The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take the field in Latrobe on July 26th. Here are three players who could benefit from a strong showing at camp this year.
For players near the bottom of an NFL roster, there is nothing more important to their careers than their performance in training camp and preseason. The Steelers have had their share of success stories at camp, and hope to continue the tradition in 2019.
We have seen success stories of players who have made a living doing exactly that. Willie Parker was an undrafted free agent who went on to have 3 seasons of over 1,200 rushing yards.
Last year, undrafted rookie, Ola Adeniyi, was particularly impressive, and likely solidified a spot on the roster for his performance in preseason last year.
Here are three players who could really help their cause with a good showing at training camp this year:
Chukwuma Okorafor, OT
Though offensive line coach, Shaun Sarrett, will tell you that the right tackle job is up for grabs, Matt Feiler is the true front-runner to land the job. Feiler was more than competent last season filling in for the injured Marcus Gilbert, and has earned the trust of the coaching staff.
Chuks Okorafor, however, isn’t going away without a fight. The former 3rd round pick out of Western Michigan has ideal size and strength for the position. He came in against the Broncos last year and help his own against Von Miller. Okorafor could make a real case for a starting job with a great showing at camp this year.
Ola Adeniyi, EDGE
This is a player that has already caught the eye of fans last season. I was thoroughly impressed with Ola Adeniyi as I watched the undrafted edge rusher perform at training camp in 2018. Adeniyi was a monster to go against in one-on-one drills.
He continued his dominance into the 2018 preseason where he collected 3.0 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in limited action. Adeniyi has a lethal combination of bend and power, and could push for a major role as early as this year.
James Washington, WR
We have seen the Steelers give up on receivers quickly. They did so with 2015 3rd round pick, Sammie Coates – giving him just 21 games to showcase his talent before shipping him to Cleveland.
Washington has a lot to prove, and with Donte Moncrief and Diontae Johnson looking for snaps, he will be forced to do so quickly. As a former 2nd round draft choice, the Steelers will likely give him every opportunity to prove that he can play. A strong camp could be exactly what Washington needs to stay ahead of the competition, and lock down the number two receiver role in 2019.
The Steelers have many young players who could help their cause with a great showing at training camp this year, but these three have the most to gain (or to lose). Performing well at camp could put them in the fast track to success in the NFL.