LATROBE — The first week of Steelers Training Camp is in the books, and if there’s one thing we learned at Saint Vincent College, it’s that jobs aren’t won in shorts and helmets… but they can definitely be lost.
Pads go on this week, but Week 1 still gave us plenty of tape, tempo, and telling moments. Here’s my Stock Up / Stock Down report from the first 7 days.
*STOCK UP: THE WINNERS*
*1. The Young WR Room*
Without naming names, the depth at receiver has been the story of camp so far. With contested catches in 1-on-1s and consistent separation in team drills, this group looks deeper than it has in years. Route precision is up, and the quarterbacks are trusting them on third-down concepts already. If this keeps up, 5 or 6 receivers are going to make this roster uncomfortable.
*2. Inside Linebacker Depth*
Speed and communication. That’s what stood out. The ILBs flew to the ball in run fits and didn’t get lost in coverage against running backs and tight ends. We saw multiple pass breakups and a pick in 7-on-7s. For a defense that got gashed over the middle last year, this is exactly what Coach Tomlin wants to see in August.
*3. Rookie Offensive Linemen*
Week 1 is about learning the playbook and surviving. The rookies did more than that. In pass pro drills they held their ground against veteran rushers and, more importantly, they didn’t blow assignments. There were still some false starts and missed calls, but the physicality and footwork are there. If they keep stacking days, we’re looking at real depth come September.
*4. Special Teams Standouts*
Camp legs are fresh, and it showed on kick coverage. We saw two downed punts inside the 10 and a kick return that would’ve gone for six in a game. With the new kickoff rules, the players winning these reps now are going to be dressing on Sundays.
*STOCK DOWN: THE LOSERS*
*1. Red Zone Offense*
The first week was rough down near the goal line. Too many field goals instead of touchdowns. Timing was off, there were dropped passes in tight windows, and the run game stalled inside the 5. The defense deserves credit — they were physical and won leverage — but the offense has to finish drives. That’s going to be a point of emphasis when pads come on.
*2. Tackling and Gap Discipline*
Yes, it’s thud tempo. But even in non-tackle periods you can see who knows where to be. A few linebackers and safeties got caught peeking in the backfield and gave up chunk plays on play-action. The coaching staff stopped practice twice to reset alignments. That can’t happen in Week 3 of the preseason.
*3. Quarterback Consistency Under Pressure*
The starting job isn’t a question right now, but the backups had an up-and-down week. When the pocket got muddy, footwork broke down and balls sailed. There were flashes — a couple of beautiful deep shots — but also forced throws into coverage. The pressure packages get more complex this week, so we’ll see who adjusts.
*4. Injury Bug*
It’s camp, so bumps and bruises are expected. But losing a projected starter for even a week in August throws off chemistry. A couple of key guys were in yellow jerseys and missed team periods. The training staff says nothing long-term, but availability is the best ability, and right now the depth is getting tested early.
*THE BIG TAKEAWAY*
Week 1 was about installation and conditioning. Nobody won a starting job and nobody got cut. But trends are forming.
The winners right now are the young guys playing with urgency — receivers, linebackers, and rookies who know they have to prove it every rep. The losers are the groups still searching for consistency: red zone execution, tackling fundamentals, and staying healthy.
When the pads crack on Monday, this report is going to look different. That’s when the real winners and losers of Steelers camp get decided.
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