When it comes to the Steelers' rookie class, there's virtually nothing they can do together on the football field. But that doesn't mean they can't virtually meet.
In fact, the group of players selected by the Steelers in the draft two weeks ago still hasn't met -- at least not in person. But the team has been holding meetings between the players and their respective position coaches the past two weeks to get them up to speed on the playbook.
And Friday, the team began holding a rookie minicamp -- virtually, of course -- to bring everyone together and go over the introduction of the playbook.
Such is the world in which we now live with things shut down because of the coronavirus outbreak.
"It’s definitely different," said wide receiver Chase Claypool, the team's second-round draft pick. "We have a couple of different websites that we use to get in and out of meetings and stuff. They were able to supply an iPad that has some of the basic concepts and the terminology and stuff like that, but not the entire playbook. It’s hard to dissect it that way. It’s kind of what this rookie minicamp is for. We have to troubleshoot every day because there’s always an audio issue or something like that. It’s a unique experience."
Indeed. And it might be something that puts this particular rookie class at a disadvantage when it comes time to winning a job.
That's less of a concern for someone like Claypool, who was the Steelers' top pick in this draft. The Steelers didn't have a first-round selection thanks to the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick.
But for someone such as defensive lineman Carlos Davis, a seventh-round pick out of Nebraska, a job isn't guaranteed. These virtual meetings and this unique situation take on a different feel.
"There’s a little uncertainty there because this is a different draft class," Davis said. "We’re not able to be there. So it does raise a little concern. I really just focus on learning the playbook right now, and when we do get to be there, just going to work."
"I want to get a good grasp on the playbook after this is said and done," said Claypool, a former Notre Dame star. "Obviously, you can’t get the whole playbook in a few days, but just a good grasp of the concepts. But I want a good grasp of the terminology and that stuff. That’s what I’ve learned today, those basic things, and we’ll progress as the days go on."
"Coach Tomlin just preached that we’re not going to hold your hand through this," Claypool said. "We’ve got to be on top of things. If they tell us we’ve got to be in shape, then we’re going to be in shape. They don’t really have to monitor us."
