For the Steelers, Saint Vincent College is a tradition.
For many in Steeler Nation, it's an annual pilgrimage.
But it's the new additions to the roster who are among those potentially positioned to make training camp even more compelling this summer.
Players such as:
Aaron Rodgers: The four-time NFL MVP was an unmistakeable presence during Mandatory Veteran Minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. And all Rodgers did then was work fourth in the rotation at quarterback during individual drills and observe when the Steelers went 11-on-11.
That situation is about to change.
Very soon now, Rodgers will be running the show in "Red Zone" and "Pass Under Pressure" and "Seven Shots." He'll be rolling out and throwing on the run. The intuition and accuracy, the release and the way Rodgers can still spin it will be on full display.
In the words of the immortal Bart Scott, "can't wait!"
Jalen Ramsey: There's some intrigue regarding where Ramsey will ultimately be deployed and how often, given that he has some experience at safety and given that there's a vacancy at that position in the wake of Minkah Fitzpatrick being sent to Miami in the Ramsey transaction. But when last spotted Ramsey was the cornerback following New York wide receiver Garrett Wilson all over the field, wide left, wide right, in the slot, wherever, and generally making life miserable for Wilson when the Dolphins and Jets closed out last season against one another last January in East Rutherford, N.J.
Safety first? Perhaps not when press-man coverage capability opposite press-man cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is a part of the Ramsey equation.
DK Metcalf: The physical skill set is obvious. But one of the things that sets Metcalf apart is his motor. And that, too, will be on display in training camp.
Remember Metcalf's length-of-the-field (almost) pursuit that denied Arizona's Budda Baker a pick-six when the Cardinals hosted the Seahawks back in 2020? Metcalf made a similar play during Mandatory Veteran Minicamp on a tip-pick by Fitzpatrick (this time without the touchdown-saving tackle after chasing Fitzpatrick down at the far end of the practice field).
Metcalf's going to catch a lot of passes. He's also going to be one of those who keeps the energy up, or turns up the temperature when necessary, through the intensity of his effort. That'll be much needed and it'll be something to see.
Jonnu Smith: The position designation next to Smith's name on the roster is "TE" but that's a misleading identification as it relates to the game Smith plays. He'll line up wide and in the slot and in bunches. He'll go in motion. Even on the occasions when he puts his hand on the ground, a pass route may well be forthcoming.
"Pass Catcher" would be a more accurate label for a player who, at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, inspires reminders of a bigger JuJu Smith-Schuster (6-1, 215) more than he does a smaller Pat Freiermuth (6-5, 258). Smith plays with the physicality necessary to make combat catches and he's capable of gaining yards after the catch. The Steelers needed another one of those types more than they needed another Darnell Washington.
Sebastian Castro: The Steelers have a rich history of rookie free agents making the team and making an impact. Castro has a chance to add his name to that list, and to the one that chronicles the number of defensive backs have gone from Iowa to the NFL in Kirk Ferentz' tenure as head coach of the Hawkeyes (it was 27 prior to the most recent draft).
Castro can play safety (did we mention there's an opening?) and in the slot and he's a ball-hawk. He looked right at home in the Senior Bowl and he looks good in Black & Gold.
