The Pittsburgh Steelers made a roster move on Monday that most fans did not see coming. The organization released undrafted rookie wide receiver Roc Taylor. The Memphis product quickly became a fan-favorite during his first training camp, and there was optimism that the talented rookie could stick around on the 53-man roster.
Taylor flashed this summer as he showed off an impressive blend ot size and burst. At 6'2'' and roughly 220 pounds, Taylor possesses a powerful frame to go with 4.49 speed.
In Pittsburgh's second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Taylor finished tied for first on the team in receptions (3) and second in receiving yards (39). The 22-year-old flashed his impressive traits in his first two exhibition games, and with the fifth wide receiver spot wide open, many believed Taylor stood a shot at making the team as a UDFA.
Instead, the Steelers elected to end the Roc Taylor experiment before it ever had time to take off... and they may already be regretting their choice.
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't give Roc Taylor a fair shot to earn a roster spot
It was a bit concerning that Roc Taylor was playing late into the team's first two preseason games. Despite a strong summer, we knew Taylor would need to work his way up the ladder and climb the depth chart. We all assumed he was doing this day by day. But the team thought otherwise.
Instead, Arthur Smith and the coaching staff seemed to favor journeyman Brandon Johnson in a similar role. Johnson has had a strong summer in his own right, but he's already 27 years old with just 26 career receptions under his belt, and there isn't as much to get excited about in terms of upside and career trajectory.
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Though it was a long shot to believe that Taylor was going to become the next great undrafted rookie in Pittsburgh, there was a spot wide open on the team's roster. The fifth (and potentially final) wide receiver spot appears to be a battle between Scotty Miller and Robert Woods, while a second visit with Gabe Davis puts the free agent on the map as well.
Even if Taylor missed the roster, it felt like he was destined for the Steelers' practice squad, at the very least. Now the talented wideout hits free agency and is free to sign with another team.
Roc Taylor felt like the perfect flier as a developmental young wide receiver with talent and upside. The Pittsburgh Steelers may have just made a mistake cutting him before the team's final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.