4 Steelers players that could surprisingly have big roles in 2021

Antoine Brooks Jr.

Antoine Brooks Jr. was a sixth-round selection for the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft. He did not get a lot of reps throughout his rookie season besides special teams. This is a versatile player that could get a shot at the starting slot corner spot if he can prove to coaches his capability in practices. James Pierre seems to be the anointed one when it comes to the Steelers starting slot spot on defense and the third spot on the depth chart for the position but don’t count out others just yet. Brooks did not make the initial 53 man roster coming out of camp but he stuck around on the practice squad last season before getting called up. He made some tackles on special teams and showed a little of what he can do in practices.

This player is someone many are not considering for a starting spot or even potentially making the team out of training camp and that is a mistake. His youth is an asset and his versatility is another weapon that he brings along. He can play slot, safety, or potentially as a linebacker/safety hybrid in some scenarios. The depth at safety is very scarce and those that make the team behind the starters are up in the air at the moment.