One thing every Steelers rookie needs to accomplish during training camp to have an impact in 2024

If you're going to play as a rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers, or at least out of the gate, you better be excellent.

Take last year's rookie class, where the promising trio of Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., and Keeanu Benton were all forced to sit and wait.

But that could change at the top and maybe even the bottom of the 2024 draft class, with these six rookies looking to make an impact starting in training camp.

OT Troy Fautanu: Show you can hold up against T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith & Nick Herbig

Now I know that asking a rookie, in his first camp ever, to go out and win against one of the best pass rushers of his generation, and a trio that rivals some of the best in the league is no easy feat, but it's what needs to be done for Fautanu to start Week 1.

He will be, if he's not already better than Dan Moore Jr., but until he proves he can hold up against formidable pass rushers, Pittsburgh may stick with what they know .

OC Zach Frazier: Display his football I.Q.

For Zach Frazier, no one is questioning his toughness, physicality, and athleticism. But jumping from college to the NFL as a center is like going from pre-algebra to business calculus.

Frazier will now be tasked with helping set protections, calling out blitzes, monitoring defensive line alignments, and picking up exotic stunts and twists.

Should he prove capable, there is no doubt he will start from Week 1.

WR Roman Wilson: Dominate against Donte Jackson

While everyone hopes to see George Pickens and Joey Porter Jr. battle it out, it's what happens on the other side of the field that matters most for Pittsburgh. Veteran WR Van Jefferson will garner the majority of the WR #2 reps early in camp, but I expect Pittsburgh to allow Roman Wilson to mix in early and often.

If he can make more than a few moves on a veteran CB like Donte Jackson, that will give Pittsburgh confidence in the state of their WR room.

LB Payton Wilson: Prove to be durable

Look, we know Payton Wilson is fast, physical, and tenacious. He could see snaps early on defense in obvious passing situations, especially when the team goes into a dime package but still wants some brawn on the field.

But he has to stay healthy if Pittsburgh is going to deploy him the way they should. His injury history is a lengthy one, but Wilson has remained healthy for a couple of years now, and should that continue, he could battle for some reps come Septemeber.

OG Mason McCormick: Look the part

Heading off the day three selections, I would be surprised if any of Pittsburgh's Saturday picks see the field in a meaningful role this season, but should injury occur McCormick will be first in line.

For the time being, McCormick has to show he can function in an NFL environment after playing at a small school like South Dakota State.

If so, look for him to be a starter along Pittsburgh's 2025 offensive line.

DL Logan Lee: Find a way to beat out the vets

Lee didn't have tremendous production at Iowa, but his traits are tantalizing as an interior pass rusher and one who can put his hand in the dirt as an end in Pittsburgh's 34 defense.

No one is saying he can contend with Cam Heyward or Larry Ogunjobi, but can he show up the Dean Lowry's, and DeMarvin Leal's of the world? Time will tell.

DB Ryan Watts: Display his versatility

The final pick in the Steelers 2024 class , Watts has experience playing both safety and corner, suggesting he could play some nickel. Versatility is the spice of life, and it's the best way to make a roster in the NFL when you're near the bottom of the totem pole.

Watts hopes to separate himself by doing just that.

Related: Three Pittsburgh Steelers on the roster bubble ahead of 2024 training camp