PITTSBURGH -- Sunday is the Pittsburgh Steelers' first padded practice of the year, which excites T.J. Watt. The first-round rookie knows any positive progress through offseason workouts and the first two days of camp won't matter much without production in full-contact settings.

"You're in a helmet and shorts and a T-shirt for so long that you want to get out there and show the coaches what you can do," Watt said. "It's not a real evaluation until you have the pads on."

With James Harrison slated for another light training camp load, Watt should continue getting first-team reps. In the offseason, Watt impressed left tackle Alejandro Villanueva with his quick first step and versatility as a pass-rusher, particularly with hand usage. He's also shown the ability to force tailbacks wide on running plays and get his hands into passing lanes.

But Watt is assuming nothing. After working out with brothers J.J. Watt and Derek Watt back in Wisconsin -- where "we go all out no matter what," Watt says -- the rookie got blunt advice about his first camp.

"Keep your mouth shut and be a sponge," Watt said. "I'm not coming out here trying to be something I'm not. I truly love the game of football. That's why I'm trying to learn as much as possible and give Pittsburgh what they want when they drafted me."

Harrison said he's comfortable with an outside linebacker rotation as long as it's tight, or not like the four-man rush the Steelers played early last season. Think a three-man rush of Bud Dupree, Watt and Harrison with Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo in reserve roles as core special teamers.

Watt, who is playing at 252 pounds, believes the rookies can make an early impact on an experienced defense. He plans to do his part with an all-around game.

"I didn't come in here saying 'I'm just going to be a pass-rusher,' 'I'm just going to be a run-stopper,'" Watt said. "I'm coming here to be a well-rounded Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker. I think that's my goal into camp and I think that's going to continue to get me better during camp."