Steelers Isaiah Buggs
While keeping six off-ball linebackers was a roster surprise, keeping eight defensive linemen was even more shocking. Sure, Stephon Tuitt went to injured reserve shortly afterward, so in essence, the team only kept seven there, but it was still surprising to see no major cuts be made along the defensive line. Of the three players competing for the roster spot, Isaiah Buggs was the least deserving of a spot.
I almost leaned Henry Mondeaux here, but he has the unique special team’s skill set to be able to run down kicks, a rare sight for a defensive lineman. With a veteran like Melvin Ingram not seeing special team’s reps, having a player like Mondeaux makes sense. Carlos Davis had a strong camp and continues to impress in limited action. He too flashed some unique special team skills and overall makes the most sense as the backup nose tackle.
Buggs in no way had a bad camp, but he has likely reached his ceiling as an NFL player. While he is a fine reserve in that right, it wasn’t worth a roster spot with this group being as deep as it was. The Steelers could have kept him on the practice squad if they really wanted to or even could have attempted to trade him. Keeping him as the seventh defensive lineman though really wasn’t needed.