On paper, rookie wide receiver Martavis Bryant has it all. Speed, size and skill.
Only problem so far in this young 2014 training camp is the Pittsburgh Steelers have seen more on paper than they have on the field.
Bryant has been plagued with nagging injuries that have kept him off the practice field, and offensive coordinator Todd Haley just needs to see more from the rookie wideout.
"He is big and fast, and he shows a flash every day," "But we need to really accelerate that learning process. There's a lot on his plate right now, and it starts with being out here every day." Haley told Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Bryant is almost an enigma when looking at the wide receiver position and who may, or may not, make the 53 man roster at the end of training camp. Bryant has some stiff competition between his fellow teammates for the final wide receiver spot on the roster, and he needs to be on the field as much as possible to prove his worth.
You can't always prevent injuries from happening, but the comments made by Haley are obviously to show the rookie how important it is to be out on the practice field as much as physically possible.
All signs from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA have been positive for the rookie wideout. Bryant has been lauded by not only Haley, but also by Ben Roethlisberger and other receivers as showing the talent necessary to be an impact player in the league, even as a rookie.
Those vying for the final wide receiver position along with Bryant are Justin Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Derek Moye. Bryant's attempts to distance himself from the pack will happen tonight as the Steelers prepare for their Friday night practice in downtown Latrobe in Latrobe's Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. ET.