5 Steelers backups that will play the most snaps during 2021

Steelers Antoine Brooks Jr.

To caveat this, Antoine Brooks only saw a heavy amount of action in one game last season, but given the depth chart, as it is currently, there is a real chance he takes on more of a roll. He served as a sub-package defender during the Week 10 game against the Bengals, and he played well in limited action. Heading into this season and with the issues this team has with who will play in subpackage, Brooks should be set to take on a larger role.

What that job will be is the real question though, as the team has questions at slot corner and dime backer currently. While Brooks saw some work in the slot during his rookie season, his size and athleticism make him a better fit as a dime backer. There, he can play closer to the line of scrimmage and try to mask some of the coverage deficiencies that he has.

Unless the Steelers make a significant training camp investment in a secondary member, Brooks will be the favorite to expand his job with the team in 2021. There is certainly some projection there given his limited play last season, but he has the skill set to do well there. He can come and play closer to the line of scrimmage and work to cover tight ends over the middle of the field.