The one big thing: The Steelers did not believe Isaiahh Loudermilk was ready to be a starter earlier this summer. That’s why they signed Larry Ogunjobi after Stephon Tuitt retired.
Loudermilk didn’t pout. He worked hard during the six weeks off before camp started and has been impressive during training camp as he gets set to enter his second NFL season.
“I think he’s taking the step that we would anticipate,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “But obviously there’s a lot of ball out in front of him and us, so that remains to be seen, but he’s done a great job of shaping his body. He came highly conditioned for his position. And he has positioned himself to do the things that we expect guys like him to do.
“It’s his second lap around the track, with the knowledge of the journey and a certain level of expectation, at least culturally, of what we’re trying to do from an environmental standpoint, is a leg up for these guys, and we expect those players to come with it.”
Our take: The Steelers love Loudermilk’s potential. It’s not all that unusual for a young defensive end in the Steelers system to need a couple of seasons of nurturing before earning a starting role.
All-Pro Cam Heyward didn’t play much in his first two NFL seasons. He played fewer than 300 snaps before becoming a full-time starter for the first time in 2013. And Heyward was a first-round pick.
Loudermilk wasn’t selected until the fifth round last year. And while development still must take place he does give the coaching staff a solid option off the bench.
With Ogunjobi signed for only one season, Loudermilk should be ready for a prime-time role in 2023.
What’s next: The Steelers are scheduled to practice Thursday at 1:55 p.m. at Saint Vincent College, but check Twitter in the morning. The past two practices have been moved up to 10:30 a.m.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: August 11, 2022, 9:00 a.m.
Updated: August 11, 2022, 2:24 p.m.
