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3 underrated Steelers on offense to watch at training camp
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- 3 underrated Steelers on offense to watch at training camp
It's finally time for Steelers training camp — and fans are in for a special treat this go-around in Latrobe. In what has been one of the most eventful Steelers offseasons in recent memory, several players in Pittsburgh have flown under the radar — particularly these three offensive playmakers.
RB Kenneth Gainwell
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) practices before Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Gainwell, who signed with Pittsburgh this offseason, is arguably the most underrated Steelers running back heading into training camp — and it's easy to see why. He's behind a fan favorite in Jaylen Warren , who's finally getting his shot as a starter, and one of the top rookie running backs from the 2024 NFL Draft class in Kaleb Johnson . Latrobe may serve as the ideal proving ground for Gainwell to show fans why there isn't an established pecking order on offense — it's a three-headed running back monster.
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TE Darnell Washington
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) completes a catch in the second quarter of a Week 12 NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at Paycor Stadium.
Following the blockbuster Jonnu Smith trade, Washington now finds himself deeper on the Steelers depth chart — more fuel for the massive, 6'7", 265 lbs tight end. The former 2023 third-rounder is a fantastic blocker with exceptional run-after-catch abilities — with size and athleticism that make him a nightmare a opposing defenders. All eyes will be on Smith and Pat Freiermuth at training camp, but Washington may wind up stealing the show.
OG Mason McCormick
Oct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) celebrates after the Steelers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 32-13 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
It's difficult for a rookie to stand out when drafted alongside an offensive line phenom like C Zach Frazier — but that's exactly what McCormick did. Drafted with the 119th overall pick of the fourth round in the 2024 NFL Draft, it's safe to say there weren't starting-caliber expectations for McCormick right away — but after James Daniels tore his Achilles, the rookie guard stepped up in a major way. Heading into 2025, excitement is at an all-time high for the return of RT Troy Fautanu , the position switch for LT Broderick Jones , and what's next for Frazier in Year 2 — but McCormick is quietly proving he belongs in the same category.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers training camp: 3 underrated offensive players in Latrobe
