With training camp heating up, these five Steelers appear as though they could be surprises for the team in 2021.
Nothing is better than when a player who has played below a certain level to beat the odds and have a good season. The Pittsburgh Steelers had the ultimate case of this in recent years, as Bud Dupree went from an average edge rusher into one of the league’s best all-around players there. Finding the right fit, properly developing, and just simply getting access to playing time can allow a player to surprise the team. Here are the five Steelers that could surprise the team with solid play in 2021.
Steelers Zach Gentry
I’ll be honest when I say that I mostly wrote Zach Gentry off heading into this training camp. The third-year tight end had seemingly never developed properly and was a below-average third string option. When the depth chart was healthy last year, the team opted to not dress Gentry due to his limitations as a player. He was seen as a roster long-shot entering camp despite the lack of other options set to compete at tight end.
By all reports though, Gentry is having a stellar start to camp. While not a dynamic player, he has finally taken a step forward in terms of his development as a receiver. He is using his impressive frame to his advantage in drills and becoming a regular target for the quarterbacks to throw to. He still isn’t a lock to make the team, but as of now, he has become the early favorite to secure the third tight end spot. If he does, he could have an impact as a reserve for the Steelers in 2021.
Steelers Marcus Allen
Another name that was seemingly fighting for a roster spot at the beginning of training camp, the retirement of Vince Williams has opened the door for the obvious off-ball linebackers to make the team. This means the former safety-turned linebacker last season Marcus Allen should make the team if everything goes according to plan.
While his camp has been rather silent so far, his workout videos make it seem like he has put on some serious size. Add in the fact that he has had an entire season and offseason to focus on his shift from safety to linebacker. He saw some playing time last year in that role, and while he was far from perfect, he didn’t look out of place. If he can focus on some of the fundamentals this season, he could see an expanded role.
For starters, the dime linebacker position is open on the roster right now, and he could be a natural fit there. As well, given his athleticism, he could take some snaps away from Robert Spillane in passing downs if he struggles as a full-time starter. No matter what happens, Spillane should be an improved player in 2021 as he has had plenty of time to make the position switch to linebacker. Expect to see a better result on the field because of it in 2021.
Steelers Antoine Brooks
One of the most surprising stories of the offseason is the Steelers’ expectations of second-year defensive back Antoine Brooks. The rumors flew early that he would be in contention for the starting nickel job (something that was later confirmed on the team’s initial depth chart release). Even better, Brooks reportable slimmed down by about 10-15 pounds, coming into camp at a weight of around 205 lbs. instead of the 220 lbs. that he entered the league at.
That weight loss is bigger than it may seem to be. When Brooks was drafted, many expected an eventual shift to linebacker given his hard-hitting, run-stopping nature as a defensive back. With that weight loss though, he looks like a far better fit for the slot role in terms of run defense. Former slot corner Mike Hilton was praised for his ability to stop the run, so having a more run-stopping capable corner on the roster gives this secondary some versatility.
Even if Brooks doesn’t start every snap at slot cornerback (James Pierre has also made some leaps and Cameron Sutton is an experienced slot corner in his own right) he should still be a factor on this defense. He can see time in the slot during run looks and see some snaps in dime defense as the additional defensive back. He is willing to transform himself to gain a role with the Steelers, so this new look could pay dividends for him and the team.
Steelers Chukwumaa Okorafor
The Steelers’ offensive line got a new look this offseason, and one of the biggest question marks is Chukwuma Okorafor. He is the only experienced starter returning from last year on this line, and his play was pretty average overall. Most are writing him off as the weak point on the line, but there is a lot of reason to be hopeful for him as he enters his fourth season.
For starters, Okorafor is making the transition from the right side to the left at tackle. While the roles have blurred in recent years, run blocking typically isn’t as important for the left tackle on an offense. Considering that is Okorafor’s weak spot as a lineman, his troubles can be covered up more by his move to left tackle. Alejandro Villanueva was never an elite run blocker, but he still succeeded as the team’s left tackle due to his strong pass blocking.
While it seems doubtful that Okorafor suddenly becomes a top tackle in the league, there is a real chance he puts on his best tape as a pro this year. Add in the fact that he is in a contract year, and he will certainly be trying to put his best game tape on display. Tackles get paid in the NFL, so a season of above-average play could result in a good payday for Okorafor in 2021.
His move to the left side puts him in the best position to succeed that he has been in since being drafted. Don’t be surprised if this season ends up being his best as a pro and just in time for his first shot at free agency.
Steelers Terrell Edmunds
At the very beginning of this post, Dupree was used as an example of a player taking a little longer to develop before turning into a good pro player. If anyone on the Steelers is on a similar path to Dupree, it has to be Terrell Edmunds. The former first-round safety had a slow start to his career, but he easily played the best that he ever has as a pro in 2020. That didn’t stop the Steelers from not picking up his option though, so he enters 2021 as a pending free agent.
That alone should add some extra motivation, as he can earn a nice contract next offseason if he plays well. Add in the insult I’m sure he felt when he was told his option wasn’t getting picked up and Edmunds should be expected to put up his best season this year. Add in that he has yet another season to work on his development and Edmunds could really be a sleeper on this defense.
He took some major strides last year as a coverage player and was even better in run defense than before. Assuming he keeps up his trajectory this year, Edmunds should be seen as an above-average starting strong safety by year’s end. While he won’t be a dynamic coverage option, another step in that direction as well as continued success as a run defender should continue to see Edmunds rise as a starting NFL safety.
The Steelers have a bunch of players set to take on new roles for the team. While some of these players are well-established starters, they are still in a position to play the best football of their careers. No matter the reason, these five Steelers players should be in for surprising good 2021 seasons.