The Pittsburgh Steelers have to make their final roster decisions very soon. Here are three players who could surprisingly make the cut.
We are just hours away from the final roster cuts, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have some very big decisions that need to be made. While fans and media personnel may think they have all the answers, there are always a few moves we don’t expect.
The Steelers have a few deep positions and some players that are remarkably close on the roster. All of these decisions must be made by 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time on August 31st. Here are three players who could sneak onto Pittsburgh’s final roster that most aren’t considering to make the cut:
Steelers DL Henry Mondeaux
I have a hard time trying to figure out why nobody seems to be including Henry Mondeaux in their final 53-man roster predictions. Mondeaux is by no means a lock to make the squad, but I actually think he has been quite impressive this summer.
In addition to flashing his pass-rushing ability during Steelers training camp, Mondeaux has stood out to me during the preseason. In two exhibition contests this year, he earned overall grades of 84.0, according to Pro Football Focus. While Mondeaux didn’t light up the box score in the preseason this year, he got quick pressure on the quarterback and disrupted the pocket, among further examination of his film.
In addition to offering a spark as a reserve defensive lineman with versatility across the formation, Mondeaux has been a standout special teams player. Despite weighing in at roughly 300 pounds, the former Oregon product is athletic enough to play on the kick coverage unit and even filled in for an injured Derek Watt at fullback this year. The bottom of the roster on the defensive line is very tight, but don’t be surprised if he makes the cut.
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.
Steelers RB Jaylen Samuels
Now that Benny Snell has nursed his way back to full health, everyone (including myself in my latest roster prediction) has penciled him in to make the team this year. While I think Snell will probably wind up on the Steelers roster, there’s a chance they could like Jaylen Samuels more than we give them credit for.
Samuels is far from spectacular as a runner – this has always been the case. However, he’s probably more well-rounded than Snell in terms of his receiving ability and usage as a third-down back. In addition, Samuels has always been solid on special teams.
If Kalen Ballage makes the team (and it certainly seems to be looking that way), Pittsburgh may not need another running back in the same mold with Benny Snell. Rather, they could choose to go with a more versatile player who they can deploy on special teams and who can help them as part of a rotation if Najee Harris gets hurt this year. Everyone is counting out Jaylen Samuels, but there’s still a chance he makes the team.
The rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers roster cuts will be made in a matter of hours. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest coverage.