Behind the Steel Curtain
The biggest standouts from the first three practices of training camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to begin their fourth training camp practice on Sunday, and the first three days featured several noteworthy performances from many of the newest Steelers, as well as veterans looking to take steps forward. The following players have stolen the show in Latrobe in the first week of practices.
The Steelers have made it evident that Jalen Ramsey will play all over the secondary, and he has looked good doing it thus far. He came off the edge and bent around Troy Fautanu on Day Two for what would have been a hit on the quarterback in live-game action, and he capped off a great start to camp on Saturday with an interception on Aaron Rodgers, undercutting a throw off a bootleg to the left. It looks like he will predominantly play nickel, but he’s lined up out wide and at safety, as well. Should the splash plays in camp show up on Sundays, Pittsburgh will have won this trade with the Dolphins by a good margin.
There’s no such thing as a “sure thing” when it comes to a player being great, but Johnson looks as close to a guarantee at running back that the Steelers have had in a long time. He’s showcased great vision in team drills to find the right gaps, and when he hits those gaps, he has shown the ability to kick into a higher gear to avoid defenders. It’s clear his teammates know what they have in him, as well. On Saturday, he broke a run outside to the left and picked up good yardage. After going out of bounds, safety DeShon Elliott ran over and dapped up the young running back and was very vocal in his on-field praise. Jaylen Warren will be the starter to begin the season, but don’t be shocked if it’s a 50-50 split in terms of workload by the end of the year.
Everyone is wondering if the Steelers will bring in another big-name at safety, but Thornhill has been holding it down through three days. He made multiple plays on the ball on Day Three, including a diving PBU on a pass intended for Roman Wilson to prevent a completion and punching the ball away from Jonnu Smith. This is a guy who’s been a starter for a Super Bowl-winning team in the not-so-distant past, so don’t be shocked if he ends up securing that starting spot.
Will Howard gets some flowers from me - he’s made the most of the reps. He connected on multiple deep throws to wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig in seven-on-sevens and team drills on Day Three, and he threw a touchdown to tight end JJ Galbreath in seven shots. He’ll be QB3 this season, but he’ll be a real competitor for the backup job in 2026.
CB Joey Porter Jr...
