While all four of these players are squarely on the Steelers roster bubble, the team would be wise to keep them on the roster this season.
The roster bubble is a constant talking point in the offseason and during training camp. Like it or not, there are a lot of players fighting for just a few spots on any given roster. While there are quite a few players on the Steelers proverbial bubble, some seem like more important players than others. Here are the four Steelers bubble players that the team can’t cut.
Steelers bubble player #4
A player that caught on in training camp last season due to his versatility, John Leglue started last season off on the practice squad. Injuries called him up to the 53-man roster and even more injuries led to him starting last year. While not great, he more than held his own considering his path to getting on the field.
While counting on Leglue to start for an extended period of time seems unwise, he is a perfect backup for this team. He can essentially play all five positions along the line. While he is best suited at guard, he has the size to kick outside to tackle and he took reps at center during camp last season.
It isn’t an easy path to the roster right now. There are essentially seven spots already locked up on the roster, meaning, at most, the team could keep two additional linemen. A name like Trent Scott may be his biggest competition, as he has similar versatility along the line. That said, Leglue was solid when called upon last season. The team should make room for him once again in 2022.
Steelers bubble player #3
The Steelers defensive line is absolutely stacked right now. Despite seeing Stephon Tuitt retire, this unit hasn’t suffered much in terms of depth. The team turned around and quickly added Larry Ogunjobi to fill out their depth chart. His addition brings up an interesting numbers issue. The Steelers typically only keep six defensive linemen, and currently, there are seven that have good shots at being on the roster.
The least of all of the names has to be Isaiahh Loudermilk. While the former fifth-round pick played well last year in a surprisingly expanded role, he seems like the last man in the pecking order. Chris Wormley is a better player at this point in his career (and will likely be a starting end in base defense) while DeMarvin Leal was a third-round pick and is locked into a roster spot.
If the team plans on only keeping six linemen and no injuries occur, Loudermilk will be the odd man out. That said, this team has to make an exception this season. The line depth was tested last season, so having the extra body would be helpful. As well, Loudermilk looked solid as a rookie and has some traits to develop. Giving up on him due to it being a numbers situation is illogical. Pittsburgh should change their ways and keep seven linemen this season.
Steelers bubble player #2
The Steelers saw a slew of receiving talent depart this offseason, and while the group was retooled, there are still some major question marks at the position. Specifically, with slot receiver, where JuJu Smith-Schuster played for the majority of his career here, there aren’t any clear favorites to take his spot. Calvin Austin is likely the long-term answer but expecting a rookie fourth-round pick to pick up that role instantly is unfair to him.
The best natural option may just be Anthony Miller. The former Bear and Texan target was, at one point, an up-and-coming player in the league. He has fallen on some hard times culminating in a mostly forgettable stint with the Steelers last season. He is back though, and his style of play makes him a natural slot receiver. At least early on in the season, he may be counted on to serve in that role.
While Chase Claypool and even George Pickens could fill in as the “big slot” receiver, Miller has the most natural build for the position. Add in his relationship with potential starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and he could lock up a role early in the season. The receiver room is crowded, but this team needs a slot target for the offense. As of now, he is the best fit to take on that role.
Steelers bubble player #1
A name that many have already written off, James Pierre is on the roster bubble as of now but should be kept on this roster. He can wear a variety of hats for a team, and thus keeping him for his third season seems like a no-brainer. While the team added two cornerbacks to this group in the offseason, good depth is needed at the outside spot behind them.
While Pierre did struggle in that starting role last year, he also flashed some solid tape as well. The bad did outweigh the good, but he always seemed to come out and look past his previous struggle. With his base responsibility on defense likely reserved for backup duties considering the options in front of him, he can still work on improving his craft while playing behind the starters.
Add in his special team’s play and you have a well-rounded defensive backup with some potential to develop into more. Even if he doesn’t, he can rotate in during games and step up if an injury occurs. When he isn’t on defense, he can still be counted on to play special teams. While not the greatest pure defender, Pierre is a fine backup and worthy of a roster spot in 2022.
The Steelers have a large roster of relatively new faces set to enter training camp in just a few weeks. While most of their final roster is already determined, there are already a lot of players on the proverbial bubble fighting for the chance to make this team. In particular, these four players on the roster bubble have to be kept for the 2022 season.