"Iron Sharpens Iron" for Steelers Rookies

Going into any season the main focus for us as spectators is training camp. Camp provides a look into the teams, the incoming rookies, how they stack up against the rest of the NFL, and the different training regiments they go through. While most rookies seem to have some flare in these camp practices and show off their athletic ability, there is more to it. Ability can only get you so far but putting in the work and being coachable will bring you to another level. So, who really benefits the most from this line of extra work?

The term “Iron Sharpens Iron” is a universal saying amongst any competitive sport and its true to its name, going back and forth with someone who can help with other parts of your game will then in turn make you a better player. This level of play and back and forth usually helps rookies the most.

There are two rookies on the Steelers right now who are getting a jolt into the NFL and sharpening their iron. Starting with Joey Porter Jr, who is a freak of a human to begin with, is now getting thrown into the fire and having to guard these Steelers' receivers - the most common one being George Pickens. Going against George is going to help Porter Jr. improve the most because George has one of the largest catch radiuses I’ve ever seen in a young second year player. If Joey can sharpen his skills there, there are not many receivers that will be able to get the best of him going into his rookie campaign.

Learning from the absolute best is always a benefit when it comes to any profession, so when Nick Herbig gets the opportunity to learn from the likes of TJ Watt, a former Badger himself it's going to catapult Nick to new levels very early on. There have already been multiple videos showing Nick working directly with Watt on the side and learning from him. Reports suggests Nick’s Ghost Move is like no other rookies' because of the knowledge he has absorbed from TJ. A kid with an impeccable motor paired with the knowledge from TJ Watt makes for a very scary pass rusher.

When push comes to shove this offense likely benefits more from the practices because they are going against a great defense. This past Friday, Pickett and the offense were able to put that on full display, as he connected with his full arsenal en-route to an incredible throw and catch touchdown to Mr. Pickens.

The work the team has done is on full display, especially with Kenny developing more of a savvy for the offense and going through his reads better. Iron Sharpens Iron --- and this Steelers team is now looking very sharp from it.