As 90 players on the Steelers roster prepare for training camp, plenty enter the situation with an unknown future.
Some will push to make the 53-man roster, while others will miss the cut. There is plenty of room for guys to improve in this process and try and find a role for themselves on the team. They will have to find different ways to stand out in a positive light in their specific competitions to make the roster. It will be a tough camp full of physicality.
Rookies have to not only find their footing in the NFL, but many expect them to contribute to the team immediately. The Steelers had another strong draft class, but some of the incoming rookies could struggle to find snaps this season. The odds are stacked against them to gain playing time this year if some of them find ways to make the team.
These rookies for Pittsburgh will have to work extra hard to earn a role on the club.
Mason McCormick
It was a bit of a shocker when the Steelers took Mason McCormick in the fourth round.
He was a good value at the selection, but they have a ton of depth along the interior of the offensive line. With Nate Herbig being the primary backup and both starting guard spots in position, it will be tough for this rookie to find playing time. Unless an injury or two happens on the offensive line, expect McCormick to be sitting on the bench for his rookie year.
Logan Lee
Logan Lee is going to have to produce a quality training camp to make the roster, let alone get playing time.
He was one of the Steelers sixth round picks in this past draft. He has a lot of quality tools to work with to develop at the next level. It might take time to get those qualities out of his game. This rookie has competition at camp and will have to beat out the likes of DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and other depth guys in the trenches.
If Lee makes the team, he will need to contribute on special teams, and it is unlikely he will play on defense.
John Rhys Plumlee
Not only is it unlikely John Rhys Plumlee will play any snaps for Pittsburgh this season, but it will take a lot for him to make the practice squad.
The Steelers have three other quarterbacks in front of Plumlee, and he will fail to see many opportunities go his way at training camp. He might be able to show some versatility at camp on special teams, which could get him a chance on the practice squad when it is all said and done.
This undrafted free agent has little to no chance of making the roster, let alone gaining snaps in his rookie year.
Ryan Watts
The last pick in the 2024 NFL draft for the Steelers was Ryan Watts. He is a versatile and athletic defensive back who could carve out a role if everything goes right. At the end of the day, this rookie is a sixth-round pick who will have to overcome the odds to win a spot on the roster, let alone gain defensive snaps.
Special teams will be the name of the game for Watts if he wants to make the team. He will have to prove himself on defense from there. It will be a tough uphill battle for Watts to overcome.