The Pittsburgh Steelers took to the practice field at St. Vincent College for training camp on Thursday. Following practice, head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media about their first day on the field. Since he was asked about a number of players, I am excited to continue the players mentioned article at Steel Curtain Network! Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Dan Moore Jr.

One of the main camp battles Steelers’ fans will be looking at is at the left tackle position. Coach Tomlin was asked what he’s noticed in terms of a newfound confidence coming from Dan Moore and what else he saw from him on Thursday.

“I hadn’t noticed a thing man.We just got started. It’s football in helmets and so, I’m not looking at a lot of those type confrontations because they’re not significant in terms of what we’re doing in a football like environment right now. More skill guy related and things of that nature when you’re in helmets because you’re playing with a governor and that governor really minimizes the impact of line play.So, I’d be making something up if I gave you that.”

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Diontae Johnson, & Cam Heyward

One player who was not participating fully in practice the first day was All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Coach Tomlin was asked about Fitzpatrick‘s participation and in his response also mentioned Diontae Johnson and Cam Heyward.

“Nothing of any significance, man, sometimes we know a lot about guys, we minimize them in an effort to get to see others.You probably didn’t see a lot of Diontae (Johnson), you probably didn’t see a significant amount of Cam (Heyward). I mean, there’s going to be a lot of that in this process.We have 90 guys out here that we are working to get to know, some of them that we really know like Minkah (Fitzpatrick).Sometimes we minimize them in an effort to see others.”

Cory Trice Jr. & Joey Porter Jr.

With many eyes being on the players drafted in the 2023 NFL draft, the two cornerbacks of Cory Trice and Joey Porter will continue to catch the attention of those at training camp. Coach Tomlin was asked if both players are naturally embracing the concept of ‘playing big’ since they have that advantage.

“We’re still very much in the get to know. Obviously, that’s something you look for, the length component, particularly from a bump and run standpoint.That’s what you’re talking about when you’re talking about playing big at that position, high pointing the ball and things.They’re going to have plenty of opportunity to display those skills.”

Duke Dawson

One surprising player who was on the field early that many weren’t expecting the first day of practice was cornerback  Duke Dawson. Coach Tomlin was asked about what he saw from Dawson being out there with the ones.

“Man don’t look too much into what groups people are running with at this juncture man, you’re going to lead yourself down a bad path.”

Elijah Riley, Chandon Sullivan, & Patrick Peterson

Following up from the previous question about Duke Dawson,Coach Tomlin was asked what he saw from Dawson as the slot cornerback. In his response, Coach Tomlin also mentioned Elijah Riley, Chandon Sullivan, and Patrick Peterson.

“I really didn’t. I wasn’t involved in the discussion in terms of who we sent out here first, because I really didn’t care. You know, we’re just trying to get to know people and we’re going to continue to roll.Eli (Elijah Riley) made a play at the nickel position, Duke’s (Duke Dawson) working at the nickel position, Sully’s (Chandon Sullivan) working at the nickel position, at some point we’re going to put Pat P (Patrick Peterson) at the nickel position. Don’t pay too much attention to the depth at this juncture, just being honest.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete interview can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin: "Really excited about getting started." pic.twitter.com/PrPORThHSS

— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) July 27, 2023