The Steelers signed 14 free agents after the draft concluded and some of them could have a shot at making the final roster.
The NFL Draft is always highlighted with the first couple of nights. Many forget what kind of quality talents have been found on the last day of the event or even later. Meanwhile, a large group of players do not hear their names called during the event and must sign on as undrafted free agents.
The Steelers are always active during this portion of the draft process as they have found some diamonds in the rough before. They kept that active streak alive by signing 14 players initially after the draft ended. Some of those players might even end up making the initial 53-man roster when it is all said and done.
There are certain positions that were not addressed to the point that Pittsburgh probably had hoped. These undrafted players could benefit from that and potentially get a chance to prove themselves. It will be interesting to see how these rookies perform.
Jordan Tucker could challenge for a depth tackle spot for the Steelers
Jordan Tucker comes out of the North Carolina program. He has the size that every team is searching for at the tackle position that he calls home. The best thing for this player and other tackles on this club, there are not too many to choose from now.
This could give Tucker a great opportunity to make the Steelers roster if he can show enough during the preseason process. He helped block for some of the best offenses in college football over several seasons, despite the program having a down year in 2021. He has a lot to prove, but he could beat out one of the bottom tackles for a spot on the roster.
Mataeo Durant could push for the final running back spot
Mataeo Durant was a highly productive player during his final two seasons at Duke. He was able to show that he can be a factor at running back at the collegiate level. This past year allowed him to show his ability to expand his game in the receiving department as well.
His high productivity seemed like it should have caught some more eyes of NFL scouts, but that did not happen. The Steelers signed him after going undrafted and that is for a reason. Running backs are not nearly as valued as they once were. The draft class this past year was also weaker when compared to the years prior.
This player is not at the quality of Najee Harris and that is another reason why he went unselected. He was a highly productive player, but some worry if he can play an all-around game at the position. The jury is still out on that as he looks to prove himself at the NFL level.
Thus far in training camp, he has shown some flashes. Those same explosive runs that he caused at Duke have shown up some in the fields of Latrobe. Durant needs to be consistent and show an all-around game to win that final spot on the roster that is up for grabs.
Chris Owens could beat out some veterans on the Steelers
Chris Owens had a nice career at Alabama as he collected some hardware, like most players that attend that school. He had to work hard to get every opportunity that went his way there with the kind of quality recruits that come through the door. That type of competition has seemed to have made him a better player.
Versatility is something that the Steelers like to look for in their players. The best ability is someone’s availability as coach Mike Tomlin likes to say. Getting experience at multiple positions during his time in college was a nice benefit for his resume.
He got one of his biggest breaks at some starting roles during his final season at Alabama. He was the top depth piece that moved around when certain players were not available to suit up. This led to different movements to tackle and even center.
The Steelers brought this guy in so he could compete for the last roster spot in the interior of the offensive line. Having some experience at guard, center, and tackle should help Owens cause some too. Even though his experience at certain positions is limited, it only helps his chances. He will need to beat out some veterans like John Leglue and J.C. Hassenauer for a spot on the 53.
Jaylen Warren could emerge as the third back out of camp
Jaylen Warren is a player that had his best season throughout his collegiate career in 2021. This lack of consistent play caused most scouts to write him off when it comes to how high they put him on their draft boards. This caused for him to slip out of the seven rounds and look for a job in the rookie free agent market.
He signed with the Steelers after noticing the chance he has at making the roster as their third back. That spot is an open competition as Najee Harris and Benny Snell Jr. are both locks to make the club. The last spot will come down to Anthony McFarland Jr., Mataeo Durant, and Warren.
This back started off his collegiate career at Utah State and transferred heading into the 2021 season. He was not getting much playing time in the state of Utah and went to Oklahoma State. Both Warren and that program saw a big year come to fruition and blew past many expectations.
His work at training camp has stood out some. Consistency will be key when it comes to him showing what he can do in all demands of a running back. If he can be a blocker and show more in the receiving game, plus special teams, he will make the Steelers roster.
The Steelers have a lot of work to do and these undrafted free agents will need to catch up to their competition. There is hard work in front of them and these players could make the cut.