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Steelers OTAs Takeaways: Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr. Get Started

The Pittsburgh Steelers wideouts have massive goals, and their rookie cornerback is getting his first lesson.

Noah Strackbein

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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers took the field for their second day of Organized Team Activities, and after a news-worthy opener, Day 2 was a bit more laid back. 

On the field, the team will continue to work as normal. OTAs are about getting players accustomed to the routine and learning the playbook. Guys are showing off their knowledge, conditioning and natural football skill. Still, there's plenty to observe and learn from a full day of practice. 

So, what did we learn on Day 2? 

George Pickens and Diontae Johnson's MASSIVE Goals

Diontae Johnson humbly told reporters that he's looking for a huge year on the field. His goals are 1,000 yards, to be a top-five receiver in the league, his second Pro Bowl, and his first All-Pro selection. 

Can't get much better than that for a wide receiver. 

George Pickens feels the same way. He told All Steelers that his goals are similar. 

"I want to get over 1,000 yards," Pickens said. "I want to go to the Pro Bowl. I want us to win the Super Bowl."

With Kenny Pickett entering his second season, the expectations are high for the offense. But can two 1,000-yard receivers happen for a team that seemingly built up the run game with the additions of two offensive linemen and a massive tight end? 

"It's really just how God plays out, in terms of [passes]. We don't know how the targets are going to go," Pickens said. "As far as winning, I know everyone is going to pitch in on that."

Patrick Peterson Prepping Joey Porter Jr.

Patrick Peterson is getting his first look at Joey Porter Jr. with the Steelers, and as he mentioned in his welcome press conference, the veteran is excited to prep the rookie to be the next star corner for Pittsburgh. 

"It's definitely falling all into place," Peterson said on Porter Jr. "He's a young guy that wants the knowledge. He wants the information. And when you have young guys like that, you just can't help but to pour into them. I don't know how many more years I have left. He's a rookie. At some point, the torched will be passed to him."

Peterson isn't forcing anything. Instead, he's trying to help Porter find how he can succeed in the NFL, and when the time comes for the rookie to be a star, Peterson wants to ensure he's put him in the best place to succeed. 

"I just want to show him how to find his way," Peterson said. "To find his resume or what may help him throughout the week because what may help him might be different for me. I just want to teach him to find his way to become a better athlete."

The expectations for Porter Jr. are high. He might not start in year one, but he's viewed as the next big corner in Pittsburgh. And to help him get there, Peterson is going to fully embrace his role as a mentor.

Cam Heyward's Advise to Alex Highsmith

Alex Highsmith is the latest Steeler to undergo contract negotiations with the team, and his veteran teammate has some words of advice. 

When asked about Highsmith's contract situation, Heyward said he's got faith both sides will make something work. 

"Alex is doing it. He's not letting it affect his craft," Heyward said. "You can be as straightforward as you want. It's your prerogative. Alex is handling it the right way. I would just suggest keep doing what you're doing. Whether it's on or off the field, everyone knows what you're capable of. Keep taking care of your body, and it's going to happen."

Highsmith told reporters on the first day of OTAs that his agent and the Steelers have been talking about a new deal. He didn't know how close they were, and said he's going to let them handle things while he continues to work. 

At this point, the Steelers would probably want their defensive stars in place while they have the money to afford it. When a deal gets done is unknown, but Heyward is probably right that it's likely to happen. 

The Return of... Someone Important

The Steelers had a pretty big name back on the field for Day 2 of OTAs. With No. 90 and 56 on the field, the edge rusher position is filled, with T.J. Watt and Highsmith getting to begin to work toward their third season together as starters. 

Highlights

Check out today's highlights from Steelers OTAs. All Steelers will be here to provide the most up-to-date news on everything the team does over the next three weeks and into minicamp. 

Today's clip features some work by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, as well as the Steelers' new inside linebackers and the Georgia wrecking crew of Darnell Washington and Broderick Jones. 

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.

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