3 Steelers rookies who could really open eyes during the preseason

LB Tyree Johnson

The Steelers drafted one linebacker in Mark Robinson, and there is much to like about him. Then there is the underdog Tyree Johnson, the undrafted rookie. He will have much to be fighting for in the pre-season, and if he wants a spot on the final roster, he will undoubtedly need to step up his game.

Ordinarily, one might give him 50-50 odds at best of making the team. But when you read a bit about him, some of the things they say are a bit reminiscent of another undrafted free agent linebacker James Harrison.

It is too early to be comparing Johnson to Harrison, but when they say he has tremendous bend ankle flexion at the turn, one can look back at James Harrison. He had a remarkable ability to rush the passer at an angle that most people could never do. Chris Collinsworth once spent time breaking it down on Sunday Night Football once.

If Johnson can utilize that talent at the pro level and if he can channel the same intensity that Harrison had when he played, the kid may have some potential and could open eyes with the coaches and fans. Certainly, he is a player you want to keep your eye on in pre-season games.