3 bubble players who must make Steelers roster in 2021

DT Carlos Davis

Carlos Davis is what he is. He probably won’t ever earn significant playing time for the Steelers and his snaps on defense will be limited if he’s able to stick around on the roster. However, I really hope he’s the final defensive linemen to make the team.

After Pittsburgh surprisingly had both Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormly return on contract extensions after hitting free agency, it was especially interesting when the team traded future draft capital to move back into the draft and select Wisconsin DL Isaiahh Loudermilk. The big rookie has done pretty well for himself so far and the fact that the team spent a future fourth-round pick on him means he’s not going anywhere this year.

Doing a headcount, the Steelers have 5 interior defenders who are a lock to make the roster this year (Heyward, Tuitt, Alualu, Wormley, Loudermilk). Because everyone they had from 2020 return and they added one more DL in the NFL Draft, somebody has to be the odd man out this year.

On the roster bubble are Davis, Isaiah Buggs, and Henry Mondeaux. One of these three is likely headed to the practice squad after cutdowns. Davis and Buggs both offer a similar role, but Davis is clearly and visibly the quicker and more athletic player of the two. Judging by what I’ve seen so far this summer, I think it would be advantageous to keep him over Buggs.

It’s hard to say for sure which of these three players should make the Steelers roster in 2021, but looking ahead to the future, I like these three young players better than the alternatives to stick around.