LATROBE, Pa. — For Mike McCarthy, the evaluation process began the moment he was hired. Film work and OTAs gave the new coach some first impressions of the roster he inherited, but it wasn’t until the players put on the pads at Saint Vincent College that the first-year Steelers coach truly got to evaluate his team.“Mason (Rudolph) would be the first one (who jumped out),” McCarthy said. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am with him. The experience that he’s gained, I think, is incredibly valuable to us.”McCarthy noted that Rudolph has adapted well to the footwork adjustments that have been made during QB School. The veteran backup’s arm talent has also been better than anticipated.“You really don’t know until you stand next to them or you’re out there on the field, really how each guy throws the ball,” McCarthy said.Rudolph’s chances of winning the QB2 job now appear stronger than when the team reported to Latrobe. As the players prepare for the first preseason game on Thursday night, let’s take a look at whose stock is up and whose is trending down.Pittsburgh Steelers Camp: Mike McCarthy, Position battles and moreRobert MaysStock UpRoman Wilson as WR3: Wilson’s career reached a crossroads after two underwhelming seasons, including last year when he was a healthy scratch. Through camp, he’s firmly in the WR3 role in three-receiver sets. McCarthy noted that Wilson’s speed gives the Steelers a threat over the top, and he’s progressed on the option routes, underneath patterns and big crossers.“He looks to be more dynamic,” Aaron Rodgers said. “He’s making plays. He’s confident. The personality starts to come out. He’s, you know, joking around more with you in the locker room. I just love it. I love to see guys really coming into their own and really feel like they can be comfortable being their full self.”At times last year, Wilson and Rodgers were not on the same page. There haven’t been many noticeable miscommunications this summer.“Him and Aaron seem like they’re on the same page, their communication and where he needs to be with the concepts,” offensive coordinator Brian Angelico said. “Rome has really worked hard in his preparation and film study. I think he’s playing a little bit more quieted, mind relaxed, and just going out, playing football rather than thinking.”Asante Samuel Jr. pushing for playing time: Joey Porter Jr.’s absence created an opportunity for Samuel to step in as a first-team cornerback opposite Jamel Dean. Spinal fusion surgery sidelined Samuel for the second half of the 2024 season and delayed his debut in 2025. After missing camp in 2025, he’s been one of the obvious standouts this summer.“I love his ball skills, his instincts and his awareness,” McCarthy said. “I think he’s had a great offseason. I think he’s having a better training camp.”Dean and Porter are still penciled in as the starters. However, it’s worth noting that Dean has dealt with injury problems throughout his career and has had a bit of an up-and-down camp. If the veteran corner falters or again faces an injury, Samuel has played like a starter. It will be interesting to see if they can find ways to get him on the field in sub packages or in some type of game-plan specific, matchup-oriented rotation.Pat Freiermuth and middle-of-the-field production: Moving on from Jonnu Smith clarified a tight end depth chart that was murky at times last year. After playing a career-low 51 percent of the snaps in 2025, Freiermuth appears to be a more central piece of the offensive game plan. In particular, the tight end from Penn State has been a go-to target during the two-minute drill, especially over the middle of the field.“I think Pat has done a really good job of controlling the middle of the field,” Angelico said. “Anytime we get a one-on-one with Pat he’s made some plays.”Robert Tonyan’s shot at the 53: Tonyan caught 11 touchdown passes during Rodgers’ 2020 MVP season in Green Bay. Early in camp, the 32-year-old tight end, who Rodgers calls “Bobby,” has rekindled some of that old connection.