Steelers minicamp opened yesterday and coach Mike Tomlin got a first look at the latest edition of his team. Tomlin said afterward that it was another important step toward training camp at St. Vincent.
Tomlin could have as many as six new starters on his defense, including two new cornerbacks, two new inside linebackers, a new safety, and perhaps a new nose guard. He says while they are new to the Steelers, many of the new faces at camp are guys who have plenty of experience.
One non-vet taking reps with the first team was rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who lined up with the top secondary guys during the two-minute drill.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett found a new helmet in his locker when he arrived. It’s the third differently-styled helmet for Pickett, who suffered two concussions last year, and he said he wears whatever the medical and team staff gives him.
Tomlin says Pickett is making the progress he is expected to as the starting QB.
Tomlin says everybody who was expected to be at minicamp was there. Several players were excused absentees, including linebacker TJ Watt, punter Pressley Harvin III and reserve offensive lineman Ryan McCollum.
Linebacker and special teams veteran Nick Kwiatkoski is attending Steelers minicamp on a tryout basis. He’s played seven seasons in the NFL, for the Falcons, Raiders, and Bears. He’s a graduate of Bethel Park High School and West Virginia University.
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