5 players on the Steelers that could unexpectantly impress this training camp

  • Keep an eye on Ryan McCollum at center
  • Don't sleep on Elijah Riley
  • Nick Kwiatkoski is ready to bounce back on the Steelers
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An XFL standout could shock the Steelers and make the team

One thing that will be interesting to watch across NFL training camps will be players coming back in the league from other professional ranks. No matter if these guys are attempting to make it back onto an NFL roster or trying their first time, it will be interesting to watch their progress. Both XFL and USFL players have signed with NFL clubs, and they could make some rosters.

The Steelers have not dipped too heavily into the USFL talent pool, but they have both tried out and signed XFL players. Hakeem Butler is a name to watch at receiver with the size and talent he showed for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He had a quality season there and it gave the black and gold enough interest to bring him into training camp.

Cornerback is another spot that added talent from the XFL with the addition of Luq Barcoo. He has been in the NFL before but was never able to stick around. He has the talent to defend receivers but needs to show that he can do it at the NFL level. Barcoo was the best cover corner in the XFL and graded out as one of their best.

There are a couple different spots in the secondary up for grabs, especially when it comes to the depth spots on the roster. Barcoo might not get a starting job at cornerback, but he should be able to get into a tight competition for the bottom of the roster. Many write off veteran guys at the bottom of the roster heading into camp, but Barcoo should apply some pressure.