With Steelers training camp drawing nearer, these five rookies will have plenty of eyes on them as they attempt to carve out a role with the team in 2021.
The Steelers 17-man rookie class (including the undrafted rookies) are getting close to entering their first-ever training camp. While some of these rookies come in with expectations (Najee Harris will be the natural starter at running back essentially no matter what), others are in a more difficult position. Some rookies are fighting for starter and key reserve roles on the team. Others are just simply trying to do enough to make the roster. Here are the five Steelers rookies that everyone should keep an eye on during training camp.
Steelers Buddy Johnson
Buddy Johnson enters camp as the fourth option at inside linebacker, making his path to playing time a rather difficult one. That said, early reports are that he has flashed in practice, as his rare athleticism has already been put on display. While it won’t be by week one, there is a chance that Johnson works his way into a rotational role at the inside linebacker spot opposite of Devin Bush.
The issue right now is that Johnson is more of a run-stopping linebacker who struggles in coverage right now. His athleticism is an asset, but until he improves on pass plays, he won’t be seeing the field much. If he can improve his coverage ability though, don’t be surprised to see him rise up the inside linebacker ranks. At the very least, he could be a long-term replacement for Vince Williams due to his ability in run defense. He has a lot to prove still, but Johnson has a chance to carve out a role during his rookie season.
Steelers Isaiahh Loudermilk
When the Steelers made the trade-up into the fifth round to select Isaiahh Loudermilk, it left a lot of people puzzled, to say the least. Most didn’t expect to see him get drafted, and considering the team’s depth at defensive line, making such a move for a lineman was shocking. His journey to the team is an inspiring one, but how the team plans to use him during his rookie season is another question.
While his roster spot is pretty well secure given the investment the team made in him, there are still questions as to how the team will use him. His height makes him a defensive end, his weight is closer to an edge rusher, and his run-stopping ability says more nose tackle than anything. While he may serve as the typical reserve lineman that is a healthy scratch, long-term the team has to have a plan for him.
Personally, I hope that Loudermilk gets some burn all over the line. It is pertinent that his best role is discovered early so he can hone his talent there and try to develop. More than likely, that will be at defensive end, and ideally, he can take over for Chris Wormley after a year or two. This camp will be vital in seeing where he ultimately lines up for the future.
Steelers Quincy Roche
On the flip side of things, the Steelers landing Quincy Roche in the sixth round of the draft was of immense value. He was considered an early day three type of player, thus his fall so late into the draft was a shock. Now though, he has to do his part to make an impact though. While his roster spot is likely secure right now, that is completely due to the lack of depth at the position and less so his draft status.
Interestingly enough, Cassius Marsh has had a little bit of buzz associated with him during training so far. While many have already labeled Roche as the presumed number three, he is facing an established veteran in Marsh who despite limited success has spent a long time in the league. Roche will have to show up and put his best self forward if he wants to beat out Marsh for the third pass rusher spot.
Roche is a technician at heart, but his lacking athleticism is what kept him down in the draft. While his roster spot is pretty safe, there is no promise that he can earn any playing time this year. Marsh isn’t the stiffest competition, but Roche needs to prove himself as a rookie. His training camp will be the first step in him earning a role on the defense. If he can flash in camp, Roche can quickly climb up the roster. Seeing just how advanced he is as a rookie will be worth keeping an eye on.
Steelers Shakur Brown
The only undrafted rookie that made this list, Shakur Brown has a real chance to make an impact early for the Steelers in 2021. Despite his undrafted status, Brown is a natural slot corner given his size and tenacity in coverage. With the departures of Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson, the team is hurting at cornerback. While presumed starter Cameron Sutton has the ability to play in the slot if Brown shines it may not be necessary.
What the Steelers should be looking for in camp is just how pro-ready is Brown? His junior status means he may need some more development, and some of his lackluster athletic testing was the primary reason he slipped in the draft. If he can overcome these issues early, he could carve out a starting role in the slot. If the team trusts him to play as the slot corner early into camp, it could lead to Brown starting as an undrafted rookie.
The early reports out of OTAs have been good for Brown, as he was a mainstay in the slot throughout the process. Unfortunately, training camp will be a different story, as the team will want to access every option that they have at corner. While Brown may not start right away, a strong camp could lead to a limited role from the get-go. If he flashes some of the skill that he showed at Michigan St. last season, he could find his way onto the defense sooner than later.
Steelers Kendrick Green
Kendrick Green was a relatively surprising selection for the Steelers. Despite the major need at center, the team opted to wait until the third round of the draft to select their guy. As well, they drafted a player that saw the majority of his snaps come at guard. This means that, if Green were to start, he would have to both overcome his draft status as well as his positional switch.
This isn’t impossible, but the early reports don’t seem great. The team brought back B.J. Finney this offseason, and even he wasn’t the starting center during OTAs. Instead, it was J.C. Hassenauer that saw the majority of the first-team reps. Now, this isn’t the end of the world, as he was with the team last year and even started on occasion, but the fact that Green hasn’t been heard of much isn’t a great start.
Once training camp officially gets underway, look for Green to get more burn with the first team at center. As long as the Steelers get him some snaps in camp, the chances of him starting to remain. That said, if Finney or Hassenauer continue to see first-team reps over Green, then the team may have to look elsewhere at center year one. Training camp will be awfully telling, as if Green doesn’t get more burn with the starters, his rookie season may be more of a wash.
With training camp getting closer, the Steelers rookie class will look to make an impact early and often. The early picks are already locked to make an impact, but some of the mid and late-round rookies will really need to make an impact once camp opens. Keep an eye on these five rookies as their training camp will ultimately determine the impact they have in 2021.