Scott Brown, ESPN Pittsburgh Steelers reporter 9y

Ike Taylor impressed with Steelers' rookies, two in particular

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor can’t wait to get back on the field as he moves closer to returning from a broken forearm.

But Taylor likes what has taken place in his absence -- particularly how the rookies have embraced the ethos that permeates the Steelers’ locker room and how players from that class have contributed.

Wide receiver Martavis Bryant has emerged in a big way after not playing in the Steelers’ first six games, as the fourth-round pick has caught six touchdown passes in five games and averaged 20.1 yards per reception.

Bryant is one of two rookies whom Taylor said will be critical when the Steelers return to work Monday following their bye and resume their push toward an AFC North title.

The other player? Nose tackle Daniel McCullers.

“Martavis, he’s going to be one of the keys to how far we go. I truly believe between him and [McCullers] they’re going to be key," Taylor said. "We’re going to rely on the veteran guys but I think just personally those two young guys are going to help us out a lot.”

McCullers made his first NFL start last Monday night but played only 13 snaps in a 27-24 win over the Tennessee Titans, proof the sixth-round draft pick is still negotiating a steep learning curve.

McCullers has a rare blend of size, strength and athleticism, and the Steelers may have to lean on the 6-foot-7, 352-pounder more down the stretch with starting nose tackle Steve McLendon battling a recurring shoulder injury.

“Big Dan he’s one of the few humans that big, that strong, that athletic that can play football, let alone walk on the earth,” Taylor said.

The 12th-year veteran was even more effusive in praising Bryant.

“All he wants to do is work,” Taylor said. “He doesn’t say too much. He doesn’t pout, he doesn’t whine. He comes into practice, he does what he needs to do, he tries to get better, he leaves. That’s kind of uncommon for a rookie, but that’s what he’s doing and Big Dan, he does the same thing. When you see rookie guys like that and they’re willing to help out and you see them getting better over the course of weeks you’re like, ‘Man, this guy’s going to be one of the keys to our success.’ ”

That attitude and progress has been representative of the Steelers’ 2014 draftees, Taylor said.

“This rookie class has been a great rookie class. They come in and put in their work, stay after practice and come before practice and we all hang out,” Taylor said. “The camaraderie is starting to form as a team.”

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