them alongside TE Pat Freiermuth is going to create matchup issues for imposing defenses.

Darnell Washington

Speaking of matchup issues, Washington can also be seen on the field frequently, oftentimes with Freiermuth and Smith in tight end heavy packages. The big man has been getting up for challenging throws. Once he comes down with the ball, good luck getting him to the ground too!

Washington has also been immovable in backs-on-backers drills, where an offensive player lines up one-on-one with a defensive counterpart.

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith each had their struggles getting past “Mount Washington” and the only player who I observed coming close is rookie LB Jack Sawyer: he was close, but his bend didn’t quite get him pass the enormous tight end.

2025 could yield big things for the big guy.

Aaron Rodgers

The expectation that Aaron Rodgers could be an upgrade for the Steelers at the quarterback position has already been exceeded by his early demeanor and play at camp.

Rodgers appears to have found a fountain of youth, enjoying the game and finding time to mesh with his teammates.

His decision making and throws have been crisp, and show a clear level of tiers between himself and the quarterbacks lower on the depth chart. If the Steelers expect to play complimentary football, that is with the offense sustaining drives to aid the defense, Rodgers may be a perfect fit this season.

Juan Thornhill

When Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to the Miami Dolphins, I was skeptic about Thornhill stepping into an immediate role as a starter. His last couple of seasons with the Cleveland Browns were largely forgettable, but that may be more about the team or scheme than the player.

Make no mistakes about it, Thornhill is Steelers material, as evidenced by his nasty, up tempo demeanor throughout the early weeks of camp.

He appears to be like a duck that’s taken to water, often playing as a free safety but also capable of making plays along the line of scrimmage. Thornhill has also had his moments with tight ends, particularly picking a fight with Jonnu Smith that’s akin to Mike Tomlin’s mantra of “iron sharpening iron”.

Kenneth Gainwell

Color me surprised at Gainwell’s early goings in camp, but he appears to be another great fit for what the Steelers are looking to do in 2025.

The smaller back (5’9″, 200 lbs.) has some pop to his pass protection game, which adds a necessary element for a quick back who is often utilized in passing down situations. His soft hands combined with his ability to return kicks on special teams ensures he will be a contributor this season.

Yahya Black

The massive (and I mean massive) rookie from Iowa is a sight to see. It’s hard to believe this 6’5″ specimen is listed at 336 lbs.

Much like Darnell Washington, jaws drop when they see Black in person. He’s a nearly immovable object that is already turning heads against his opponents in the lower rungs of competition, such as third and fourth string players.

Keep an eye on his preseason performance. Black is here to eat blocks and create penetration, something he can do simultaneously that will help the Steelers run defense immensely.

Jack Sawyer

Sawyer was seen as a luxury pick by some, but he’s going to make the Steelers edge rushing depth formidable in 2025.

Much like Nick Herbig a few seasons ago, Sawyer’s critics didn’t believe his size and skillset would translate to playing as an outside linebacker in the pros. And much like Herbig, Sawyer is proving his doubters wrong by making flashy plays on a consistent basis.

If Sawyer ascends to see any playing time this season, he could provide enough pop to give the Steelers one of their best outside backer groups in years.