Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is fully underway, and the overreactions have already started. Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett is already a bust, according to many. While it's far too early to slam on the underperformers on the roster so far, it's interesting to note who has started off well. Rookie wide receiver George Pickens got all of the hype in the first week back in Latrobe.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (@JSKO_PHOTO)
Elsewhere, the defense has suffocated Mitch Trubisky and the first-team offense. TJ Watt has been his usual self, disrupting everything at the line of scrimmage. The offensive line was noticeably bad in 2021, so the team made some repercussions in the off-season. Along with the signings of James Daniels and Mason Cole, young guys like Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor are expected to take a step forward in 2022. Moore specifically has had a great start to camp, while matching up against potential breakout star Alex Highsmith. According to 93.7 The Fan's Josh Rowntree, Highsmith gave some high praise to Moore's start to camp.
Asked Alex Highsmith what offensive players have impressed him most in camp so far.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) August 1, 2022
His answer: George Pickens and Dan Moore Jr. #Steelers @937theFan
As mentioned beforehand, Pickens has impressed everyone so far in training camp. His dynamic speed and size, along with his ability to make difficult, acrobatic catches, should make him an instant contributor this season. With Diontae Johnson sitting out, Pickens has all but benefited from that, as he's been able to see more targets.
Highsmith isn't the first teammate to praise Pickens either, as fellow wideout, Chase Claypool, said he expects the University of Georgia product to be the best rookie WR this season.
Credit: Chris Adamski/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
As for Moore, he started 17 games as a rookie in 2021, including the Wild Card match up against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had his ups-and-downs, but he was far from the worst guy on the offensive line. An improvement in his second season would help the team's offensive line significantly. By all accounts so far, he seems to be trending in that direction.
Moore is facing a solid pass-rusher in Highsmith, so it'll hopefully help his long-term progression as a blocker. What do you guys think about Dan Moore Jr. in his second season? Will he be a long-term starter for the Steelers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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