Predicting Steelers' Breakout Players at 2023 OTAs, Minicamp

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to build off of a 9-8 campaign that saw rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett emerge as a reliable starter by season's end.

The Steelers have put in work this offseason reloading their offensive line and replacing departed contributors such as Cameron Sutton and Devin Bush.

New additions like Patrick Peterson, Isaac Seumalo and rookie tackle Broderick Jones will garner a lot of attention in the coming weeks, but fans should also keep an eye on returning players who could break out in 2023.

A good example from last year is pass-rusher Alex Highsmith. The 2020 third-round pick notched nine sacks over his first two seasons but racked up 14.5 last year while serving as the focal point of Pittsburgh's pass rush while T.J. Watt was sidelined by a torn pectoral.

While we might not see a player break out this year quite like Highsmith did in 2022, we may see strong signs of improvement from a few of them during offseason team activities (OTAs) and minicamp.

Below, you'll find three returning players who could start standing out in the coming weeks.

DL DeMarvin Leal

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CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 11: Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) reacts during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 11, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

We saw glimpses from 2022 third-round pick DeMarvin Leal last year, but a torn meniscus landed him on injured reserve for a big chunk of the season.

The Texas A&M product ended up playing in 11 games and finished with 14 tackles over 175 defensive snaps.

Getting back on the field after the injury was big for the 22-year-old, who had five tackles in his final two games. With more time between the second-year defender and the injury, he should be poised for a bigger role in 2023.

And Pittsburgh could certainly stand to see him develop. Standout defensive lineman Cameron Heyward just turned 34, and Larry Ogunjobi could be released next offseason, saving Pittsburgh $6.2 million off the 2024 cap.

While the Steelers did use a 2023 second-round pick on Keeanu Benton, the 6'4", 309-pound prospect is suited to play solely on the interior.

The 6'4", 283-pound Leal is is more of a hybrid tackle/end who can play a similar role to those of Heyward and Ogunjobi. He'll get every opportunity to emerge this offseason, and the former 5-star recruit has the physical tools to do it.

WR Calvin Austin III

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III walks down the field during practice at NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

We didn't see anything from 2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III as a rookie. The former Memphis receiver suffered a foot injury during the preseason, ultimately underwent Lisfranc surgery and missed his inaugural campaign altogether.

However, the pass-catcher has the potential to be a fine complementary piece in Pittsburgh's passing attack now that he's healthy. He's on the smaller side at 5'7" and 170 pounds, but he has elite speed (4.32-second 40-yard dash), can return punts and can add an extra dynamic to the offense.

"He projects as a No. 4-type receiver who can be used in a role to stretch defenses vertically, with the hands and enough skill to be a contributor on other types of plays," Nate Tice wrote for the Bleacher Report Scouting Department last year.

While the Steelers added Allen Robinson II to its receiver room this offseason, the team has a long history of successfully drafting and developing its own wideouts. That trend should continue with Austin, even if the veteran's presence keeps the 24-year-old in a complementary role early.

Expect Austin to show off his playmaking potential during offseason workouts.

QB Kenny Pickett

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to throw the ball during the first half of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Kenny Pickett had Pittsburgh playing winning football toward the end of last season, but the rookie was far from perfect—he threw nine interceptions and posted a 76.7 quarterback rating.

Expect the 24-year-old to take a big step forward in 2023, not unlike Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts, who surged in their second seasons as full-time starters.

Pickett isn't on the same level as Burrow and Hurts, at least not yet. But he should show a ton of growth in his second year under offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Continuity is one big reason why Canada was retained this offseason.

"I think it's reasonable to expect that to be significant," head coach Mike Tomlin said of the offensive continuity, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "But we'll have an opportunity to make it so."

Expect Pickett to take some positive strides this offseason and for Canada to open up the playbook a bit since the Pittsburgh product is now entrenched as the starter.

Also expect the second-year quarterback to make more than a few highlight reels while tossing passes to players such as Austin, Robinson, George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth during summer workouts.

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*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference. Cap and contract information via Spotrac.