The Pittsburgh Steelers will start Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, May 27th. For the Steelers, there's a lot of new faces and moving parts that Steeler Nation will have to keep their eyes on. OTAs will continue through June 5th, and during this time, Steelers fans will get a real chance to see the team chemistry start to brew, with a strong focus on development and overall instruction. The team is eager to get the rookies up to speed and figure out the depth chart. All of that certainly begins in OTAs.
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Troy Fautanu (left) and Zach Frazier (right) work on blocking drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2024.
With a new season on the horizon, OTAs are the first opportunity for the coaching staff to lay the foundation for what’s to come. It’s less about competition and more about communication, learning, and building trust. Whether it’s new systems being introduced, position groups learning how to gel, or coaches setting the tone, these early workouts are vital to long-term success. This phase of the offseason may not include pads or full-contact drills, but the work being done is essential. From understanding assignments to establishing leadership within the locker room, OTAs give everyone a chance to reset and refocus.
Here are five key things that Steelers fans need to be cognizant of while OTAs are underway.
5.) Roman Wilson's Progress
When the Steelers selected Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there were high hopes he’d make an immediate impact. However, an early injury set him back, and as Head Coach Mike Tomlin put it, it was too difficult for Wilson to "jump on a moving train" during the season. That missed time limited his ability to contribute and delayed his development.
Now, with George Pickens traded, Wilson’s growth during OTAs becomes even more important. He has a clear opportunity to earn a bigger role, and these early practices will be key in showing the coaching staff he’s ready. Steelers fans should keep a close eye on how quickly he adjusts—his performance could help shape the future of the wide receiver room.
4.) Steelers' Offensive Tackles On Both Sides
Troy Fautanu was on track to start as a rookie immediately. Tomlin said it best, and that alone should be very telling of how highly the Steelers view him and how confident they are in his ability. Sadly an early injury ruled him out for the majority of his rookie year.
Meanwhile, Broderick Jones took a step backward in 2024, but with Fautanu now healthy and ready to go, Jones can move back to his natural position at left tackle while Fautanu takes over on the right side. The offensive line is young, but if the Steelers want to be impactful in 2025, these two tackles need to show real progress, and that starts in OTAs. Their development and chemistry will be critical to the success of the entire offense.
3.) Will Aaron Rodgers Surprise Steelers Fans?
Obviously, the Steelers have been entangled in the saga of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He has been in no hurry to make his future decision known, but many believe Rodgers will join the Steelers for the 2025 season.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers nods to acknowledge someone speaking in his direction.
It seems like a longshot, but something to watch for is whether Rodgers shows up or makes his presence felt now that OTAs are just about underway. If he does, it would go a long way with the fan base and show that he’s truly bought in. However, for now, he is not even on the roster yet. If Rodgers doesn't show up for OTAs, then clearly Mason Rudolph and Will Howard will steal the show.
2.) Steelers' Defensive Line
It’s no secret that the Steelers’ defensive line had to improve after what transpired at the end of the 2024 season. The team addressed this by drafting defensive end Derrick Harmon in the first round and adding Yahya Black in the fifth round.
Keeanu Benton and Cam Heyward are expected to be the leaders and key players on that line in 2025, but the depth at those positions will be very telling to watch during OTAs. The Steelers’ defensive line simply must improve significantly in 2025, or this highly paid defense will face the same issues that hurt them in 2024 to end the year.
1.) Steelers' Running Game
The Steelers were ready to part ways with Najee Harris after the 2024 season. The running game hasn’t been what Pittsburgh wanted, so they drafted running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. Arthur Smith wants to get back to a physical, ground-and-pound approach. With the Steelers’ quarterback situation still uncertain, it’s pivotal that Johnson comes in and contributes to the running game, even as a rookie.
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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson receiving his first NFL jersey on the first day of Steelers rookie minicamp in 2025.
Reps for Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell will also be key factors for Steelers fans to watch. The running game has to take a step forward, and the team moved on from Harris for that reason. Steelers fans are excited to see if these changes can help the offense get going.
Steelers Fans Are Excited For OTAs
As OTAs get underway, the Steelers face a pivotal offseason full of new opportunities and challenges. From developing young talent to strengthening key positions, every practice will be a step toward shaping the 2025 roster. The team’s progress during this period could set the tone for the entire season. Steelers fans have plenty to be hopeful—and curious—about as the groundwork is laid.
What do you think will be the biggest factor in the Steelers’ success this year? Which position group do you believe will see the most improvement, and where do you think the team still needs to make moves? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section.
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