Buying or Selling Steelers' Top Offseason Performances

With rookies and veterans both scheduled to report on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp is nearly here.

This year's camp will be an important one, as Pittsburgh underwent several changes in the offseason. Ben Roethlisberger retired, longtime general manager Kevin Colbert stepped down, and Teryl Austin replaced Keith Butler as defensive coordinator.

With so many moving pieces, it's hard to predict just what to expect from the Steelers in training camp this year. However, we can get a little insight by examining what we've seen through organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp.

Here, we'll dive into the biggest buzz and top performances of the Steelers' offseason so far. We'll examine which players have stood out, what it means heading into camp and whether we believe they'll continue to shine in the regular season.

QB Mitchell Trubisky

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 25: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws the ball during the team's OTA practice on May 25, 2022, at the Steelers Practice Facility in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The battle to replace Roethlisberger is a three-headed race between Mason Rudolph, Mitchell Trubisky and rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett.

However, early indications are that Trubisky has clearly outperformed the competition this offseason.

"If you watch the team or talk to people who were around the team during OTAs, they felt like Mitchell Trubisky really made his mark and stood out there," ESPN's Adam Schefter told NFL Live. "...I think that they're looking for some pretty big things from him this upcoming season."

Trubisky, a former second overall pick, didn't pan out with the Chicago Bears, but he wasn't a complete disaster, either. He compiled a 29-21 record and was even a Pro Bowler in his 2018 sophomore campaign.

It's also worth noting that the 27-year-old may have been mismanaged under former Bears coach Matt Nagy, who also got underwhelming results from Justin Fields in 2021.

Trubisky leads the quarterback room in experience, has a more powerful arm than last year's version of Roethlisberger and is athletic enough to survive behind Pittsburgh's lackluster offensive line. He gives the Steelers their best chance to win now and may indeed have a strong season.

Verdict: Buy

TE/FB Connor Heyward

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Michigan State tight end Connor Heyward answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2022, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While Pickett will eventually be the face of the franchise in Pittsburgh, rookie sixth-round pick Connor Heyward comes in under the shadow of older brother and All-Pro defensive lineman Cam Heyward.

The younger Heyward figures to be a hybrid tight end and fullback in Matt Canada's offense, and he's flashed glimpses of promise this offseason.

"The rookie Heyward impressed in offseason workouts and showed a chemistry with first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett in a nice snag during a two-minute drill in minicamp," Brooke Pryor of ESPN wrote.

The 23-year-old's versatility should land him a spot in the final 53, but it's unlikely he has a major offensive role as a rookie. Derek Watt will continue to handle fullback duties, and the Steelers have a rising tight end in Pat Freiermuth.

Pittsburgh also has tight end Zach Gentry, who played 40 percent of the offensive snaps in 2021, per Pro Football Reference.

Heyward wasn't exactly an explosive playmaker at Michigan State—he tallied just 326 receiving yards last season. He may continue impressing in camp, but look for the Steelers to develop him as a depth player in the regular season.

Verdict: Sell

WR George Pickens

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 25: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) takes part in a drill during the team's OTA practice on May 25, 2022, at the Steelers Practice Facility in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While Heyward may be brought along slowly, the Steelers could get an immediate spark from rookie wideout George Pickens.

"In his final draft before retiring as the Steelers’ general manager, Kevin Colbert once again landed a bargain receiver in the second round.," NFL.com's Chad Reuter wrote. "Pickens is already impressing, showing off his skills during OTAs."

Pickens has indeed impressed with some highlight-reel catches, but it's his combination of size (6'3") and speed that will make him dangerous in 2022.

The Georgia product suffered a torn ACL two years ago and missed the bulk of last season. In just eight 2020 games before the injury, though, he caught 36 passes for 513 yards and six touchdowns.

The challenge for Pickens will be finding playing time alongside Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson. Even if he's used primarily as a complementary vertical and red-zone threat, the 21-year-old can be a weapon.

Expect Pickens to make a strong push for the No. 3 receiver role during camp and to continue shining once he gets onto the regular-season playing field.

Verdict: Buy