4 underrated Steelers who could have a significant impact this season

3. Braden Mann, Punter

Back to special teams, as it is typically does not receive the same type of attention that offensive and defensive players get. Braden Mann was claimed off waivers by the Steelers earlier this offseason, in order to provide competition for Pressley Harvin III at the Punter position during Training Camp this year.

Unlike the rest of the players on this list, Mann is no guarantee to make the roster, as he and Harvin will be battling for the job throughout Training Camp and the Preseason. Mann has spent his entire 3-year NFL career with the New York Jets, and has been a productive punter for them. Still only 25, Mann could still have many years ahead of him in his NFL career, whether that is with the Steelers or another team.

Mann is an intriguing name for the Steelers during Training Camp this season, and what makes him a player who could be impactful this year for the Steelers is two-fold. Obviously, Mann could win the starting job and could be an improvement over what the team got last year out of Harvin. Or, his presence could help motivate Harvin, and could help the team finally get the best out of him.

Harvin is an extremely talented punter whom the Steelers used a seventh-round pick on in 2021, however, he hasn't lived up to what the Steelers expected him to be. He has shown flashes of his talent, but he has been extremely inconsistent. He gets fans excited by unleashing some booming punts that completely flip the field position, but will then follow it up with a punt that hits the side of his foot and gives the opponent great field position. Whether Mann wins the job himself or finally gets the best out of Harvin, the Steelers would be winners in either scenario, as they would greatly improve at the punter position from where they have been the last few years.