The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most unique training camp setups in the entire NFL. Players reported to St. Vincent College on Wednesday and headed to the dorms that will house them for the first couple weeks of the young 2023 season. It'll be a change of pace for players coming from other organizations or recently drafted individuals who haven't lived in a college dorm room since their freshman years. The mood is a bit different in 2023, as several offseason additions and what looks to be a home run of a draft have the black and gold faithful excited about the season.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Being Awfully Strategic With Training Camp Roommate Pairings
Head Coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the key decision-makers on the staff have the tall task of strategically deciding which players will bunk up with one another in Latrobe. It makes sense for rookies to be with veterans while also finding the perfect pairings when it comes to positional groups. Tomlin already nailed one of the pairings that was reported on Wednesday by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's, Brian Batko.
Mike Tomlin likes to pull strings and push buttons sometimes when it comes to assigning training camp roommates. Here's one I found interesting today: veteran wideout Allen Robinson II will be sharing a suite with George Pickens at Saint Vincent. I see you, Mike. pic.twitter.com/oMlrREviX9
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) July 26, 2023
There's no doubting that George Pickens is one of the most promising second-year wide receivers in the league. He made some jaw-dropping catches back in 2022 during his rookie campaign. A lack of consistent maturity is common is young players, especially sometimes when one is hyped up in the media and already one of the most talented offensive players on his team.
Fans probably remember back in December of 2022 when Pittsburgh was going up against the Atlanta Falcons. Pickens was clearly frustrated on the sideline and was adamant that he get thrown the football. That led to defensive captain, Cameron Heyward confronting him and doing his best to calm down the then-rookie pass catcher.
Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) warms up on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
While Pickens had six or more targets in seven games throughout the first 12 weeks of the season, it only occurred once from the Week 13 matchup against the Falcons to the end of the 2022 campaign. It could have been a coincidence, or Tomlin and the offensive staff were sending him a message. After playing 75% or more of the offensive snaps nine times in the first 12 weeks, he only eclipsed that percentage twice the remainder of the season from Week 13 on.
In comes Allen Robinson II and he will be entering his first season with the Steelers after the front office acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams. He has amassed 528 catches, 6,748 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns in his career. The Steelers will be the fourth franchise that he will play for and he is known for being the ultimate professional on and off the field.
Robinson has the opportunity to act as the perfect mentor for Pickens. Given the 2024 cap hit for Robinson of roughly $11.9 million, there's no guarantee that he will be on the roster for more than a season. Tomlin is taking complete advantage of having a legitimate veteran in the receivers' room and it'll be interesting to see how the two's relationship progresses in Latrobe.
Steelers wide receiver, Allen Robinson (#11) prepares to make a catch during his first season in Pittsburgh at 2023 Organized Team Activities. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
This probably isn't the only strategic roommate pairing that Tomlin and his staff came up with, but it certainly is a wise one. As Pickens matures on and off the field, he has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the NFL. Robinson is the perfect roommate for him over the course of the next few weeks and Pickens should soak it all up like a sponge.
Do you like the fact that the Steelers have their players live in dorms for training camp? What are your thoughts on Pickens and Robinson together? Let us know in the comments below!
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