3 players who could sneak onto Steelers final 53-man roster

Steelers CB Mark Gilbert

Mark Gilbert has lasted this long for a reason, and it’s plausible that he ends up lasting longer than anyone could have expected him to. After going undrafted this year, Gilbert signed with the Steelers and had himself a very nice summer that included some high points with pass breakups in the preseason.

Gilbert is still raw, but Pittsburgh might be able to work with him thanks to his impressive ability on special teams in August. According to PFF, Gilbert was the fourth-highest graded special teams player on the Steelers during the preseason this year.

It also helps that Pittsburgh already has a lack of depth at the position, and Antoine Brooks landing on Injured Reserve potentially paves the way for another defensive back to make the squad this year.

I seem to recall another undrafted free agent cornerback who made the team last year after impressing in the summer (James Pierre). Gilbert has a similar size and even better athletic traits. I think this is a spot the team could look to upgrade after cuts are made, but Gilbert has a more realistic shot than anyone is giving him.