3 Steelers undrafted free agents to watch in 2020

Returning to the 2020 undrafted free agency class for the Pittsburgh Steelers, we take a look at three names that have a great shot from the outside-looking-in.

Now a couple of months since the Pittsburgh Steelers did their bidding in not only the draft but in the undrafted free agent realm as well, we return to give a more in-depth look at the class of 2020, UDFAs speaking. A repetition of 2019, the front office signed ten players, however, with a heavy focus on defense this year.

2020 UDFAs

• Fullback Spencer Nigh, Auburn
• Guard Christian Mutano, Tulane
• Defensive Tackle Calvin Taylor, Kentucky
• DT Josiah Coatney, Ole Miss
• Defensive End/Linebacker James Lockhart, Baylor
• LB John Houston, USC
• LB Leo Lewis, Mississippi St.
• Cornerback James Pierre, FAU
• CB Trajan Bandy, University of Miami
• Punter Corliss Waitman, South Alabama – Mississippi St.

As for last year, only one UDFA survived its banishments, QB Devlin Hodges. In reality, this shouldn’t come as a surprise as the ones who do make NFL rosters are far and few. A fan favorite from camp, the Steelers have a few names that could also earn the hearts of Pittsburgh quickly.

DE/OLB James Lockhart

2019 All Big-12 honorable mention, 6’2, 263 lbs, defensive end, James Lockhart, was a key component for the Big 12’s own best defense. Who knows if that’s an outright accomplishment, considering the conference, but Baylor ranked 20th in the NCAA in yards per play (4.89) & 21st in opponents touchdowns (32).

For Lockhart, he lined up on the opposite side of the Big 12’s conference player of the year, DE James Lynch, creating one the best tandems in college football in 2019. The first time in which he was the full-time starter, Lockhart posted career-highs in tackles (31), TFL (8.5), sacks (6), and forced fumbles (1).

An athlete that’s going to win and pursue after the QB standing up and with speed, Lockhart has a slight chance to provide depth for this team.

He’s not the most explosive off the ball but has a working jab step he can execute at times, as shown above. His hands can be a bit raw, in not having many counter moves to disengage from blockers & often finds himself shooting upfield, instead of a turn-to-bend.

What to love most about Lockhart, though, is the athleticism and potential it could do for him being in a system like the Steelers defense. He moves well & rarely takes plays off, even when he’s not making them. The ceiling isn’t high, but he will come & work for a spot.