Steelers 2019 Minicamp Recap, Day 1: David DeCastro pleased with the new team upon his return

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back to work for the final time before they report to training camp at the end of July. The Mandatory Minicamp session started Tuesday and will last three days, wrapping up on Thursday. While there is no hitting involved, this is as close as football gets until the team reports to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA for their annual training camp.

For those who attended Organized Team Activities (OTAs), minicamp wasn’t that different. But for David DeCastro, who missed OTAs due to the birth of his second child, his return was met with a pleasant surprise. With Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell on new teams, the drama was gone.

And since DeCastro doesn’t do social media, and wasn’t there for OTAs, he also chimed in on what the thinks of Ben Roethlisberger’s leadership:

“I think things have changed pretty well around here, more team-oriented, and that’s the first step,” DeCastro said. “I think everyone is on the same page. Ben’s always been a great leader to me and I’m excited to play with a guy like that. I have a ton of respect for him. How could you not? He’s one of those guys that you get in the huddle with, he brings you up, because he’s so competitive. I’m just looking forward to getting back on the field with him.”

DeCastro was someone who was very outspoken with his disgust the past two years regarding the drama surrounding the team. It seems that he is also outspoken enough to discuss how he is happy that drama is gone, even if it means losing some talent on the team.

Time to check out what else went down on Day 1 of Minicamp:

• Ben Roethlisberger speaks, and praises his wide receivers

Ben Roethlisberger isn’t one to gush over any teammates during minicamp. If he talks about anyone constantly in a positive light, it would be his offensive line. But we all know Roethlisberger will call it like he sees it when it comes to his receivers.

So far, Roethlisberger has been very high on his receivers, especially Donte Moncrief.

But Moncrief wasn’t the only one who caught some of Roethlisberger’s praise, check out what he said during his media session Tuesday.

• What do the players actually learn in minicamp?

Many often wonder what the players actually learn during a minicamp session. Luckily for those who think this way, head coach Mike Tomlin outlined that and much more after the first workout of the week.

• Some lesser known coaches speak

Minicamp is the first opportunity for fans to hear from some of the assistant coaches who help coach specific position groups. Definitely worth the watch/listen.

• VIDEOS/PHOTOS