The offseason workouts started with Mason Rudolph, and the minicamp workouts fittingly ended with Mason Rudolph.
Before Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Rudolph was peppered with questions regarding Ben Roethlisberger’s comments made about the team selecting him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
On the final workout of minicamp, Rudolph impressed during team drills.
“Mason’s been everything we’ve asked, for sure,” Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Throws, obviously, a nice ball. The physical things are all there. Obviously, mentally and learning is an acquired taste; that’s going to come through reps, physical reps, in-helmet perspectives, things that you’re not going to get and it’s not going to happen overnight.”
Rudolph, who never lacks confidence, thought his first time through OTAs and minicamp was a success.
“I was really happy. I think I had a great minicamp.” Rudolph said.
With Roethlisberger taking the final minicamp practice off, Rudolph was able to run the 2-minute drill at the end of practice. And don’t worry, Rudolph said Roethlisberger has been extremely helpful throughout the offseason.
See what he had to say, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN:
Steelers rookie Mason Rudolph, who ended camp on a touchdown pass, discusses what he's learning from Ben Roethlisberger and ‘taking strides mentally.' pic.twitter.com/EE5XyDJK85
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 14, 2018
Some suggest Rudolph has looked good enough to possibly push Landry Jones for the top backup spot on the team, but that won’t happen until the Steelers get to Latrobe for training camp on July 25th.
Speaking of training camp...let’s take a look at other news surrounding the Black-and-gold after minicamp wrapped up:
Tomlin expects Le’Veon Bell to be ‘ready’
Mike Tomlin was asked about Le’Veon Bell, and his absence, and Tomlin’s answer was brief and concise, “He needs to be ready.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expects Le’Veon Bell to be ready for 2018, can’t wait till training camp. pic.twitter.com/azAgaXfc9k
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 14, 2018
Players talk
Mason Rudolph, Terrell Edmunds and Cameron Heyward look back on the offseason program, talk offseason plans, building toward the upcoming season and more. pic.twitter.com/sRfEYEO5EC
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 15, 2018
VIDEOS
Pleased with the result of OTAs and minicamp, Coach Tomlin looks forward to #SteelersCamp. pic.twitter.com/bi9lrIDTTw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 14, 2018
PHOTOS
Last day of minicamp, everyone dismissed off the field and there’s #Steelers LB TJ Watt, hitting the sled all by himself. pic.twitter.com/56870HzoEJ
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) June 14, 2018
How else would you dress for the last day of minicamp? pic.twitter.com/7zwpPU8Im5
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 14, 2018
School is out for the summer. Last minicamp practice is in the books. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/Hd8FPWiIkJ
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) June 14, 2018