With the Steelers getting ready for training camp, here are three rookies that should be starting this year.
While it used to be that rookies had to take the back seat to established veterans and work their way up to starting lineup, that isn’t the case anymore. Rookies are getting onto the field earlier and more often, and the Steelers are no exception.
Just last season nearly the entire class was actively involved for the team. Here is a look at three rookies that can play right away for the Steelers
Steelers DL Leal
DeMarvin Leal is entering a really intriguing situation with the Steelers. The defensive line was an injured group last season, but when healthy and at full strength, this is one of the deepest positions on the roster. While the Stephon Tuitt situation is still very much up in the air, even if he returns, Leal can have a role early on this defense.
What he would really benefit from is from simplifying his game early on and having him focus on what he does best: rush the passer. This means he shouldn’t see snaps in base defense (at least right now), but he can serve as an interior pass rusher during nickel and dime defense. He was a consistent sack artist in college and those skills should be able to translate sooner than later.
If Tuitt comes back, Leal’s playing time will likely be limited early on. If he doesn’t though, Leal should see some pass-rushing snaps early. Chris Wormley and Isaiahh Loudermilk can handle base defense as run stoppers, but Leal could shine as an interior pass rusher. He is limited as a rookie and will need to add weight and strength if he ever wants to be more than just a situational player, but he should be able to crack the defensive lineup early.