Friday, May 9
Day 1 in the books: While it was only a walk-through, the Steelers rookies hit the field for the first time on Friday as part of the three-day minicamp, and quarterback Will Howard liked the way things played out.
"It was great," said Howard. "That was just the walk-through, not really the practice, but it's exciting to be out here. It's been my dream my whole life to be an NFL quarterback and here we are. So, I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can."
Howard said right after the draft that he was excited to play for Coach Mike Tomlin, and he already has a good feel for what that is like.
"It's awesome. He is just an unbelievable guy to play for," said Howard. "You can tell he brings energy, he brings positivity, every single day. He's a guy you want to be around.
"I knew that throughout the draft process, and I knew he was a guy I could see myself playing for and wanted to play for, and it all worked out. God has a plan, so I'm just blessed to be here and Coach T's the man."
Howard knows he has a lot of work to do, with it all beginning on Friday, as coming in as a sixth-round draft pick at the quarterback position can be a challenge. But it's nothing he isn't accustomed to, having dealt with his share of fighting for things in his college career.
"I feel like to be in the NFL, you're always fighting for a job no matter what," said Howard. "If you're not on your game one day, you know you can be gone. It's a business. The things that I went through and learned how to push through adversity and how to come back from bad things, I learned so much.
"I've got a chip on my shoulder, and I'd like to carry that with me. I'm just excited to be here. I'm blessed, and it couldn't be a better place. The Steelers are built on blue collar. That's how I like to play, with a chip on my shoulder, and hard-nosed. That's what I'm about."
Living the dream: Running back Kaleb Johnson, who was selected in the third round, has always dreamt of playing in the NFL.
Now that the opportunity is there, he is ready to take advantage of every moment.
"I'm very excited to be here, I am very excited to learn a new offense and to be a part of the Steelers," said Johnson, the third-round pick from Iowa. "I am thrilled to play for Coach (Mike) Tomlin and get out there and play the game I love. It's amazing to have the chance to play the game I love.
"Getting to play at the next level in college was special. And now to play at the highest level that you can do it at, it's really a blessing and a dream come true. I'm excited to have that feeling and just to get out and work and show them what I can do."
Showing what they can do in a short three-day window for rookie minicamp can be a challenge, but it's a challenge Johnson embraces.
"The key for me is to show I can learn the playbook and how fast I can adapt to a new offense," said Johnson. "I want to show I can be trustworthy and get comfortable in the offense quickly.
"I am just excited to be here working."
Johnson joins a Steelers running back room that includes Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, who was signed during free agency. He is looking forward to working with both players, and the rest of the team's running backs, as the offseason plays out, learning as much as he can from each of them.
"I'm focused on going there and learning from everyone," said Johnson. "My main thing now is learning the playbook, building my relationships with my teammates and the staff and listening to Coach (Eddie) Faulkner. I want to show that I am coachable. I can contribute to this offense so I'm excited that we are getting to work."
Making the plays at crunch time: Linebacker Jack Sawyer was described by the Steelers coaches in many ways after he was selected in the fourth round out of Ohio State, and one description by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin pegged him a guy who makes plays at crunch times.
And it's a description Sawyer loves.
"When you play this game of football, the games are won and lost between a few plays each game," said Sawyer. "I always try to prepare myself and get myself ready and best fit for those big moments where the game matters the most.
"I just thank God I've been able to make some big plays at the college level in crunch moments and hopefully I get the opportunity to do so at the next level too for the Steelers."
Sawyer, who is an intimidating force at 6-5, 259 pounds, was also deemed as a player who has his 'mean on.'
And what does that mean to him.
"That is how I was raised," said Sawyer. "When you're playing this game, it's physical. It's man-on-man. For lack of a better description, it's one guy that's going to kick the other guy's tail. You have to have that edge to you and an attitude when you go out there and play. That's how I grew up and was raised to play the game and other sports as well."
While the physical side is something that he takes great pride in, his football IQ is also something that has progressed during his time in college.
"Progressively, while at Ohio State, I realized the more you study and the more you know leading up to a game, and any little advantage you can get when you're on a field with other great athletes, that's where you separate yourself," said Sawyer. "Being a student of the game is something I take a lot of pride in. I try my very best to learn and study the opponent before games. It's something that I'm still going to try and excel at and even get better at and hopefully learn from guys like T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith."
Familiar faces: For fifth-round pick Yahya Black, coming to a new team means a lot of new faces.
But there are some familiar ones too.
Black, who played at Iowa, joins third-round pick Kaleb Johnson as part of the Steelers 2025 rookie class.
He is also reuniting with former Iowa teammate Logan Lee, the defensive lineman who was drafted by the Steelers in 2024.
"It means a lot, because to go into something blind, when I'm already blind in this process almost, means a lot," said Black. "You have a guy that knows enough to really help you out. And then from there, there's plenty of vets that are willing to help really get a good foundation in the process."
Black and Lee had a strong relationship at Iowa, and he is excited about continuing that with the Steelers and having Lee as someone he can lean on.
"That's my guy," said Black. "I love Logan. I played with him for three years, and he was the best. He always had some research he was doing, he was always a high motor, good personality guy that helped me along the way.
"We never skipped a beat. I think it's going to be the same here that it was at Iowa."
Steelers' rookies take the field for rookie minicamp
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Eddie Faulkner (3) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Debo Williams (48) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cameron McCutcheon (35) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bam Brima (46) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Fred Stokes (68) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls (29) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Frasier Masin (37) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Domenique Davis (69), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rookies participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (85) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roc Taylor (81) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (34) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Seth Morgan (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) and Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman (34) and Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27), Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20), and Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Eddie Faulkner participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Eddie Faulkner (3) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Dom Serapiglia (57) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Morice Blackwell (54) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback DJ Thomas-Jones (48) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Seth Morgan (3) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roc Taylor (81) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Tommy Smith (45) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18), and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Seth Morgan (3) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Steven Jones (69) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Omarion Dollison (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cameron McCutcheon (38) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) and Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker coach Denzel Martin participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rookies participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (85) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99), Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker coach Denzel Martin, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Blake Mangelson (65) participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) and Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker coach Denzel Martin participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rookies participate in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls (29) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Roster is set for rookie minicamp: The Steelers will hold their three-day rookie minicamp this weekend, the first time the team's 2025 Draft Class and undrafted free agents will be together as a group.
In addition to the draft picks and undrafted free agents the team added, the team will also have some first-year players participating this weekend, as well as players who were invited on a tryout basis.
Among those invited to participate on a tryout basis are several players with local ties, including linebacker Nate Matlack and safety Phillip O'Brien, both from the University of Pittsburgh, and cornerback Eddie Faulkner IV from Slippery Rock, the son of running backs coach Eddie Faulkner.
The team's rookie minicamp roster can be found here.
The Steelers signed the undrafted rookie free agents they added following the 2025 NFL Draft, with all of them in town now for the team's three-day rookie minicamp.
The full list is below:
Sebastian Castro, safety, Iowa
J.J. Galbreath, tight end, South Dakota
Blake Mangelson, defensive tackle, Brigham Young
Ben Sauls, kicker, Pittsburgh
Roc Taylor, wide receiver, Memphis
DJ Thomas-Jones, fullback, South Alabama
Aiden Williams, offensive guard, Minnesota-Duluth
Ke'Shawn Williams, wide receiver, Indiana
More on the undrafted rookie free agents:
Sebastian Castro, safety, Iowa: Castro appeared in 53 games for the Hawkeyes, starting 32. He finished his career with 163 tackles, including 113 solo tackles. He had 14 tackles for a loss, 18 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, four interceptions and two sacks.
J.J. Galbreath, tight end, South Dakota: Galbreath appeared in 45 games for South Dakota, pulling in 93 receptions for 1,355 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2024, he appeared in 10 games, finishing with 32 receptions for 469 yards and four touchdowns. He was named first team Associated Press All-American and first team All-Conference. In addition he was a third team Phil Steele All-American.
Blake Mangelson, defensive tackle, Brigham Young: Mangelson appeared in 41 games, starting 16, for BYU. He recorded 82 tackles, 33 of them solo stops, with 10.5 tackles for a loss, two and a half sacks, five passes defensed and one interception. He had his best season in 2024 when he started 12 of 13 games played, recording 37 tackles, 15 of them solo stops, five and a half tackles for a loss and two sacks.
Ben Sauls, kicker, Pittsburgh: Sauls is no stranger to the Steelers, having kicked for the Pitt Panthers since 2020. Sauls appeared in 53 games, connecting on 52-of-64 field goal attempts, 81.25%, including a long of 58 yards in 2024. Sauls was the only kicker selected to the Pro Football Focus All-America team and was also a second team All-America selection by SI.com and a Lou Groza semifinalist.
Roc Taylor, wide receiver, Memphis: Taylor appeared in 43 games, pulling in 162 receptions for 2,366 yards and seven touchdowns. Taylor had 66 receptions for 950 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, while pulling in 69 receptions for 1,083 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 when he was a second-team All-AAC selection.
DJ Thomas-Jones, fullback, South Alabama: Thomas-Jones appeared in 36 games in three seasons, pulling in 69 receptions for 610 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2024, he played in 13 games, finishing with 22 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns. He began his college career at Ole Miss, where he appeared in six games in 2020.
Aiden Williams, offensive guard, Minnesota-Duluth: Williams played in 40 games over four seasons, including 11 games each for the last three years. Williams was a 2023 NSIC All-Conference second team selection as well as a key part of the school leading the conference and ranked seventh in the NCAA in rushing offense. He was also named All-NSIC second team in 2022. Williams is from Anchorage, Alaska.
Ke'Shawn Williams, wide receiver, Indiana: Williams played in 59 games during his college career, starting 11 of them in his career. Williams has 2,640 all-purpose yards, including 1,833 receiving. He spent the 2024 season at Indiana where he played in 13 games with 39 receptions for 448 yards and five touchdowns. Williams spent four seasons at Wake Forest before transferring to Indiana.
Thursday, May 8
Ready to work: Thursday was like the first day of school for the Steelers rookie class, arriving at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to prepare for the three-day minicamp that begins in earnest on Friday.
As players arrived throughout the day, they checked all the boxes, which ranged from meeting with their position coaches, getting fit for equipment, having their team headshots taken and much more.
"I'm very excited," said defensive end Yahya Black, the fifth-round pick out of Iowa. "Anybody that's gone through this process leading up to the draft is just waiting to play football. So, I'm really excited for that part.
"I want to get on the field and show them they didn't mess up. At the end of the day, I just want to do my job and let them know that I'm working my hardest even though it might not look perfect all the time."
Black isn't the only one ready to get down to football. After spending the last few months training, taking part in the NFL Combine and Pro Days, all this new group of rookies want is to pick up a football and be amongst their teammates.
"I've been chomping at the bit for this," said quarterback Will Howard, who was taken in the sixth round out of Ohio State. "I had already been bugging (quarterbacks) Coach (Tom) Arth and some of the guys for the playbook to try and get an early start on it. But I can't wait to get out there and work. It feels like four or five months since we played in the National Championship game.
"I am ready. I'm just so fired up to get to work. I can't wait to learn from them and hopefully have a little fun while we're doing it."
After such a long wait from the end of the college season to rookie minicamp, Howard just wants to show the coaches this weekend what he is capable of, from a mental and physical standpoint.
"I want to show my ability to pick up the playbook, my ability to process things," said Howard. "I think that's one of my strengths and always has been. I want to be able to step in during rookie minicamp and already have a good grasp of what's going on and be a leader for our draft class. I want to be that guy that everyone can count on to do his job when they need me.
"I want to start building relationships throughout this whole rookie minicamp. I want to get to know these guys and start building relationships and go from there. I'm excited."
While rookie minicamp truly is just an introduction to the playbook, with it being repeated time and time again over the next few months, to a man the players want to do everything they can to make a good first impression.
"I want to show them that I'm a worker," said linebacker Jack Sawyer, the fourth round selection from Ohio State. "I want the coaches to see that I'm a guy who comes ready to work and I'm going to go as hard as I can and be that guy that gives that maximum effort every play.
"I'm really looking forward to getting on the field and not only showing my skillset, but also show that you're getting a guy that's going to come in here and bust his tail every day.
"All of us rookies don't really know exactly what we're getting into, so I'm excited to learn the playbook and start the development and the process."
The Steelers 2025 rookies arrived at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The rookies arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Eddie Faulkner (3) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Sebastian Castro (29) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Eddie Faulkner (3) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The rookies arrives at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in preparation for rookie minicamp, Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
