Which Steelers undrafted rookies have the best chance to make the team?
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't a team that usually forks up a lot of guaranteed money to undrafted free agents. They know that, historically, there's not a very good chance their UDFAs will make the final roster, and the front office has always prioritized their money elsewhere.
Over the years, however, we have seen some success stories. Most recently, undrafted Oklahoma State running back, Jalen Warren, not only hung around on the roster in 2022, but he carved out a significant role on offense.
Pittsburgh could go years without finding an undrafted rookie who could make the same impact, but that doesn't mean that a UDFA couldn't crack the final roster. Though it's still unlikely, these three undrafted free agents stand the best shot at making the team in 2023.
3. Steelers FB Monte Pottebaum
Pittsburgh Steelers fans became very familiar with Monte Pottebaum shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft. The bruising Iowa fullback rocks a pretty sick mullet, but when you put on the film, it's not hard to see why the team had an interest in signing him as a priority free agent.
Pottebaum is a very traditional fullback in the sense that he doesn't offer much as a pass-catcher or route-runner. What he can do, however, is lead block with the best of them. Pottebaum is a hard-nosed road-grader who would be Najee Harris' best friend in the running game.
At the same time, Pottebaum's chances are still pretty slim. If Matt Canada views Connor Heyward as more of a H-back/fullback than a tight end and he is the plan to replace Derek Watt, Pottebaum may be destined for the practice squad. However, if the team is looking for a true fullback who can help in the running game, he will have a shot to crack the roster.