The Steelers got quite the haul out of their rookie class, and here are four players from last season that could lose their role to a rookie.
The Steelers added a talented group of seven rookies during the draft and added some intriguing undrafted options behind them. While the roster shakeup hasn’t been extraordinary since the draft wrapped up, there are some players who may lose their job to this rookie class. Don’t be shocked to see rookies take the roles of these four veterans.
Steelers McFarland
Anthony McFarland is entering what has to be seen as a critical training camp for the third-year running back. On one hand, he has made the roster the past two seasons and the team didn’t bring in much in terms of competition for him. On the other hand, he has been mostly nonexistent as a player and a relative disappointment in the few opportunities he has received.
While the team didn’t outright draft a rookie runner this offseason, they did sign two as undrafted free agents. Jaylen Warren is more of a bowling ball type of player and a threat to Benny Snell. Mataeo Durant, on the other hand, is a similar mold of running back. He wins with speed and can use his hands as a receiver. Frankly, if either can contribute on special teams, they could make a case for McFarland’s roster spot.
After Najee Harris, this running back depth chart is wide open. McFarland could still stick around, but he would likely need to finally flash some of the promise he had coming out of Maryland. He has failed to make an impact to this point, and it seems likely that either of the undrafted rookies could take his spot during camp.
Steelers Olszewski
At the time, the Steelers signing Gunner Olszewski seemed like a cheap but prudent move. The team had lost three of their top five receivers in free agency and were also lacking a return man. While the offensive impact for Olszewski was never going to be immense, he was a decent return man with the Patriots. As well, he can serve on coverage units on top of this, further adding to his value.
Calvin Austin entering the picture may muddy the waters though for the free-agent addition. While not necessarily an accomplished return man, he has the speed and shiftiness to be potent there. If the Steelers want him to get a role sooner than later, having him serve as the return man is a logical way to get the ball into his hands. This would push Olszewski out of the way naturally.
If this were to happen, it would seem like a lock that Olszewski doesn’t make the roster. While having a dedicated special teams coverage player is fine, there are options on defense and even fellow receiver Miles Boykin that can serve in that role. The return man job won’t be given to Austin by any means, but I expect a good fight here. Don’t be surprised to see Olszewski struggle to stay ahead of the talented rookie.
Steelers Watt
I’ve said this multiple times since the draft wrapped up, but I never expected to be so excited for a potential fullback battle, but here I am. The Steelers drafted Connor Heyward, and while he can and should be used in a variety of ways on the roster, his best position is at fullback. Sure, he can take some snaps as a hybrid running back or even a tight end, but at the end of the day, he should be lined up as a fullback most of the time.
This means that he and Derek Watt will be fighting for that role during camp. While Watt is the more established player, Heyward should be the better offensive weapon. If the team wants to try and get the fullback more involved on offense, having Heyward out there is the right move. This means that Watt would be the odd man out.
There is a real chance they keep both this season. They did it before with Will Johnson and Roosevelt Nix, but even if they do, I expect Heyward to get more burn on offense and for Watt to become more of a special teams player only. Expect Heyward to win here, as he offers a lot more versatility than Watt does at this point.
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.