Steelers 2022 undrafted free agents: Who will stay and who will go?

CB Bryce Watts

UMass, 5’-11.5”, 187 lbs., 4.40 40-yard

Watts started his college career at Virginia Tech. He sat out the 2020 season due to Covid concerns and transferred to the University of Massachusetts for his senior year. In 2021 Watts started all 13 games at cornerback and had 43 tackles, 1.0 for a loss, 4 pass deflections, and 1 interception.

He also played on the punt coverage and kick-blocking squads. On his Pro Day, he ran a very fast 4.40 forty-yard dash. His 37” vertical and 9’10” broad jump would’ve landed him in 5th and 7th place, respectively, among cornerbacks, at the Combine.

Some people are talking about Watts playing outside and challenging James Pierre and Justin Layne for their roster spots. He needs a lot more work before he can do that and I think his traits make him a better prospect for the defending the slot.

Cam Sutton and Arthur Maulet are projected to be competing for Nickelback and they’ve both been underwhelming. Sutton had an anemic 61.9 overall grade on Pro Football Focus with a failing grade of 58.9 in pass coverage. Maulet was even worse with 57.5 overall and an off-the-charts bad 43.9 in coverage.

Watts is an aggressive press corner who enjoys playing against the run. He closes quickly and likes to hit. Like most college CBs he flips his hips, too soon but coaching can make that tendency go away. He is still very raw but all the physical tools seem to be there. Watts might even be able to challenge Sutton and Maulet in the preseason. His coverage team experience is working for him and he has the traits to be an effective gunner on special teams. This is another prospect who will be fun to watch in the preseason.

Chance of sticking: Though he’s very raw Watts’ potential, athleticism and attitude give him a very good chance of making the practice squad. He needs a lot of development but may challenge early for a spot on special teams and at nickel back.