Players excited to put on full pads

Today is expected to be one of the hottest days for training camp in the past couple years, with temperatures predicted to be in the low to mid-90s.

But that isn’t the only heat that will be generated at Saint Vincent College.

The Steelers will put on the pads for the first time since their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens and, if the past two years are any indication, go live with hitting, tackling and goal-line scrimmaging.

“Everybody wants to get into pads and see what it’s really about,” said outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. “You see how guys have [developed] and see where you’re at.”

Most of the attention will be focused on the latest first-round draft choice — left outside linebacker Bud Dupree, a freakish combination of size, strength and athleticism.

The Steelers will also want to look at rookie safety Gerod Holliman, their seventh-round draft choice from Louisville. Holliman had 14 interceptions last season and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. However, his draft stock was low because, among other things, scouts questioned his ability to hit and tackle.

“Everybody is eager to put the pads on,” Dupree said. “You see who’s physical and you show the coaches who’s physical. There’s a lot more you can showcase when you put the pads on. It’s great.”

Jones eager to play

Jones, a former firstround draft choice, is noticeably bigger and stronger after he and his other linebacker mates spent 2½ months in the spring working out with James Harrison in Phoenix.

Jones enters his third season with the Steelers still needing to prove he was worthy of the 17th overall selection in the 2013 draft. He looked as though he was on the right track last season when he had two sacks and a forced fumble in the first 10 quarters of the regular season.

But he injured his wrist and spent the next 10 weeks on short-term injured reserve after having surgery. He appeared for only 16 snaps in three games when he returned.

That’s why he can’t wait to get back on the field.

“I’m very excited,” Jones said. “I’ve been busting my butt this whole offseason.

“I definitely got stronger. It was fun. I learned a lot, learned how to take care of my body better, eat a little better. James did a great job of taking myself and others under his wing and show how to professionally get it done.

“He’s very determined. He’s got a mindset … just having him around every day is great, man. He leads the way and shows us how it’s supposed to be done.”

Setback for Gradkowski

Backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is expected to be out another week with a shoulder injury to his throwing arm.

Gradkowski said he injured his arm working out in June and it never really got better.

Today’s practice

After two days of practicing with no pads, the players had a mandatory day off Tuesday.

Today’s afternoon practice, which begins at 2:55 p.m., is open to the public.