3 young Steelers who will make significant leaps in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers are less than a month away from the start of the season. Here are three young players we can expect to make significant leaps in 2019.

The Steelers first regular season game doesn’t begin until September 8th, but already we are beginning to see a glimpse into the future. While some players still have a lot of work to do, others are ready to make a leap forward in 2019.

I was recently able to spend some time in Latrobe observing the Steelers. Here are three players who I believe will make a big leap forward in 2019:

Terrell Edmunds, SS

This seems like an obvious choice because he was a first round draft pick from 2018, but Edmunds struggled for a majority of his rookie season. However, he picked it up in late in the season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Edmunds improved from his overall score of a 54.9 from weeks 1-9 to a 71.6 from weeks 10-17. After studying Terrell Edmunds at training camp this year, he looks much more comfortable in his role. He was quick to diagnose against the run and break on routes in the passing game.

James Washington, WR

James Washington seems like a pretty safe bet to be one of the most improved Steelers of 2019. His overall grade from PFF was tied with John Ross for the worst in the league among qualifying players.

Despite an impressive preseason showing in 2018, Washington struggled with his snaps as a rookie. He didn’t create much separation, and he looked confused at times.

However, James Washington is off to a blazing start in his second preseason. He led all receivers in yards during the Buccaneers game, and he looks much more comfortable running routes. He could have a breakout year in 2019.

Cameron Sutton, DB

This name may come as a bit of a surprise to you. Cameron Sutton was a former third round pick of the Steelers in 2017. During his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, Sutton has logged just two starts, and hasn’t seen a lot of action on the field.

That could change in 2019. Cameron Sutton looked excellent during training camp. He showed off his instincts and ball skills by breaking on a few routes for interceptions, and he has become a much more sure tackler against the run.

The Steelers may be planning to use Cam Sutton as their dime backer and 4th cornerback this year. We can expect a pretty large role from the 3rd year cornerback who will finally have a chance to prove himself in 2019.

There will certainly be others we can add to this list, but these three players stand to see perhaps the greatest growth from 2018 to 2019. It will be fun to watch their progression this season.