PITTSBURGH — The Steelers got back to work on the third week of minicamp on Tuesday under ideal conditions at UPMC Sport Complex on the South Side, and there maintains a seriousness about the goings-on, even at this late date in the spring.
OTAs are theoretically about having guys in proper physical condition, but they’ve become much more than that.
These three weeks are essential development time for NFL teams, particularly for young players.
Steelers second-year strong safety Terrell Edmunds and Sean Davis, entering his second season playing free safety, spent 20 minutes on the practice field afterwards, just “chopping it up,” according to Davis, as the two try to get on the same page.
“Youngs guys just have to come out and develop, because you can’t be a young guy forever,” Edmunds said.
Davis, who has been one of the notable absences during the OTAs as he enters the final season of his rookie contract, was practicing for the first time on Tuesday.
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
During OTAs, many college and high school coaches visit during the practices to chat with the Steelers coaches and pick up new practice techniques. One of the drills that has drawn a lot of attention is this one, that new running backs coach Eddie Faulkner brought with him to the Steelers from NC State.
FULLBACK IN ACTION
Steelers sixth round pick Sutton Smith was back with the linebackers on Tuesday, while fullback Roosevelt Nix returned to work with the running backs.