When you are a rookie in the NFL, there is often a steep learning curve when it comes to transitioning from the college game to the pro level. The speed of the game, the mental processing of the other players on the field, and the intricacies of executing at a high level against better competition often lead to a development period as new players get eased into the league during their first couple of seasons.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, this is how they traditionally used to handle their rookies, especially on the defensive side of the football. Guys like Lawrence Timmons and Ryan Shazier played in rotational roles as rookies before seeing their playing time increase in the seasons to follow, giving them time to adjust to the speed of the game and get comfortable with the complexity of Pittsburgh’s defense.