LATROBE — Training camp is officially underway in Latrobe for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they officially begin their 2026 season. While the first handful of practices are padless, there were still plenty of takeaways from Day One, including a big performance from Drew Allar, and a cornerback making the most of his increased reps.
Roman Wilson and his usage in the offense
When the Steelers trotted out their starting 11 personnel, the receivers were DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman, and Roman Wilson. This may have surprised some who expected second-round
pick Germie Bernard to get that spot – and there is a very good chance it will be his – but Wilson was a focal point in team drills throughout the first practice.
It was hard to count how many times he was targeted, but I would say he was thrown to more than any other pass-catcher during team periods. Now, these were the same things we were seeing in camp this time last year, so do with that information what you will. In individual drills, though, his footwork looked clean, he was agile in his cuts and breaks, and he genuinely looked like a player that has been working to improve and earn real snaps in 2026. Considering where he was drafted two years ago, he will be a name that will be circled during exhibition play.
Steelers get the full Drew Allar experience
Fans in attendance got the first taste of the quarterback battle between Will Howard and Drew Allar to kickoff camp, and Day One would go to Allar in terms of big plays. The rookie out of Penn State had the two best throws of any quarterback during team drills, ripping a seam shot to Max Hurleman in seven-on-sevens and closing practice with a touchdown pass down the middle to Robert Tonyan from 15 yards out.
There were, however, a few throws Allar would have liked to have back. A check down in seven-on-sevens was tipped by Cole Holcomb and picked off by Payton Wilson. Another sideline shot on a corner route was thrown into a tight window and nearly picked. It was admirable seeing him take some chances when others would simply throw three-yard check downs or easy pitches-and-catches to the flat, but you would also like to see a bit more precision on the tight-window throws. Overall, though, it’s a practice he can walk away happy with his performance.
Edge rusher deployment and movement
T.J. Watt said he and the pass rushers would be moving around, and he wasn’t kidding. He, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig all lined up at multiple spots throughout practice, and were all on the field at the same time at one point. If that is a sign of things to come, fans will be very pleased with Patrick Graham and his usage of the three edge rushers.
Big day for Asante Samuel Jr
With Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr both on the PUP list, that opened up opportunities for other defensive backs to shine, and Asante Samuel Jr. took advantage of the extra reps. The Florida State product was the best defensive back on the field, breaking up a pair of passes during team drills. The first was a pass from Rodgers to Pittman on the sideline where Samuel read the play, broke on the ball, and batted it away. The second came on a go ball to DK Metcalf from Rodgers. Samuel stayed with Metaled step for step and broke up the pass at the catch point.
Other notes
- Broderick Jones looks very light. It was good to see him on the field, but he’ll need to bulk up to get to playing weight
- Brandin Echols picked off Aaron Rodgers in the end zone on a tipped pass that was intended for Darnell Washington
- The first-team offensive line was from left to right: Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook. Jones rotated in at left tackle with Max Iheanachor playing right.
- Nothing too notable for Germie Bernard, but he did look fast.
- Aaron Rodgers had a nice tight-window throw to Pat Freiermuth in team drills.
- Jamel Dean had a nice PBU on a Rodgers pass to Pittman.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Browns complicate Steelers’ contract negotiations with Joey Porter Jr
- T.J. Watt shares promising insight into Steelers’ pass rush plan
- Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr suffers surprise injury at training camp
- Aaron Rodgers has glowing expectations for Roman Wilson
- Mason Rudolph will take QB2 reps over Will Howard, Drew Allar
