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Tryout players Steelers should consider bringing to camp

By Andrew Falce

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 22: (L-R) Ben Gedeon #42, Kentrell Brothers #40 and Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings lock arms during the National Anthem before the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 22, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 22: (L-R) Ben Gedeon #42, Kentrell Brothers #40 and Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings lock arms during the National Anthem before the game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 22, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Justin Hardy (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Justin Hardy

The Steelers have a strong group of WRs at the top of the depth chart, but the back end of the roster has more questions than answers. While many fans don’t like him, Ryan Switzer has almost no competition at the slot position, meaning he is almost a lock to make the roster. That’s why bringing in a veteran like Justin Hardy would make so much sense. The long time Falcon was a primary slot starter while there, as well as return man on punts primarily.

Now, Hardy wasn’t a dynamic WR by any means (he has never had a season with more than 225 yards or 4 TDs), but he would be an upgrade to Switzer. He essentially does everything that Switzer does, but just a little bit better. His average reception distance for his career is 10 yards per reception compared to Switzer’s 6.4. As well, Hardy can make a few guys slip when he has the ball in his hands, a good trait for someone that would possibly serve as the punt returner.

While Hardy isn’t a lock to make the roster and beat out Switzer, the extra competition could never hurt. Bringing him in for a tryout would simply mean the Steelers would be looking for more competition at the backup slot spot. While Switzer would still be the favorite to win the roster spot, adding Hardy would make the competition fiercer for the spot.

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While the Steelers have a solid roster built so far, bringing in some new talent for tryouts makes sense. The Steelers need to keep a list of players that could come in and play in a pinch in case of injuries or illness. As well, finding better talent at the backend of the roster contributes to a more competitive roster and one that has better depth heading into the season.

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