The Pittsburgh Steelers had a better than average undrafted rookie class, adding a few low-level notable names. However, as has been customary in recent years, the class lacked any of the true top names who fell out of the draft.
The Seahawks just gave the Steelers a chance to add to their solid class.
Zy Alexander was, at one point, in the conversation to be drafted in the third round, and most mocks had him getting drafted somewhere early on day three. After some mediocre athletic testing, Alexander ended up falling out of the draft entirely.
He was clearly coveted as an undrafted free agent, receiving almost $250,000 guaranteed from Seattle to convince him to sign there, but he was recently released. With Pittsburgh’s training camp set to kick off, it makes too much sense to bring him in on a flyer.
Zy Alexander can compete for a depth role with the Pittsburgh Steelers
While the odds of him making any sort of an impact right away are unlikely, Alexander fits the mold of what the Steelers want. He is a bigger outside cornerback with good physicality, even if his natural athleticism is lacking.
Because of his frame, he was regularly mocked to the Steelers given their desire for these big “avatar” cornerbacks. Ultimately, the team went after more of a slot defender in Donte Kent, but now they have the chance to get the best of both worlds.
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Alexander will cost the Steelers nothing to sign at this point, and he can add further depth to an admittedly strong group. The path to the roster isn’t unlikely (he would need to shine on special teams to make someone like James Pierre expendable), but the practice squad could be a good home for him in year one.
While deep now, the Steelers will likely not have Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey around for the long term. This will mean that they will need more bodies in that room, and if Alexander can flash the traits that made him a draftable player, he could stick around and eventually earn a role.
Of course, like any undrafted free agent, he is nothing more than a dart throw. That said, some throws are better than others, and taking a chance on a young player who fits your desired mold makes sense.
While not the most notable name or a known commodity, it makes too much sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers to add Alexander here. The Seahawks practically presented him on a silver platter to them.