3 dark horse candidates for sizable roles on the Steelers in 2022

Steelers DL Montravius Adams

One Steelers player who seems to continually fly under the radar is veteran defensive tackle, Montravius Adams. Adams was signed to the active roster following his release from the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 last year. Despite having no time to get himself acclimated with the team and playbook, Adams saw the field right away and was fairly impressive.

The Steelers did add some interior defenders this offseason in Larry Ogunjobi and rookie DeMarvin Leal. Though Stephon Tuitt officially announced his retirement shortly after the draft, Tyson Alualu will be returning.

The sudden depth along the defensive line might make it look like Adams will be an afterthought, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he carved out a big role. Most of the interior defenders on their roster are players who project more as 5-techniques than the nose tackle types. Adams played nose tackle for the Steelers last year.

At 35 years old and coming off a season-ending injury, Alualu probably won’t be able to handle as many snaps as he did in previous years, and Adams will have a chance to be the biggest benefactor — especially now that he’s had a full offseason with the team.

There will be other players who emerge from nowhere this season, but these three players are dark horse candidates to see a bigger role than most are anticipating in 2022.