The Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 draft class could find themselves staring at no playing time without the benefit of a preseason.
I would assume that when the 2020 NFL draft concluded for the Steelers, we, like every other team, were anxious to see how our newly minted rookie class would perform in a live-action contest. That all changed with the announcement that the 2020 NFL preseason was canceled.
As if it would not have been difficult enough for a rookie to make the 53-man roster, it is now tantamount to climbing Mount Everest on your first jaunt as a climber fresh out of training. I think it will be that difficult for some rookies to not only make the 53-man roster but to perhaps even make the practice squad.
I realize the rookies will be able to participate in drills, meetings, practices, and scrimmages, but, to me, nothing can replicate the in-game experience to which rookies must be exposed. It truly may be the only ‘measuring stick’ a position coach and a head coach, for that matter, would have to evaluate whether or not a rookie can display in a game environment what he has been taught in practice.
I could be wrong, but I think the lack of preseason games will not bode well for some rookies. I hope that is not the case, but I suppose we will find out come September. With that in mind, let’s look at how the rookies on the offensive side of the ball may fare.