First Call: Arch Manning avoids question about NFL future; surprising Steelers breakout candidate

Wednesday’s “First Call” has Paul Skenes’ response to Oneil Cruz’s big show in the Home Run Derby. Arch Manning eludes a question about his NFL plans. One outlet is pumping up Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Calvin Austin.

And a former Pitt player may be suspended until he faces the Steelers in Ireland.

In awe of Oneil

After Paul Skenes threw an inning to open up Tuesday’s All-Star game, the Pirates pitcher praised Oneil Cruz’s effort in Monday night’s Home Run Derby.

Skenes’ Pittsburgh teammate launched 34 homers in two rounds of the Derby competition in Atlanta. Nine of them went more than 460 feet. One of them traveled 513 feet in the air.

But Cruz still lost to eventual Derby champ Cal Raleigh of Seattle, 19-13, in the semifinals. Skenes blamed fatigue after Cruz hit 21 bombs in the first round.

“He got a little bit tired,” Skenes said via the Dodger Blue YouTube page. “That’s just his build. He produces so much torque, at some point, he is going to get tired. His first round was unbelievable to watch.”

When the Pirates reconvene against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, Cruz will look to extend a five-game hit streak.

Manning’s mindset

Many people expect the Steelers to select a quarterback in the first round of next year’s NFL draft when the event is in Pittsburgh. One candidate is Arch Manning of Texas.

Asked about his NFL future at SEC Media Days, Manning said he is only thinking of the 2025 season in Austin.

“I’m just focused on this year and getting better each day,” Manning said via ProFootballTalk.com.

Arch Manning on the 2026 #NFL Draft ...

'I'm really just focused on this interview and our run tomorrow (laughs). Nah, I'm just focused on this year and getting better each day.'

— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) July 15, 2025

Both of Manning’s uncles — Peyton and Eli — were No. 1 overall picks. With NIL rules in effect now, Manning could stay with the Longhorns if he doesn’t like what franchise drafts him.

The On3.com website says Manning will make $6.5 million in NIL earnings this year.

More sports

• Phillies' Kyle Schwarber leads NL to victory in 1st All-Star Game decided by tiebreaker
• Oneil Cruz's 513-foot blast ties for 4th-longest recorded at Home Run Derby in Statcast era
• Mark Madden: Drafting another pitching phenom latest example of unwarranted Pirates optimism

Subtracting Addison?

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison could be facing a suspension to start 2025.

That’s coming from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The former Pitt Panther is facing a jury trial stemming from his 2024 DUI citation in California.

As Schefter points out, a conviction could result in a three-game suspension for the ex-USC Trojan. That’d keep Addison sidelined until the Ireland game against the Steelers.

If convicted, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison could be facing a baseline three-game suspension, per NFL policy. https://t.co/we6dIrQSpo

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025

In 2023, Addison was cited for reckless driving and speeding. He was clocked at 140 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. For that ticket, Addison apologized and got the charges knocked down to a misdemeanor.

Last year, Addison posted 63 catches, 875 yards and nine touchdowns.

Counting on Calvin

As of now, the Steelers don’t have a true No. 2 wide receiver.

Again. Just like last year.

Well, unless you count tight end Jonnu Smith. I don’t.

If you don’t either, then we’d better hope that Calvin Austin has a career year for the Steelers. Peter Schrager of ESPN thinks that’ll be the case. He named Austin a “Top-5 breakout candidate” for this season.

“Look out for Calvin Austin III,” Schrager said on ESPN’s “Get UP” Tuesday. “He has had a really good spring, and they’re very excited about him in the Arthur Smith offense. (Aaron) Rodgers (is) as accurate a quarterback as there is. Austin has wheels. You can hit him deep. He can hit him underneath. Calvin Austin, a guy whose name we’ve heard, but we didn’t really consider one of those elite top guys. Let’s see him have a big year with DK Metcalf on the other side.”

Well, with George Pickens on the other side last year, Austin has 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns.

Schrager’s other four breakout candidates were two quarterbacks, New England’s Drake Maye and Atlanta’s Michael Penix, and two receivers: Jalin Hyatt of the New York Giants and Devontez Walker of the Baltimore Ravens.

LISTEN: Tim Benz and Chris Adamski host their final offseason podcast before Steelers training camp begins.