The youngest player at the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp is Ryan Watts. He is competing for a roster place against a player who was born more than seven years earlier, on some level. Anthony Averett, a cornerback, will be 30 this autumn. For the eighth time, he is a part of the build-up to an NFL season. Averett isn’t above working out with players several years his junior, the majority of whom have never participated in an NFL practice (and won’t ever suit up for an NFL game) despite the 51 regular-season games, 27 starts, and 114 tackles on his resume. Regarding the Steelers, Averett remarked, “All I know is that they phoned and they are giving me an opportunity, and I couldn’t wait, man.” I was eager to get out here.”
During this weekend’s Steelers rookie minicamp, Averett is by far the oldest player. Prior to 2021, Averett was an every-down outside cornerback for the rival Baltimore Ravens, having been selected in the 2018 draft by them. However, he didn’t play for the Las Vegas Raiders until 2022, and he was primarily sidelined by injury in 2023. He wants to get back into the game in Pittsburgh for a squad that lacks depth at cornerback. “After Saturday’s walk-through practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, I feel like teams were scared away simply to touch me a little bit (because of my injury), but hey, Pittsburgh is not,” Averett remarked. “I am well, here, and prepared to go. I’m here to demonstrate it. That’s the main idea.
A 5-foot-11, 183-pound two-time national champion at Alabama, he was injured and placed on injured reserve after just one week of training camp with the San Francisco 49ers in the previous season. After that, he spent a month on the practice squad of the Detroit Lions. If he continues to be healthy, Averett may have the chance to earn a spot in training camp and organized team exercises..
Averett remarked, “I mean, I didn’t really expect to be here (in a rookie camp) my eighth year in.” However, life does lead you to different areas. seasoned RB participant Jonathan Ward was denied the opportunity to participate in an NFL rookie minicamp since he joined the league in 2020—a year that should be forgotten by all of us. Thus far. In addition, Ward, a four-year veteran running back now 26 years old, is a tryout for the Steelers rookie camp. With a smile on his face, Ward stated on Saturday, “I assume I finally get my minicamp because I didn’t get one in 2020 due to COVID.” “Well, it is a godsend, I suppose, given the first one.”
42 NFL regular-season games have seen Ward play, 32 of which he has with the Arizona Cardinals and 10 of which he has played with the Tennessee Titans within the last six months. In his quick introduction to the Steelers, what has caught your attention? “The weather,” Ward chuckled as he stood in a light drizzle on a cool afternoon in early May. Without a doubt. All four seasons are present in a single day. That is thus distinct, coming from Tennessee and Arizona. Despite the weather, Ward might be able to make the Steelers’ original roster of 90 players for camp. He also has a chance to stay on the team come regular season as a special team player who can line up at fullback, H-back, out of the slot, or even as a backup tailback. During his brief tenure with the Steelers, he was surrounded by guys several years younger than him.
Ward, who is one year younger than him, seems to be leaving an effect. On camera during the open recording time, running backs coach Eddie Faulkner praised Ward’s ability to block passes.
2 sign
On Saturday, two additional draft selections formally signed their four-year rookie contracts. It was reported that sixth-round defensive back Watts and third-round wide receiver Roman Wilson had signed. Wilson, a Michigan native, was selected 84th overall, while Watts, a Texas native, was the Steelers’ final selection (No. 195 overall). On Friday, defensive lineman Logan Lee, who was selected earlier in the sixth round, and guard Mason McCormick, who was selected in the fourth, inked contracts. Only Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, a second-round center, and Payton Wilson, a third-round linebacker, are still unsigned. Since rookie salary are set according to the parameters of the NFL/NFLPA collective bargaining agreement, that is seen as a formality.