5 Steelers longshots that could surprise in training camp

Steelers Donovan Stiner

When looking initially at the Steelers list of undrafted free agents from 2021, Donovan Stiner was a name I circled as a potential fit for the team. He was a regular starter at safety while playing with the Gators, and his senior season saw him play some in the slot. As well, with Terrell Edmunds likely in his last season with the team, adding another strong safety type could go a long way in securing that position beyond 2021.

While names like Shakur Brown and even Lamont Wade have made some noise as slot options, Stiner has the ability to stick as a pure strong safety in the NFL. While his run defense could use a little work, he plays well in space and has the ability to cover tight ends one on one. Overall, he plays more like a coverage safety than a typical box safety. That said, his best fit is strong safety considering his size.

Stiner has a decent chance to make the roster assuming he looks good in camp. The primary strong safety reserve is Antoine Brooks and Miles Killebrew, who should be seen as a special team’s only option. If Stiner can impress as a defender, he could sneak onto the active roster and look to compete for a starting role next year. Most saw him as a draftable talent, so ideally the Steelers can get the most out of him once camp opens.