Steelers training camp: Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson on faster track than 2023 rookies?

North Shore Drive podcast - Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

In his weekly YouTube appearance, Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise joins host Adam Bittner to analyze the hype around the rookie class following one week of Steelers training camp. Are names including Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Payton Wilson, Roman Wilson and even Mason McCormick on track to see significant time faster than Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton did a year ago? Or will coach Mike Tomlin and coordinators Teryl Austin and Arthur Smith still be more cautious? And is there less immediate pressure on this group amid the installation of Smith's offense and the competition at QB?

Our duo tackles those questions and more on the Steelers front. Including: What's the level of concern at WR amid Roman Wilson's injury? Are running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren plus tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington showing they can make up for any deficit at that position? And why does the Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields debate seem so divisive?

Then the guys wrap up the show with talking about Pirates GM Ben Cherington's moves at the MLB trade deadline. Are the additions of Bryan De La Cruz and Isiah Kiner-Falefa enough to get this team in the postseason? How much pressure should Cherington be under if they don't? What happened to the team's organizational depth in the middle infield? And what's a target win total for this team to snatch a National League wild card slot?