Pittsburgh Steelers hold their first team tryouts in 2020

As the NFL lifts the temporary restriction for teams trying players out, the Steelers are set to bring in a group of their own.

A week since NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero announced the NFL’s memo on the ‘lifting the prohibitions’ and now-present stipulations regarding teams trying out players in 2020, the Steelers are already doing their homework.

As compared to the other organizations shown, it’s a list of names that is rather small but makes sense regarding the depth of this team. A linebacker can arguably still be the biggest question on this defense, and although both the WR and DB positions are confident as to who is starting, the backend of each needs to be addressed.

Round one for the Steelers

Given the recent agreement amongst the owners to increase practice squad players from 12 to 16 players in response to the possible ramifications of the pandemic on teams, there’s no reason the Steelers shouldn’t do their bidding.

Although, between the four names, DB Rashaan Gaulden, LB Jermaine Grace, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, and WR DeAndrew White, there are only two games of starting experience. Unsurprisingly, journeymen, as each of the four have been on a different team every year they have been in the league, Pittsburgh could mark the next stop.

Gaulden, the former Tennessee Vol teammate of Steelers DB Cameron Sutton, enters with the most clout being one of the two players from the list above that was drafted in their respective years, and was the 85th overall pick to be exact. Experienced at both safety and cornerback since his college days, Gaulden’s expectations of his instinctual play and run support at “The Rocky Top” has been all but short-lived since entering the NFL.

Granted, his in-game experience with the Carolina Panthers could give him an initial one-up against his counterparts, but all could appear to be special teams fill-ins. Something both WRs McCloud & White have a history in with their past NFL teams, each serving as kick & punt returners.

And the same goes for LB Grace, who is only entering his third year in the NFL at 24 years old, but already working out for his fourth different team. However, it’s still a blessing to all as COVID has caused significant issues for players of this nature to find opportunities.

Not much stock to ponder upon – if they even get a chance with Pittsburgh – however, it’s encouraging to know the Steelers are still taking every opportunity to improve the minor holes that remain within the roster.