Antoine Brooks appealed to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the draft because of his versatility. Less than two weeks into his pro career, that remains true. But it’s his given position — safety — that is Brooks’ primary focus during this weekend’s virtual rookie minicamp.
“(Coaches) have let me know a lot of things,” Brooks said Saturday in a video call with media. “We’ve been talking about a lot of certain positions, but primarily safety.”
The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Brooks was a linebacker as a freshman at Maryland but was listed at defensive back the past three seasons. The Steelers were intrigued by his ability to fit into a hybrid role as a box safety or dime linebacker, and they are thin at inside linebacker.
Steeled rookie Antoine Brooks, on what the coaches have told him about his projected role.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 9, 2020
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Brooks has spent his virtual meeting time with the coaches who focus on safeties — senior defensive assistant/secondary coach Teryl Austin and defensive backs coach Tom Bradley.
Time will tell, if or when Brooks and the Steelers are cleared to go onto a practice field, if Brooks will expand his role into hybrid-like positions.
“(Coaches) have been sending me information about certain positions, one by one,” said Brooks, a sixth-rounder taken with the 198th pick. “I’m just ready to contribute to the Steelers and play for them. Not really much I can say. I am just ready to contribute and prepare myself and ready to play on Sundays. And Mondays and Thursdays.”
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