With the Steelers now officially preparing for week one of the season, their roster is just about set. Some minor moves may occur from now to week one but expect this roster to be close to set for week one.
While expectations are high for quite a few players, and understandably so, there are some other, less heralded names I wanted to point out. These names may not even be every-down starters, but I think they could surprise this season. These five Steelers could prove to be hidden gems for the team this season.
Steelers hidden gem #1: Kwon Alexander
Kwon Alexander was a bit of a surprise this offseason. It was a minor shock to hear when he was visiting the team after the draft. The signing also came as a shock, since his visit had come and passed and the Steelers had made more moves to the linebacker room since then. He signed early after training camp opened and inserted himself into the linebacker battle right away.
While Alexander won’t be playing over Cole Holcomb, I do think that he will have a bigger impact on this team than many expect him to have. While Elandon Roberts will also factor into the equation, Alexander was quick to make an impact in practice and during the preseason.
He provides a vocal leader that this position hasn’t had in quite a few seasons. Add in his experience and ability to still make an impact and you have a strong contributor. I expect a lot of surprises from the linebacker group this season, but I think Alexander could prove to be one of the more impactful signings for this team.
Steelers hidden gem #2: Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren went from training camp darling a year ago to top backup and now, seemingly, a fixture in this offense. He was quickly given the “Najee Harris treatment” in camp this season, not being tackled during drills to preserve him and lower the risk of injury.
While I will be the first to say that the idea of Warren completely taking over for Harris isn’t likely, I do think that Warren is in a position to be an impact player this season. He was an efficient option with the ball in his hands last season, can block well, and is a competent receiver. He proved that he deserves a bigger bite of the apple this season.
This offense can also sustain two running backs. They have built themselves to work through the run game with Kenny Pickett still developing. That means that Warren should be in line for some more drives as the team looks to keep both backs fresh.
This isn’t the Steelers of a few seasons ago, where the backup was used sparingly. Warren getting more opportunities isn’t a dig at Harris, it just means that this team has two talented backs that should be making plays weekly. The Cowboys proved that was possible with Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard, and I expect Pittsburgh to work similarly.
I will say that I expect Warren to be the bigger play threat with the ball in his hands. While he lacks elite speed, he has better burst and ability in space than Harris does. Because of this, I expect Warren to be a sneaky option for this offense and a gem for this team during the year.
Steelers hidden gem #3: Damontae Kazee
The Steelers secondary is going to be a weird group this season. There was a lot of turnover in this group, from the losses of longstanding starters like Terrell Edmunds and Cameron Sutton to new names in Patrick Peterson, Keanu Neal, and the recently added Desmond King, there are a lot of new names to figure out in this group.
A not-brand-new name is returning safety Damontae Kazee, as he played when healthy for the team last season. He was used in third safety packages most of the time and became a versatile defensive back for this team. While Neal will take on the role of box safety, I expect to see Kazee be used more often.
The thing is, with ballhawks like Peterson and Minkah Fitzpatrick in the secondary, Kazee could be given some additional targets. Kazee isn’t a slouch when allowed to make plays though. He is a known interception machine, so the increase in targets could lead to Kazee posting another strong season.
It has been a while since the team has had a pair of safeties that can take the ball away. While Edmunds was a fine defender and developed into a good starter overall, one of his biggest weaknesses was his lack of turnovers. That isn’t the case with Kazee, as he can force turnovers. Add in his willingness to play aggressively despite his smaller size, and I think you have a great fit for this team.
Don’t be surprised if Kazee is a constant issue for offenses and posts a season close to his best year (that being 2018). While I won’t write in seven interceptions for Kazee as he did that season, don’t be surprised to see him amongst the team lead for picks and be a gem for this defense.
Steelers hidden gem #4: Calvin Austin
I was skeptical of Calvin Austin heading into this season. He missed all of his rookie season with a foot injury, and while fans were quick to defend him, he had a lot to prove. In particular, I was skeptical that he would be much more than a gadget player and slot-specific player for a limited offense.
Then training camp and the preseason began, and Austin was more of a down-the-field threat than I anticipated. That doesn’t mean he isn’t getting work on sweeps and in the short game like I had thought; he is, but that isn’t the only thing he is providing to this team.
While George Pickens is expected to make a big leap in year two and Diontae Johnson should have a bounce-back season after failing to find the end zone a year ago, I could see Austin providing some big plays for this offense on a regular basis. He won’t be a conventional starter or even jump Allen Robinson in the pecking order, but I expect Austin to make an impact when the ball is in his hands.
Add in the potential he flashed as a return man and Austin has quickly become a player that I am excited to watch this season. He can be a threat on the ground, through the air, and as a returner. It will be quality over quantity with Austin, but he should end up being a gem for this offense by year's end.
Steelers hidden gem #5: Connor Heyward
Connor Heyward has already exceeded any expectations that I had for him when he was drafted. I struggled to see what his value would be outside of a special teams player, and ultimately I expected him to just be a fullback for this team.
I was shocked to see him stick with the tight ends last year, and while he remains there this year, he figures to be used elsewhere on offense. With no true fullback on the roster, I expect Heyward to line up there when needed. He may also see some snaps in the slot and even as a running back in the backfield. Oh, and don’t forget, he will also be a core special teams player and see snaps as a traditional tight end.
The offseason proved that the Steelers want to use Heyward all over the field. He was a regular contributor in the preseason, and I expect that to continue heading into the season. No, he won’t post gaudy numbers every week, but I expect his contributions to continue to stack during the entire season.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Heyward post a couple hundred yards through the air as well as a hundred-plus yards on the ground. Add in the special teams' value he will continue to provide and a big season seems in store. Heyward has been a delightful surprise, and I expect his versatility to make him a gem for this offense.
The Steelers should be a fun team to watch this season. While there are quite a few projected stars, don’t sleep on these potential gems as well. All five of these players could end up surprising everyone with their good play.