The Pittsburgh Steelers along with others across the NFL started OTA's on Tuesday and there is plenty of news to take in from the first practice.
Below are some headlines from practice and around the NFL that you may have missed:
Steelers Quarterback Depth Chart Taking Shape
A glimpse into the post-Ben Roethlisberger era was given as Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and Kenny Pickett stepped onto the practice field together for the very first time. While early video would indicate the depth chart is currently Trubisky, Rudolph, Pickett, no surprises there given how the Steelers operate.
Guard Kevin Dotson gave an unofficial confirmation that Trubisky is currently the starter.
Trubisky Didn't Know About the Pick
It was originally reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Trubisky knew the Steelers would draft a quarterback this year, but after today's practice, that might not necessarily have been the case. Trubisky was one of many to speak with the media today and shared his side of the story.
Offensive Line Clarity
The offensive line has been a point of concern since off-season activities began last year. Zach Banner was coming off an injury, questions surrounded Dotson's physical fitness, and the Steelers had a lot of unknowns. Fast forward a year later and the Steelers invested heavily in the offensive line, bringing back Chukwuma Okorafor and signing free agents Mason Cole and James Daniels. While the tackle spot is seemingly a given at this point with Okorafor and Dan Moore Jr. as starters, people had questions on what position Cole, Daniels, and even second-year player Kendrick Green would line up at. Ultimately Green saw reps at left guard, a position occupied by Dotson, which is sure to be an interesting battle moving forward.
Tuitt is Still Missing
Stephon Tuitt is not only an important piece to the Steelers' defense, but one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Steelers and their fans, we will have to continue to wait and see how things play out. Last season wasn't an easy one for him as he not only was dealing with a knee injury (it has been undisclosed on how severe it really is/was), Tuitt was grieving with the loss of his brother too. He wasn't around the Steelers organization much, so it remains to be seen.
General Manager Decision Soon?
Yes, the search for Kevin Colbert’s replacement has been a very long and meticulous process, but the Steelers have gone about it as they should. There was no need to rush as Colbert agreed to stay in the position until after the draft. Also it was really just the Steelers looking for a new General Manager this off-season, a position I would say 99% of people around the league would be interested in, but that may soon come to an end according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Steelers are winding down their GM search and sounds like an announcement should come by the end of the week, source said. They are done interviewing and are whittling down their candidate list.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 24, 2022
The six candidates being considered are Steelers Pro Scouting Coordinator Brandon Hunt, Steelers VP of Football & Business Administration Omar Khan, Tennessee Titans VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden, Tampa Bay Buccaneers VP of Player Personnel John Spytek, Philadelphia Eagles VP of Player Personnel Andy Weidl, and finally former Buffalo Bills Assistant GM & Director of Player Personnel Doug Whaley. If I had to guess, the exact time the news will break, keep an eye out for the Friday 4PM news dump.
News Around the NFL
-It is being reported by multiple NFL media outlets that they are taking a good hard look at the current way the Pro Bowl is constructed. Some have even reported that the NFL might "do away" with the game entirely.
-Each NFL team is paying $7.5M each, in the relocation settlement of the now Los Angeles Rams, reported by Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic.
-The Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview a minority candidate for head coaching and senior operation jobs, will now be expanded to QB coaches.
-The NFL Combine will remain in Indianapolis for 2023 and 2024.
More to come!
#SteelerNation
