The Steelers just completed their final game of the preseason and the last big offseason event is roster cutdown day next week. There was a lot up for grabs this week, as quite a few players were fighting it out for their roster lives as positional battles raged on. It was a good showing for quite a few names.
While the decision isn’t up to me (obviously), I feel like these players did enough to cement their roster spot in this final game. Their momentum had been building ahead of the week three preseason game. Here are four Steelers who locked up a roster spot in this final preseason game.
WR Dez Fitzpatrick
Dez Fitzpatrick has been a consistent name amongst my winners' lists, as he has found ways to make an impact on offense every week. Entering this offseason, Fitzpatrick was seen as a special teams option only. While that is his bread and butter still, he has proven to be a good complimentary receiver for this offense.
He had another big catch in this game, a long pass down the sideline that he reeled in and took 59 yards. On top of this, he has continued to provide value on special teams and could end up being a starting gunner on punt units. He can do a bit of everything, and that is perfect for a fifth receiver on the depth chart.
TE MyCole Pruitt
It seemed like a foregone conclusion that the fourth tight end spot (assuming the Steelers kept that many) would go to Arthur Smith staple MyCole Pruitt. Rodney Williams saw some time on the active roster last year and looked good on both offense and special teams and was his main competition.
Pruitt had the leg up and likely sealed his spot this week. He had a nice catch down the seam early in the game. On top of this, Williams has failed to make much of an impact in any game this season. Pruitt gets to once again work out of Smith’s offense this season following a good offseason with the team.
DL DeMarvin Leal
It was a make-or-break offseason for DeMarvin Leal. The former third-round pick had failed to amount to anything to this point on defense, and with the defensive line room deep he looked like an easy cut if he didn’t improve. He popped early in camp though and looked ready to make a leap this year.
It was frustrating to hear that the Steelers were once again shifting him to edge rusher. That said, he has looked good in his two preseason showings there and has proven to be a versatile defensive chess piece along the front seven. He should be a roster lock at this point given his strong play and and ability to play multiple spots on defense.
OLB Kyron Johnson
The Steelers had an interesting cast at the fourth edge rusher spot. They claimed Jeremiah Moon off waivers at the end of last season due to his interesting traits. He seemed like the favorite to take on that role. Then there was the brief reunion with Markus Golden, but he retired shortly after coming back. Then, Kyron Johnson came on strong late in the game as a freaky athlete.
It was a hard path for Johnson due to his size. He is extremely undersized as an edge rusher. That said, his athleticism pops on tape and his burst off the edge is impressive. He also saw a lot of work on special teams last year, further adding to his value. He seems to have cemented his win after another consistent game this week.