Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Dismisses The Need For DK Metcalf And TJ Watt To Be At OTA's

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun the second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Some veteran players believe that it's important to be there, while others would rather train at home in their free time. Mandatory minicamp is around the corner, so that's when those experienced players will be expected to come into the facility and meet their new teammates. However, there are occasionally situations like with TJ Watt, who is skipping these practices due to contract disputes. Either way, the expectation is that every player is in shape for training camp in July. 

While livestreaming an episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Ben Roethlisberger spoke about how OTAs work and why certain players don't have much of a use for it.

"It just kind of depends on your situation..." Roethlisberger said. "TJ Watt doesn't need to show up until training camp. Cam Heyward doesn't need to show up -- I know Cam has been there, but he also lives here and he's not in the contract-type stuff. There's just a lot of different factors involved in how important it is for a guy to be there for OTAs."

Watt has been with the Steelers since 2017, so he already knows all about the system and what his role will be in the upcoming season. Cameron Heyward is the longest-tenured Steeler player currently, as he was drafted back in 2011, so he knows the team from the inside out. As Roethlisberger mentioned, he is in there still to workout and likely help the younger players develop. 

Roethlisberger continues to explain how certain situations call for more importance at OTAs. Most of that is around newcomers, whether it's a new player coming in, or a new coach, where the players should learn his system and how he teaches. However, star wide receiver DK Metcalf is not present at OTAs. Roethlisberger did talk about his situation, and he defended his decision to skip this part of the offseason program.

"If it's a traded guy obviously, like a DK [Metcalf]... new guy to the Steelers, so it's nice for him to learn the offense, but he's a pro," Roethlisberger said. "He knows what it takes, he knows how to get his body ready, he knows how to get in shape, less important for a guy like that to be there."

Metcalf's biggest trait coming out of college was the fact that he was a physical freak. Even though he has been in the NFL for a while now, that is still his biggest strength. He is still insanely big, fast, and strong. It would still be helpful for him to show up and learn the offense, but he is still expected to be there at mandatory minicamp.

Steelers' Projected Role For Metcalf May Have Influenced His Decision To Sit Out

Metcalf has never been an elite route runner. His primary role is to run go routes and make opposing defenders look bad in the process. That will most likely be his role with the Steelers -- attempting to stretch the defense. Obviously, it would still be helpful for him to learn the terminology and be around his new teammates, but as long as he's reading the playbook and working out at home, the team likely won't complain about him much.

Metcalf was brought in to replace George Pickens, who had a very similar skill set. The Steelers were not big fans of using the middle of the field, so Pickens would see plenty of targets when he went outside the numbers. Metcalf is seen as a direct upgrade to him, and that is what he will likely do too in Pittsburgh.

What do you think about Roethlisberger's takes on the importance of OTAs? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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