Steelers Loudermilk
This may seem like an odd name to put on this list, especially when you consider the fact that Stephon Tuitt announced his retirement. Assuming the Steelers don’t bring in a major name though to replace him, Loudermilk should see a huge jump in snaps, right? Frankly put, I wouldn’t be so sure.
While Loudermilk was impressive in the limited action he had last season, at the end of the day, he is more of a traditional run plugger and not much more right now. With Chris Wormley likely to take on Tuitt’s job, the team may want more of a pass rusher to compliment him. That would open the door for DeMarvin Leal to leapfrog Loudermilk on the depth chart.
While Loudermilk has a year of experience on Leal and has a better build, the team may look to get Leal snaps as a pass rusher in sub-package looks. This won’t inhibit Loudermilk from getting snaps; he will still rotate in with the starters likely in base defense, but I won’t be shocked to see him be outplayed by Leal. His limitations will likely hold him back.
While all four of the names on this list are veterans, some rookies seem poised to cut into their playing time. Don’t be surprised to see them lose their grip on their roles in camp. By the time the season rolls around, they may have been replaced with rookies altogether.