To the Pittsburgh Steelers’ faithful, we are officially back. As a list of 90 names transforms into a fully-staffed training camp roster set to hit the practice field in Latrobe, the sense of anticipation builds. There is a plethora of storylines layered within the different positional battles, as well as a fresh rookie class ready to make their mark in the franchise’s history. In addition to the younger class, there is another large, veteran presence in the 2023 edition of the Steelers’ training camp that is looking to take the team to the next level.
Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Peterson arrives for his first Steelers' training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Embedded in those new free agency names is 13-year veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson. Signed earlier in the offseason, Peterson brings a unique, much-needed player-coach mentality with him into Pittsburgh. With the Steelers using their second selection in the 2023 NFL Draft on Joey Porter Jr., their intentions were evident in acquiring Peterson to help bolster the secondary, both on and off the field. Peterson joined his co-host and former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden on their All Things Covered podcast to reveal his names to watch in training camp. Porter Jr. was one of those names at the top of his list partnered with another rookie defender.
“Joey Porter [Jr.], he’s been doing nothing but great things in camp. [Cory] Trice, those two big corners have been doing outstanding work in spring ball. So, I’m excited to see how those guys react when the bullets are really live, when its ‘for real’ football now, because soccer practice is over. Now we can’t have mistakes that we had, because now mistakes can cost us. So, I’m excited to see those guys take that next step coming into training camp.”
It looks like that whole player-coach initiative for Peterson is well under way. When the team met earlier in the offseason for the team’s minicamp, we were able to catch some glimmers of the new relationship between the younger defensive backs and Peterson. But judging by Peterson’s remarks, it looks like he plans to hold them to a high standard with very little margin for error. Not to mention, with Peterson having played with Joey Porter Sr. in his rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson knows what standard Porter Jr. is playing to, and it is doubtful he’ll let him waver off that course.
Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. (#24) participates in the team's minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
As we move to the other side of the ball, the Steelers’ offense is poised for a breakout year as well. There is obvious hype surrounding second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett heading into his sophomore year, but the receiving corps took a major leap forward in the offseason as well. Diontae Johnson is slated to remain as Pickett’s top pass catcher, with fellow sophomores Calvin Austin III and George Pickens looking to take the next step in their respective development. The team also welcomed veteran Allen Robinson to the receiving group as a similar player-coach asset as what Peterson is doing for the secondary.
While the heat and amplified pressure that typically accompanies training camp has yet to plateau, Peterson is eager to see what the young receivers can do. In last season’s edition of training camp, we were able to watch the incredible transformation of Pickens in his quest to become one of the premier wideouts in the league. We also saw some instances in training camp this time last year of Austin III using his speed to make a five-yard completion into a 75-yard touchdown, only for his season to be cut short after suffering an injury. But after going against future Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald in his rookie training camp, Peterson is excited to watch Pickens take that next leap forward in this year’s camp.
“G.P. man… I’m excited to see him. I got a couple of glimpses of him throughout spring ball,” he said. “I have not yet [covered him], but I know that I’ll get my fair share of opportunities here coming up this week at training camp.”
The Steelers’ training camp is no stranger to extracurricular activities after the whistle blows in practice. With employment statuses riding on every rep and every drill, the pressure that comes with that notion translates into trying to become more physical than the guy standing on the other side of the ball. Pickens brings his uniquely-animated personality and play style to each play that may cause some defensive backs to get frustrated.
Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Patrick Peterson participates in the team's minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
Fans were able to see a similar matchup in camp between Antonio Brown and Ike Taylor about 10 years ago. Brown and Taylor fought on every rep and forced former General Manager, Kevin Colbert, to step in and break them up. That instance may not rear it's head in 2023, but Peterson is going to play a large part in Pickens' development in his second year. As we look ahead to camp this year, that matchup between Pickens and Peterson is going to be a fun one to watch.
What matchups are you excited to see in camp? How do you think the cornerback depth chart will shake out in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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