Last year was a process for first-round draft pick Terrell Edmunds. From rookie minicamp, to training camp and through the season, there were lessons learned along the way. Lessons that helped him grow each and every week, and will continue to help him grow this offseason and beyond.
"Being in the NFL for just one year already has been amazing," said Edmunds. "The ups and downs, the adversity you face along the way and just still fighting. That's the biggest thing throughout the year you have to adjust to.
"The more and more snaps you get under your belt, you get more and more comfortable. Once you get more comfortable, you can play your game and take more chances. And play that game that you know how to play like the back of your hand. It's just not thinking because you know the system and to play like you know how to play and react."
The Steelers first round draft pick was the winner of the "Joe Greene Great Performance Award," given annually to the Steelers top rookie. He started 15 of the 16 games he played in last season, finishing tied for third on the team with 73 tackles, including 52 solo stops. He had four pass defenses, three quarterback hurries, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery.
He knows as this offseason is rapidly progressing he has to take that next step.
"I want to work on everything," said Edmunds. "I want to work on my footwork, hands, getting stronger and stay conditioned. We're going to come back hard and come back fast and just have to keep on working.
"You want to give your body a rest at the end of the season, but then you get back to work and get ready. You have to understand you are out here playing for more than yourself. You're playing for the logo on the helmet. You're playing for the Steelers organization and playing for all the guys who have been there before you and are going to come after you. You've got to have that mindset."
Edmunds mindset is focused on getting the work done this offseason. He has spent time workout out with the two people he is closest to, his brothers Trey and Tremaine Edmunds. Tremaine was drafted in the first round by the Buffalo Bills last year, while Trey spent part of the season on the Steelers practice squad before being activated to the 53-man roster.
And having his brother in the same locker room was special.
"It was nice. It was awesome," said Edmunds. "He's a hard worker. He is someone you can always count on. Just having someone that I know is there for me through the ups and downs was amazing.
"I knew with how hard he worked it was going to happen, that he was going to be activated. The time, I didn't know, but I knew it was going to happen eventually.
"We are just going to keep on working and keep that tunnel vision. It's about keeping your head down, don't have to say too much and just keep doing what you do.
"We are always challenging each other. We're all great athletes and we're all trying to push and be the best that we can be. It's good to work with guys who have the same mentality as you."
