Pittsburgh Steelers Who've Turned Heads in Offseason Workouts

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be wrapping up their OTAs this week, with mandatory minicamp not far behind. Then comes training camp, where the team can practice in full pads with live contact, something not permitted during the voluntary workout period of the offseason.

Though the Steelers are far from playing full-speed football, players have stood out during the offseason workouts. Here are five to keep your eyes on as the summer unfolds.

WR Martavis Bryant

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Last year, wide receiver Martavis Bryant was not active until seven weeks into the season. Still, he made a massive on-field impact for the Steelers in his final 10 games, catching 26 passes, eight of which were touchdowns. This year, he'll look to take on a bigger role, perhaps even opening the season as a starter.

His path to that goal has led him to taking on mixed martial arts-style training this year, something that has resulted in him being "swole," according to former Clemson teammate and current Steelers backup quarterback Tajh Boyd.

Boyd, speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo said, "I think [Bryant's] going to be a Pro Bowler in the next two years. I definitely see him having 1,000 yards this year."

Bryant has remained focused, saying, "Everyone gets bigger and better every year. I wanted to make sure I got better. I didn't want to slack off or become complacent. I had some things I wanted to get done in the offseason, so I went to work."

Bryant has added 10 pounds of muscle and, just as importantly, a year of NFL experience. Thus, Bryant said, "It's a lot easier because I'm in shape. I don't have to think like I did last year. I'm not stressing about learning the plays. Everything is slower for me. I don't have to do a lot of thinking. Now it's about going out, playing, performing and having fun with it." 

CB Cortez Allen

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Cornerback Cortez Allen had a rough 2014. He began the year as a starting cornerback for the Steelers, then was demoted to slot duties before being benched altogether. Injuries plagued him, but so did a crisis of confidence. Now, Allen is devoted to returning to his previous form and being a starter for the Steelers once again.

Speaking with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette last week, Allen said, "What motivates me and what hurts me more than anything else is letting [down] the guys who work around me." As such, he has turned to defensive backs coach Carnell Lake to help him fix what was broken last year.

Allen said, "I asked Coach to help me with everything—anything he sees or feels that I'm doing, however small or big. I like to be coached. I have a desire to be better. I'm all for any coaching he can give me."

Allen said he needed help with "a lot of fundamental things." He added, "That's what I'm working on now, just getting back to the basics of football as far as technique and stuff."

Allen has worked both on the outside and in the slot during OTAs and seems to have gotten his confidence back, as well as the confidence of his coaches. This is a good thing—the Steelers need Allen to perform at a high level this year in order to make sure they don't have to field two rookie cornerbacks, something most teams prefer to avoid if they can.

NT Steve McLendon

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Last year, a shoulder injury caused Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon to miss four games. It also forced him to play injured the rest of the year. But, now, after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, McLendon is healthy and ready to be a major part of the Steelers front seven in 2015.

McLendon told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo that, "I regained all my strength and range of motion. I can help my team out now. I don't have to worry about any more setbacks or time off. I don't have any worries. I took the necessary steps to get ready for this year." 

Last year, McLendon played only 305 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, and totaled 21 combined tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack. 2015 is a contract year for McLendon, who also has the less-expensive Daniel McCullers breathing down his neck for the nose tackle job.

But a healthy McLendon has been productive in OTAs thus far. With the Steelers making numerous changes along their front seven, having continuity at nose tackle will be important this season. 

CB Antwon Blake

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

At first, it seemed like the Steelers made a mistake by letting free-agent cornerback Brice McCain leave for the Miami Dolphins and instead opting to retain fellow free agent Antwon Blake. But so far in OTAs, Blake is making a convincing argument for why the Steelers chose to keep him around.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly reports that Blake has been working as an outside cornerback in the team's nickel package, with William Gay moving inside to the slot. He covered receivers Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant in those situations and handled the two talented receivers well. Though just 5'9", Kaboly noted that Blake "more often than not" beat out Bryant and Brown in the end zone.

Blake totaled 42 tackles, six passes defensed and an interception in 2014. This year, the Steelers expect more from Blake, given that they have already moved him around the defense in OTAs.

Blake expects much from himself as well, saying to Kaboly, "In this profession, it's all about coming out and taking it one day at a time and proving yourself every day. ... I always knew I can do it. There is a difference of knowing you can do and doing it."

Now, it appears Blake will be going from relative obscurity to a starting fixture in Pittsburgh's secondary.

LB Bud Dupree

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

With the Steelers looking to improve a sack total of just 33 from 2014, they selected linebacker Bud Dupree in Round 1 of the 2015 draft. And though he still has a lot to learn, he's been impressive in the team's OTAs thus far.

Veteran linebacker Arthur Moats told the Steelers' official website that Dupree "looks good. He definitely has some areas he has to work on but we all do. The beauty is he's not scared of anything and that's what you want."

Fellow linebacker Jarvis Jones also praised Dupree, saying, "He's gonna be a great player. He's very smart. He has all the physical attributes. He's getting great coaching from Coach [Joey] Porter so he's learning. He's a fast learner, too. The sky's the limit for him."

Fellow veteran Lawrence Timmons is also impressed with Dupree. He told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Ralph N. Paulk that, "His physical presence is unbelievable. He seems to be a sponge right now. I don't think he'll have a problem adjusting to this league."

Whether Dupree is a Week 1 starter or not, he's destined to see a great deal of playing time in his rookie year. And so far, it appears he is more than up for the challenge.