LATROBE, Pa. - What we learned during Week One at Saint Vincent College:
THERE'S A FINE LINE: Among the most compelling questions of training camp are whether Broderick Jones will play right tackle or left tackle, whether No. 1 pick Troy Fautanu will play right tackle if Jones ends up at left tackle, and whether No. 2 pick Zach Frazier will be capable of starting at center as a rookie.
It's similar to the scenario at the outset of camp last summer, when there was great speculation and anticipation regarding how long it would be before Jones, the Steelers' No. 1 pick in 2023, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the 32nd-overall selection, would wind up in the starting lineup.
Jones eventually made his first NFL start on Oct. 8 against Baltimore, the Steelers' fifth game of last season, as a replacement for injured left tackle Dan Moore Jr.
Jones' next start occurred on Nov. 2 against Tennessee, the first of 11 consecutive starts he would make at right tackle (including the playoff loss at Buffalo).
"I feel like I started at the right time," Jones assessed. "I feel like I needed a couple weeks to actually just sit and watch and just learn and listen and take everything in before I was just able to go out there and just do what I can. I feel like me being able to sit down those first couple weeks really helped me. I really feel like it helped me hone in on my skills.
"At the end of the day I feel like it worked out for the best."
Porter started for the first time last season on Oct. 29 against Jacksonville, his seventh NFL game.
He's been in the starting lineup ever since.
"I feel like I was always ready," Porter remembered. "Just that confidence I had coming in, I always thought I was ready but it worked out best how they did it.
"You know, it's a long season. It's way different from college. Just getting that as a rookie and understanding that, I feel like it was probably the best decision."
Head coach Mike Tomlin emphasized at the outset of camp there's no philosophy in place that's annually applied as to whether to slow bake high-end draft selections or place them in the microwave.
"It's not just a cookie cutter approach," Tomlin explained. "It's based on the maturation and maturity and readiness of individuals. And so what may have applied to last year's (draft) class may not apply to this year's class.
"I think a lot of this year's class are older guys than maybe last year's class, bunch of fifth-year guys and things of that nature in this class. There might be more immediate maturity and readiness."
Stay tuned.
Take a look at the Steelers training and preparing for the 2024 season at Saint Vincent College
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fan at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Callaway (17) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko (96) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (57) and the defense train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Jack Colletto (45) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (74) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker David Perales (33) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Daijun Edwards (31) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jaray Jenkins (21) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman James Daniels (78) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fan at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fan at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Anthony Averett (18) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 28, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
READY, WILLING AND ABLE: Jones insisted he would be capable of switching sides from one week to the next in-season if asked.
"Without a doubt," he announced.
Jones worked two reps at left tackle and the rest on the right side during the first practice of camp on Thursday.
During "Seven Shots" on Friday, Jones got three reps at right tackle and one at left (Fautanu was the right tackle when Jones switched sides).
That might not seem like much, but to Jones such a division of labor adds up.
"Think about it, me doing one or two reps every day for five, six days a week, that's 10,12 extra reps (per week) that I'm getting," he said. "I feel like it helps me a lot. I feel like it's a big help."
To Jones, that's enough preparation for a move that's likely coming at some point.
The question is, when?
"I never know," Jones continued. "Coaches really probably still don't know."
General Manager Omar Khan doesn't know, either.
When Khan met the media at Saint Vincent he doubled-down on his contention Jones was drafted to be a left tackle, but added an asterisk.
"I'm not gonna tell you when that's gonna happen," Khan said. "I'm not gonna predict when or what year."
TIGHT ENDS ON PARADE: Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's reputation for favoring tight ends two or more at a time preceded him to Saint Vincent.
The first practice of camp confirmed Smith arrived as advertised.
"I think the majority of it was 12-, 13-(personnel; two- and three-tight ends sets)," tight end Pat Freiermuth assessed. "It was great to utilize all of us."
Take a look at the Steelers training and preparing for the 2024 season at Saint Vincent College
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Matthew Wright (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (74) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Anthony Averett (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Matthew Wright (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker David Perales (33) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Callaway (17) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (30) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back La'Mical Perine (38) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and legend Jason Gildon at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Joey Fisher (79) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick (82) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Rush (21) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) train at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers legends Terence Garvin, Charlie Batch, Mark Bruener, Aaron Smith, Jeff Hartings, Ike Taylor, Chili Iwuoma, and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2024 Steelers Training Camp on Saturday July 27, 2024 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
TURNING UP THE VOLUME: One of safety DeShon Elliott's stated goals during his first training camp with the Steelers is "talkin' smack to the guys on offense.
"I feel like on defense that's something they were lacking, a little bit more of a rowdy guy, the guy who brings that to the table a lot," Elliott contended. "It'll be fun."
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen, who played with Elliott in Baltimore in 2020 and 2021, had previously announced upon signing with the Steelers he intended to play the role of "villain," which, presumably, includes plenty of talking trash.
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward countered the Steelers already have that covered on defense, but added there's a time and a place for such an approach.
"We just wait for the pads," Heyward maintained. "DeShon and Pat, I don't know if they're bringing it (to the Steelers). I think they're gonna be surprised when we get to it. When you get (outside linebacker) T.J. (Watt) chirping, (free safety) Minkah (Fitzpatrick) chirping, others, it's already a rowdy bunch. (Elliott) just hasn't seen it because he's only seen OTAs so far. He's not ready for that.
"There's a big turn up when the pads come on."
