5 Steelers at risk of losing their roster spots from last year

Steelers will eventually bench Montravius Adams

I am certainly surprised that the Steelers still have Montravius Adams kicking around the starting role at nose tackle. While the team hoped to have an underrated gem on their hands last year, his actual play was lackluster. With a small, but easily cuttable, contract and a slew of new names around, it didn't seem likely that Adams had any shot of making the roster.

To this point, Adams has been one of the better and more surprising players at training camp. The entire defensive line has looked stout, and Adams looks more like the player that flashed during his first season with the team. Even with his elevated salary, I like his odds of making the team this year based on his early performance.

That all said, it is likely inevitable that Adams ends up making his way to the bench even if he starts the season as the starter. Keeanu Benton was a perfect fit for this defense, and while he has the versatility to wear a lot of hats, he seems destined to start his career as a nose tackle. Given his pedigree and his solid start to camp, I expect to see him on the field sooner than later.

Even if Adams continues his strong start to camp, I don’t foresee him remaining ahead of Benton for this season. His making the roster is no longer shocking, but maintaining his starter status would be. Even if he sneaks onto the team, don’t expect him to remain as a starter for very long, as he has a talented rookie right behind them.