5 most impressive players at conclusion of Steelers training camp in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers training camp practices are now in the books. Here are the top five player performances over the summer.
We made it through another summer of Steelers training camp. Though Heinz Field didn’t have the same feel as Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, it was a nice experience. After observing several live practices this year and brushing up on every training camp note and report out there, I’ve comprised a list of whom I believe to be the five most impressive players from training camp this year.
Some of these players came out of nowhere to deliver spectacular performances this summer, and there are two who aren’t even guaranteed roster spots this year, but their impressive play certainly boosted their chances. I have plenty of honorable mentions who didn’t make this list, including rookies Isaiah Loudermilk and Buddy Johnson, but here are the five players who were the most impressive to me at Steelers training camp:
5. EDGE Jamir Jones
If you didn’t know the name early in training camp, you probably heard it announced a few times during Pittsburgh’s first two preseason games. Jamir Jones really impressed me with what he has been able to do this summer. The former 2020 undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame was often injured in college and as a result, wasn’t very productive.
However, he finally got the chance to prove himself this year in Pittsburgh. Originally thought of by many to be just a camp body, Jones quickly added his name to a possible candidate to land on the 53-man roster. His ability to get after the quarterback as a reserve edge rusher and his special teams play is intriguing.
Jones still has a difficult (and even unlikely) path to the Steelers final roster this year. T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Melvin Ingram are all roster locks, while Cassius Marsh and Quincy Roche are both in contention to be the fourth edge defender. Jones skyrocketed his stock this summer, but we will see if it’s enough to make the team.