Darnell Washington in one-on-one drills

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 30, 2026, 5:39 PM

Top Five Observations from Steelers Camp – Day 2

When the first thing strangers talk about is the weather, you know it’s a good day. For those of us in Latrobe, we’ll gladly take another comfortable afternoon.

Day 2 continued to provide a clearer picture of how Mike McCarthy wants to run training camp.

There hasn’t been an official vote, but most covering camp seem to agree the new schedule flows a little smoother than it did under Mike Tomlin.

That’s not a knock on Tomlin’s approach. McCarthy’s format simply feels more efficient. There are fewer gaps throughout the day, and everything moves with purpose.

After practice, Broderick Jones addressed the media. We’ll get to his comments later because they’re worth discussing as he works toward the 2026 season.

On the field, rookie Germie Bernard and veteran DK Metcalf stayed busy all afternoon, consistently giving the quarterbacks open targets downfield.

Offensive Line Settling In

Day 1 was about gathering information. Day 2 offered a better look at how Pittsburgh may be shaping its offensive line.

Based strictly on practice reps, Troy Fautanu appears locked in at left tackle, regardless of Broderick Jones’ availability.

The first-unit offensive line featured:

It’s still early, but it also looks like first-round pick Max Iheanachor is being developed as the future right tackle once he’s fully up to speed.

When will that happen?

Your guess is as good as mine.

A Busy Day for DK Metcalf

During the two-minute drill, Aaron Rodgers looked sharp, completing his first four passes before his first incompletion a throw intended for DK Metcalf.

Here’s how the drive unfolded:

  • Aaron Rodgers to Roman Wilson
  • Aaron Rodgers to Rico Dowdle
  • Aaron Rodgers to Pat Freiermuth
  • Aaron Rodgers to Rico Dowdle
  • Aaron Rodgers to DK Metcalf (Incomplete)
  • Aaron Rodgers to Roman Wilson (Incomplete – Holding)
  • Aaron Rodgers to DK Metcalf
  • Aaron Rodgers to DK Metcalf
  • Aaron Rodgers to DK Metcalf
  • Aaron Rodgers to DK Metcalf (Touchdown)

Rodgers completed eight of nine passes during the period, with Metcalf hauling in five of them.

Who Caught My Eye

Yesterday it was Brandon Smith, although a costly drop slowed his momentum today.

This afternoon I spent much more time watching the defense.

T.J. Watt immediately stood out.

Leading into camp, there was plenty of discussion about Patrick Graham moving Watt around the formation.

Through two full practices, that really hasn’t happened.

Outside of a few situational snaps, Watt has lined up almost exclusively on the left side over the opposing right tackle.

Maybe that changes as camp progresses.

For now, it’s business as usual for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Rookie Watch: Germie Bernard

Bernard was everywhere.

Time after time, No. 17 found ways to get open and make catches regardless of which unit was on the field.

He did have one drop.

That’s football.

Outside of that, it was another productive afternoon.

Roman Wilson continues to look like Pittsburgh’s primary vertical threat, while Bernard has excelled working underneath and finding soft spots in coverage. I charted five receptions for the rookie.

If Bernard continues stacking days like this, he’ll make a legitimate push to become the Steelers’ No. 3 receiver before camp breaks.

The Broderick Jones Watch Begins

Jones met with reporters following practice. I was finishing a conversation with Carson Bruener when Jones became available, and thankfully my good friend Jim Wexell forwarded me the transcript.

The Steelers’ 2023 first-round pick has worked at both tackle spots during camp, although my notes show more snaps on the right side. That would make sense if Max Iheanachor eventually develops into the long-term option there, allowing Dylan Cook to serve as the swing tackle behind Troy Fautanu.

“I’m still working through it,” Jones said of his recovery. “I wouldn’t say I’m where I want to be at. Just trying to get back in shape and putting the weight back on in the right places. But it’s good being out here, here with the team in Latrobe, because that’s what this is for.”

Jones said he’s currently around 300 pounds. To some, that number may seem light, but considering the nature of his neck injury, it makes perfect sense. There simply wasn’t an opportunity to train and add strength the way he normally would.

As I wrapped up my interview with Bruener, I caught Jones for a quick fist bump and wished him well.

He smiled.

Some players know who’s been in their corner all along.

 

 

 

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