The Steelers Rookie Report: Camp Observations & Analysis

Rookie Reports leading into Saturday's pre-season opener

1. Maurkice Pouncey, 1st round pick, offensive Linemen

Camp Notes: Twelve days into training camp, Maurkice Pouncey is running second team guard and getting plenty of center reps in the past 2-3 practices this week.

It is just a matter of time before Pouncey is running with the first team but the coaching staff will make Pouncey earn a starting spot to the fullest extent. He projects to start at somepoint this season but at this moment is not a lock to be the team's starting right guard in the season opener on September 12.

One interesting scenario is Pouncey playing a starting role at center this season. The coaching staff has raved about Pouncey's ability to learn the offense but plugging a rookie into a starting center role is not a top priority after signing Justin Hartwig to a four year deal last year.

Pouncey struggled early on and has come on strong of late which is a good sign heading into the Steelers pre-season opener on Saturday. Pouncey has been extremely good this week in the offensive linemen - defensive linemen 1-on-1 battles.

Pouncey and 2009 1st round pick Ziggy Hood have had plenty of quality 1-on-1 battles this week and Pouncey has been the one player Hood has not been able to beat consistently.

Camp Grade: B+

2. Jason Worilds, 2nd round pick, Outside Linebacker

Camp Notes: Worilds got off to a terrific start but has been hampered by a nagging hamstring injury which has hampered his ability to practice at full strength for over a week.

Excellent skill set and physical traits, extremely quick off the rush. A lock to make the 53-man roster, It is important for Worilds to be healthy and play well in the preseason as he will be battling for one of the top backup outside linebacker spots to open the season.

Contributing on special teams will also be a key factor for Worilds to earn a "hat" on game days.

Camp Grade: C-

3. Emmanuel Sanders, 3rd round pick, Wide Receiver

Camp Notes: Sanders has been one of the Steelers offensive stars in training camp, showing tremendous playmaking ability.

Over the past week, Sanders hasn't just shined in a practice or two, he has been making big plays in the passing game on a consistent basis. At this early stage, he appears to be farther along than Mike Wallace was at this time, which Wallace reportedly admitted this week.

Sanders also has kick and punt return game capabilities and is expected to be the No. 2 returner against Detroit.

Camp Grade: A

4. Thaddeus Gibson, 4th round pick, Outside Linebacker

Camp Notes: Gibson is another rookie who has made some noise early into camp. Has performed extremely well in the backs-on-backers drill and he's a player you want to see what he can do in the pre-season.

Has shown some glimpses of being a potential pass rushing specialist down the road and like Worilds will need to make an impact on special teams.

Camp Grade: B-

5. Crezdon Butler, 5th round pick, Cornerback

Camp Notes: Butler caught the eye of the Steelers coaching staff in OTA's and has done so again in training camp. He's adapted to the Steelers defense quickly and is making plays in the secondary.

Has shown some playmaking skills and a knack to be around the ball. His playmaking skills are very intriguing but Butler faces a numbers game as Bryant McFadden, Ike Taylor, Keenan Lewis, William Gay and Joe Burnett have a strong hold on the top-5 cornerback spots for now.

Like many of the Steelers rookies, making an impact on special teams will be pivotal for Butler this pre-season.

Camp Grade: B-