Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 OTAs: Key Takeaways

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have provided a glimpse into the team’s progress as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. While OTAs lack full pads and physical contact, they serve as a critical period for installing plays, refining individual skills, and building connections among players. Let’s dive into the key takeaways from the Steelers’ OTAs.

1. Russell Wilson’s Deep Ball Shines

Russell Wilson, the newly acquired quarterback, showcased his elite deep ball accuracy during practice. His arm strength dazzled, and his touch and accuracy on deep passes were impressive. In one specific instance, Wilson unleashed a “moonball” that hit wide receiver Quez Watkins right in the hands after Watkins torched the defense. This connection highlights the potential potency of Wilson’s deep ball in the Steelers’ offensive arsenal. 

As the team balances running the ball and play-action passes, Wilson’s ability to uncork the deep ball could be a game-changer with the Steelers hoping to compete for another AFC North throne.

2. Quez Watkins Impresses

Watkins, the recipient of Wilson’s moonball, has elite speed and downfield playmaking skills. In a crowded wide receiver room, Watkins aims to establish himself as one of Wilson’s go-to targets. His ability to stretch the field vertically complements Wilson’s deep ball prowess. 

If Watkins continues to make inroads during OTAs, he could become a key contributor in the Steelers’ passing game this season, especially having lost mainstay Diontae Johnson.

3. Pat Freiermuth’s Role

Tight end Pat Freiermuth had a significant role during OTAs. The coaching staff emphasized his involvement, and Freiermuth delivered. His performance caught attention, and he could play a crucial part in the Steelers’ offensive scheme with the shift in quarterback and coordinator and the need for quality play from their receivers. 

Freiermuth’s combination of size, athleticism, and reliable hands makes him a valuable asset in both the passing game and blocking assignments. Keep an eye on him as he continues to develop and build chemistry with the quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.

Steelers' 2024 Offseason Moves

In OTAs, players learn new plays, refine techniques and adapt to their roles within the system. This offseason, the Steelers made a ton of moves not just with their system, bringing in new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, but also by bringing in a host of fresh faces that are expected to contribute right away. Here’s a summary of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ moves during the 2024 NFL offseason:

Free Agent Signings and Re-signings

- RB La’Mical Perine - Signed as a free agent to a one-year contract on May 23.

- CB Anthony Averett - Signed as a free agent to a one-year contract on May 12.

- WR Scotty Miller - Signed as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract on May 8.

- RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson - Signed as an unrestricted free agent to a two-year contract in March.

- QB Kyle Allen - Signed as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract in March.

- DL Dean Lowry - Signed as an unrestricted free agent to a two-year contract in March.

- S DeShon Elliott - Re-signed to a two-year contract in March.

- S Miles Killebrew - Re-signed to a two-year contract in March.

- LS Christian Kuntz - Re-signed to a three-year contract in March.

- DT Montravius Adams - Re-signed to a two-year contract in March.

- TE MyCole Pruitt - Signed as an unrestricted free agent to a one-year contract in April.

 - K Matthew Wright - Signed as an unrestricted free agent to a contract in April.

Steelers 2024 Trades

- QB Justin Fields - Traded from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 6th-round pick.

- QB Kenny Pickett - Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2024 3rd-round pick and two 2025 7th-round picks.

- CB Donte Jackson - Acquired from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for WR Diontae Johnson and a 2024 7th-round pick.

Steelers 2024 Draft Picks

- OT Troy Fautanu - Drafted in the 1st round (20th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

- C Zach Frazier - Drafted in the 2nd round (51st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

- WR Roman Wilson - Drafted in the 3rd round (84th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

- ILB Payton Wilson - Drafted in the 3rd round (98th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

- OG Mason McCormick - Drafted in the 4th round (119th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

- DT Logan Lee - Drafted in the 6th round (178th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

- CB Ryan Watts - Drafted in the 6th round (195th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Should I Bet on the Steelers to Make the Playoffs in 2024? 

The Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably one of the toughest schedules in the league this upcoming NFL season with their opponents boasting a .533 winning percentage in 2023. New quarterback Russell Wilson and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will be tasked with leading the team through this difficult schedule, but the odds are stacked up against Pittsburgh. 

With Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s streak of .500 seasons or better on the line, the Steelers will have to rely on these key additions and a renewed focus on winning to power through. At the time of writing, sports betting sites have the Steelers with the lowest odds to win the AFC North division. With almost all online sportsbooks believing that the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns will finish better than the Steelers, their odds of making the playoffs are incredibly low. 

Conclusion

In summary, the Steelers’ 2024 OTAs provide optimism for fans. Russell Wilson’s deep ball, Quez Watkins’ emergence, and Pat Freiermuth’s role all contribute to an exciting season ahead along with the plethora of talent acquired in the offseason. As the team fine-tunes its game plan, these takeaways offer a glimpse into what awaits Steeler Nation when the real action begins on the gridiron. Stay tuned for more updates as the team continues for 2024!