Shazier keeping eye on rookies, but not ready to make judgment

Fans greeted the Steelers on the final day of organized team activities (OTAs) Thursday — at least from afar.

Three kids stood on a nearby hill and peaked over the fence at UPMC Rooney SportsComplex. One held up a sign that read, “We drove all the way from Utah to see you guys.” Another read “Steelers” in bold letters.

None of that fazed linebacker Ryan Shazier. He was more focused on seeing which of his teammates are committed to improving. Minicamp, which starts Tuesday, will better reveal their identities.

That set of mandatory offseason workouts lasts three days and wraps up the offseason. There, the first team will see more action and plays will be limited, unlike OTAs, where players of all caliber get reps three days per week for three weeks.

“We’re going to actually see how dedicated guys are because we’re going to pump up the hours and pump up the time we’re here,” Shazier said.“We’re going to be focusing on more areas and more technique in instrumental areas, so I think that’s going to really help us out a lot, and I’mjust ready to go.”

After minicamp, the squad will have more than a month off. Shazier, one of the leaders on defense, said it’s hard to tell who is stepping up at OTAs, since it’s more laid back.

“[Minicamp] really lets them know that the plays you get are numbered and you have to take advantage of all your plays,” he said.

“Right now, we don’t have pads on, so some guys can make plays right now, but, when pads come on, they don’t make the same plays, so we just can’t really tell until camp.”

What Shazier knows for sure is that the rookies are starting to fit in, despite scrambling to learn a playbook more difficult than they’re accustomed to. Most of them are only a few years younger than the 24-year-old Shazier, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking a leadership role.

“The younger guys are trying to feel everything out, and the older guys are trying to feel the young guys out ,” he said.

Shazier recalled a play that wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, 20, made earlier in the week — a tough catch in the end zone.

“He got both of his feet in, and it was a really good play,” Shazier said. “It really showed why he was able to get drafted so high.”

Though he is a rookie practicing with the first team,T.J. Watt also has made his presence felt. Shazier said the linebacker has a good grasp of the concept of the plays and is understanding “someof the tricks already.”

Watt, Shazier said, isn’t alone.

“I think they’re going to complement this team really well,” Shazier said of the rookies, “and really help us get to the next level and win a championship.”