Working your way into the Pittsburgh Steelers roster conversation is one thing, but making a role for yourself is another. There are veterans on the roster bubble as training camp approaches who must earn their way onto the final depth chart. Expect some high-end competition at training camp and throughout the preseason. It should allow for the team to improve their roster internally.
This is a team full of veteran players who are trying to gather their talents to push for playoff success. That might be wishful thinking for Pittsburgh, especially after how the past nine years have gone for them with coach Mike Tomlin in the mix.
Now that Mike McCarthy is leading a new era of Steelers football, don't be shocked if the organizational changes continue to happen.
Just because a player might've made a massive impact with the team last year might not carry as much merit. A new coaching staff is employed by the Steelers, and they could have a different vision for the team.
That means some veterans from last year, and new additions this time around, could struggle. The Steelers will have plenty of tough decisions to make during roster cuts this summer.
Pittsburgh Steelers on the roster bubble heading into training camp who must watch their back
Malik Harrison
Logic points towards Malik Harrison being on the roster bubble because he costs a lot of money, and his impact last season wasn't up to par. He will be in the heat of competition come training camp for a role on defense and to make the team. Harrison just hasn't been the upgrade that the Steelers thought he would be, and if they can locate someone better than him, they'll go after them.
Robert Tonyan
After signing with the Steelers late in the offseason, Robert Tonyan has a shot at making the roster. He is firmly on the bubble, but he has connections to Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers that could help him stick around. There is a need for a veteran tight end to help round out the depth chart, but Tonyan must earn that spot.
If he fails, the Steelers could look for a solution elsewhere.
Brandin Echols
It might not appear likely going into training camp, but Brandin Echols could become a surprise roster cut if he's not careful. The new coaching staff could decide to go in another direction, especially if Echols cannot repeat last season's magic this time around.
He was fantastic as a role player on defense last year, but things could change with how the Steelers see him after all of their changes.
Kaleb Johnson
You cannot fully rule out the potential of Kaleb Johnson being part of roster cuts until he proves himself. He shows burst as a running back, but his failure to be an active player beyond running the ball is a red flag. Factor in the new coaching staff and things could turn ugly for Johnson in a hurry. The Steelers won't want to cut him, but he is starting to run out of time to prove himself.
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