4 underrated Steelers who could have a significant impact this season

1. Damontae Kazee, Safety

Of all the players on this list, the one who the team will need to step up the most is Damontae Kazee. The team lost Terrell Edmunds in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving an opening opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick at the Safety position. The team did also sign Keanu Neal, and he will likely have a role with the team as well, but it is Kazee that needs to truly step up.

In his first year in Pittsburgh last season, Kazee showed flashes of being an impactful player for the Steelers. While he missed some time with injuries, Kazee made some splash plays and showed some true value to the Steelers defense. Clearly the team was impressed as they prioritized signing him this offseason over Edmunds. Letting Edmunds walk shows the Steelers have confidence in Kazee, and will expect him to take on a bigger role this season.

Aside from Minkah Fitzpatrick, the team has been lacking a player in the secondary who makes splash plays and forces turnovers, and during his limited time last year with the Steelers, Kazee showed an ability to make splash plays such as interceptions and passes defensed. While Neal may be the better run stopper, it's possible the two of them each get a lot of playing time this season. Neal has spent time at safety and linebacker, so it is very possible he plays a hybrid position where he spends time at both, particularly on third down, allowing the Steelers to keep three safeties on the field.

If Kazee can put together a full season of the way he played last year he can be a dynamic player for Pittsburgh this season. He will have lots of help on the defense, with star pass rushers, Fitzpatrick in the backend, and the addition of Patrick Peterson at cornerback. Kazee will have every opportunity to succeed, and like the rest of the players on this list, could have a significant impact this year for the Pittsburgh Steelers.