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Steelers sign undrafted free agent P.J. Locke

By Noah Strackbein

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Texas Longhorns defensive back P.J. Locke III (11) makes an interception during the Allstate Sugar Bowl game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns on January 1, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 01: Texas Longhorns defensive back P.J. Locke III (11) makes an interception during the Allstate Sugar Bowl game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Longhorns on January 1, 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Bobby McDuffie/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t address the safety position during the NFL Draft, but have signed a former Texas star to try and fill the role.

P.J. Locke was a star at the University of Texas, but somehow found his way to the bottom of the 2019 NFL Draft. After going undrafted, it didn’t take long for a team to come calling, and that team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers signed 10 players following the NFL Draft, but waited a day before adding Locke to that mix. After releasing Morgan Burnett earlier this offseason, Pittsburgh needed to address the backup safety position. Although they didn’t do so during the actual draft, they made sure it became a priority following.

Locke will compete with Marcus Allen to earn a spot on the roster. Jordan Dangerfield has locked himself in for the last few season, meaning Locke and Allen will be the primary role players competing for the final safety spot. With Mark Barron joining the team this offseason, chances are the Steelers defense has a couple different looks at the safety position.

Fans should be excited about the All-Big 12 honorable mention joining the team. The Steelers love their hard-nosed players and Locke fits that mold. His 4.38 40-yard dash time allows him to stay in coverage while using his excellent tackling ability to help in run support.

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It wouldn’t be surprising to see Locke suiting up on Sundays in his first NFL season. The former Longhorn has everything a secondary is looking for and should be a great compliment to Edmunds and Allen. If everything goes well this summer,  the three young safeties could make a name for themselves in the Steel City and begin to contribute in different ways. Bring youth and energy to a gritty and growing defensive backfield who made the upgrades to compete this upcoming season.

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