While these players aren’t traditional names to make the final roster, each of these four Steelers could surprisingly survive final cutdowns.
While most teams enter training camp with the majority of their roster already set, there are always positional battles that can see surprising names come out on top. While not the conventional names people are focusing on in camp, these four Steelers could surprisingly stick by the time the team constructs their final roster.
Here are four names that could shockingly make the final roster.
Steelers Steele
One of the weirdest positions for the Steelers entering camp has to be cornerback. There is no elite talent amongst this group, but the depth chart is filled with capable names that can start in a pinch. With that said, there is some questionable depth behind the starters that could be improved upon. While only an undrafted free agent, Chris Steele could sneak onto the roster if he has an impressive training camp.
The rookie from USC had high expectations that he never met in college. While his junior season wasn’t horrible, it was far from what many fans had hoped they would be getting when Steele had committed to the Trojans. Despite his lack of wow in college, he has all of the traits to be a capable outside corner for the team.
His first battle will be getting noticed on special teams. If he can use his size and athleticism to make an impact there, he could sneak onto the final roster. James Pierre is likely set up to be the fourth cornerback, although his spot is far from secure. Justin Layne, meanwhile, is a special teams only option and can be replaced. Steele needs to show up early, but he could be a sneaky option to make the final roster.
Steelers Warren
The other undrafted rookie from this list, Jaylen Warren doesn’t possess the speed nor flash that fellow rookie running back Mataeo Durant has, but he runs with an incredible amount of power. He plays like a bowling ball; he never hits extreme speeds, but he can run over any defender in his path. It made him an extremely successful back while at Oklahoma St.
The Steelers running back room is extremely thin as of this writing. Unless a free agent is brought in, there should be a wide-open competition as to who will be the third back in this offense. If Warren can play at all as he did in college, his style may impress the team. He fits the mold of what this team likes in a running back.
While I favor Durant and even veteran Anthony McFarland over Warren, if he can replicate some of the success he had in school, he could run away with the reserve role. We’ve seen a similar style of back in James Robinson succeed with the Jaguars, and Warren could try and build off that. Considering how open this battle is, Warren has as good of a shot as anyone.
Steelers Stiner
An undrafted rookie that I was extremely high on last offseason, Donovan Stiner spent the entire season on the practice squad and is now primed for another run at the roster. He has everything you want in a safety prospect. He has great size, the ability to play the run, and the coverage skills of a cornerback (a position he saw some work at in the slot while in Florida).
To be fair, the safety room is a relatively crowded one as of this writing. The primary starters are set and Damontae Kazee figures to be a backup and play in the slot. The same can be said for Tre Norwood and Arthur Maulet. Finally, Miles Killibrew is also around, although his role is more for special teams than anything else.
If Stiner makes a significant jump though from year one to two though, he could earn a roster spot. Maulet isn’t exactly a superstar, so a solid training camp from Stiner could easily push him off the squad. There is a real chance he is the best strong safety reserve on the roster if he can do so. He has all of the traits and a year of experience, now it’s time for Stiner to put everything together once camp opens.
Steelers Sims
While there is a lot to be excited about in this new Steeler receiving group, one big question that will have to be answered is who will be the initial slot receiver for the offense. While I’ve grown fond of Anthony Miller because of his slot ability, another name should be added to the mix. Steven Sims, while not as big of a name as Miller, could potentially be a fit early in the slot.
Sims began his career in Washington, and despite his late-round status, he looked good as a rookie. Sharp routes along the inside netted him 34 receptions and four touchdowns. While he isn’t overly dynamic with the ball in his hands, he can get open and move the chains. The team will need some sort of consistency in their receiver ranks and Sims could end up being that guy.
While his 2022 season was almost identical to Miller’s (meaning they both just rode the bench), Sims could stake a claim at the slot position sooner than later. IF he gets off to a hot start in camp and builds a rapport with one of the quarterbacks, he may not just find himself on the roster, but actually starting in the slot by week one. Don’t be surprised to see him earn a spot in what should be a competitive slot receiver race.
The Steelers head into training camp with a mostly put-together roster. That said, there are some sleepers who could end up earning a roster spot. While they are underdogs right now, these four players could surprisingly end up on the final roster once camp concludes.