Sunday, rookie minicamp 2022 for the Pittsburgh Steelers concluded at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA. It consisted of three battle-tested days for (6) first-year and (17) rookie players, along with 28 additional tryout players.
Via media interviews throughout the weekend, we got to hear directly from 2022 draft picks like Kenny Pickett, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III. We even heard from head coach Mike Tomlin about how this past weekend has been a great opportunity for the coaching staff to get to know some of the new faces, and vice versa.
With so much going on in such a short timespan, let's get yinz caught up with the headlines of Pittsburgh's 2022 rookie minicamp.
So far, so good for Steelers' first round QB, Kenny Pickett
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"It was great," said Pickett. "'I'm just trying to learn the guy's names. I really haven't got a chance to meet anybody. We've been in meetings. I want to call guys out to help and stuff and talk and I have no clue who I am talking to." via Teresa Varley & Mike PrisutaPickett continued.
"I would say we're kind of doing a good job of taking this a step at a time, really taking it slow."
New receivers finding chemistry
Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens (#14) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Sunday, May 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"I feel like we'll work very very well," said second round selection, Pickens about Pickett. "We're very compatible for sure."As far as fourth round pick, Austin III, he's already proving that his size is nothing he's concerned about:
"I think I've always been the smallest guy on my team. But, for instance, in the weight room, I'd always be one of the strongest-per-pound people." Austin continued. "That size factor, it's never been anything to me."
QB Chris Oladokun is preparing for supporting role
Pittsburgh quarterback Chris Oladokun (#5) practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Sunday, May 15, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Chris Oladokun said he's ready to embrace whatever is in front of him.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) May 15, 2022
"Whether my role is to start on Sundays, be Lamar Jackson when we play the Ravens, or if I have to hold a clipboard on the sidelines, the ultimate goal is to win. I'm ready to embrace my role."
"Whether my role is to start on Sundays, be [emulate] Lamar Jackson [during practice] when we play the Ravens, or if I have to hold a clipboard on the sidelines, the ultimate goal is to win. I'm ready to embrace my role."
As far as other draft picks like DeMarvin Leal and Connor Heyward, reports are that Leal is already putting on weight to get bigger and stronger (closing in on 300 lbs.), while Heyward understands that he needs to "earn" a roster spot, and is not expect to make the team based on his last name alone.
The team has also just signed offensive lineman, Trent Scott, and waived offensive guard, Malcolm Pridgeon to do so.
All in all, it seems like a great start for the younger players of this Pittsburgh roster heading into organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Here's a look at what to expect next:
The dates are set for @steelers rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp. pic.twitter.com/hv3YyKdsfR
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) May 3, 2022
Other notable camp stories
So what do yinz think so far of the talent we've seen over the weekend? Click to comment below!
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