SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Twister’ Edition

Good Monday to you Steelers Fans.

Before I get to the action on the Southside regarding Rookie Mini-Camp, I’d like to explain my recent absence. I’ve seen a lot in years on the planet but until last Tuesday evening I had never seen a tornado. Movies? Yes. Television? Sure. But in person? Never. That all changed at 5:55pmET last Tuesday. We knew severe weather was coming. Cell phone alerts were going off and within a minute later our community sirens were sounding. As the family headed to the basement, I did what any good red-blooded American male would do and headed out into the driveway. I immediately heard the faint sound of a train which I knew wasn’t good. I then looked up over the trees to the Southwest and saw what I’m pretty sure were pizza boxes, branches and aluminum siding spinning in the air. I quickly realized this was a good time to head to the basement. Within about 3 minutes the sun was already out. One block over about 1,000 yards up the street, houses and town homes were destroyed. The twister would eventually hit other areas of our community destroying businesses and homes. The worst for us was having power out for two days which was no big deal for me considering what many others were dealing with at the same time. So as Mini-Camp was underway in Pittsburgh, covering that and doing the Podcast Thursday night just didn’t seem right to me. I’m finally back to work and grateful things weren’t worse. Back to football…

Najee Harris

A report circulated last week from a Pittsbugh Media member stating that Harris had asked the Steelers not to give him his fifth-year option. A day or so later, Harris’ agent took to social media to plainly and bluntly deny that rumor. There are only a handful of media members in Pittsburgh that I trust. I’ll just leave it at that.

Fautanu and McCormick

First round draft pick Troy Fautanu and fourth round selection Mason McCormick both played on the left side during their college careers. Both however spent most of their time at Camp this week on the right side. Here are some conclusions we can draw. First, Fautanu being on the right suggests that Broderick Jones will move back to his more natural left tackle spot. This is a fair assumption but we must also remember the Steelers need to see how Fautanu adjusts to being on the right where the footwork has to completely flip. It will likely take some time and that’s why they are starting the process now. As for McCormick, I found his placement a bit surprising considering that James Daniels is the younger between he and Isaac Seumalo. My thinking is that why not prepare McCormick for the left side? After consideration and hearing some of the reports, it seems that McCormick could well be used as the team’s primary ‘swing’ guard which then begs the question… What about Nate Herbig? I’m not getting worked up over this as early as it is.

The Number Two

What I am getting worked up over is the number two receiver position. The Steelers can suggest all that they’d like to that Rookie Roman Wilson could play there but I’m not buying that. He’s been primarily a slot guy in college and caught the majority of his passes in between the numbers. I can see situations where he gets aligned there or ends up there in motion but I can’t see him being a legit #2. Therefore, are the Steelers going to wait until the summer when salary cap casualties start happening? Maybe a potential trade target’s price comes down? As of right now, it’s a glaring issue.

Pickens and DJ

Oh boy… George Pickens was spotted last week working out with Diontae Johnson and a lot of people didn’t like it on social media. DO fans really expect two guys who spent two seasons together to just stop being friends? I get it; I’d rather Pickens were training with current teammates but I’m not going to get too fired up. Johnson’s influence over Pickens has already been established.

Irish Eyes

The Steelers have an Irishman in their ranks. Kicker Mark Jackson was in as a tryout player during Mini-Camp and while he’s no threat to Chris Boswell, it has to be pretty amazing for him and the other guys. In his native country, Jackson is a well-known Gaelic footballer which is a Frankenstein of sorts. It’s a combination of soccer, football and basketball and Jackson plays goalkeeper. That’s where his kicking prowess comes from. Has to be an awesome experience for the young man.