The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their 2025 NFL Draft class. They held their rookie minicamp and filled most of their 90-man roster. Each rookie will battle to make the final 53-man roster, but they have most of training camp and the preseason to iron things out. A handful of rookies will make the team, but DJ Thomas-Jones is someone flying under the radar.
It's unusual to see more than one or two undrafted free agents land on the opening-day depth chart. That possibility could happen this year with the Steelers. They have undrafted candidates in prime positioning to make the final roster, and Thomas-Jones is an interesting player who could fit in various roles for Pittsburgh.
He fits the mold of what the team has desired at the fullback position.
Landing a spot to prove your worth in the NFL is one thing; finding a place that matches who you are is another. The Steelers need a fullback to help their run game produce a consistent output. Thomas-Jones has an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but it might not be as tedious as some claim. A strong outing this preseason could cement his status on the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback DJ Thomas-Jones has shot to make the roster and produce a big role
Going from undrafted free agent to making the Steelers 53-man roster isn't outlandish.
The story behind Thomas-Jones is interesting. He started his career at Ole Miss after being a highly sought-after recruit. After two years in that program, he transferred to South Alabama to be closer to home. He sacrificed plenty with that move but earned a shot at the NFL. He can play tight end and fullback, which Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wanted.
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When you research Pittsburgh's depth chart, there are not too many locked-in roster spots in front of the rookie. He only has Connor Heyward ahead of him on the depth chart, but Heyward isn't a traditional player at the position. Thomas-Jones could also jump in front of some tight ends on the depth chart. If he accomplishes either task, the likelihood of making the team will skyrocket.
Outside of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, the battles at training camp are wide open. Heyward, Donald Parham, or JJ Galbreath will fight to make the team. If Thomas-Jones can play fullback effectively, Smith may try and convince the front office to use a roster spot on him..
Every offense Smith has directed relied on a dependable fullback on the roster.
Thomas-Jones might have signed out of a small school, but his chances of making the team are higher than many believe. An effective fullback should help the run game's productivity this upcoming campaign. If this undrafted rookie can produce a strong preseason and show his abilities on special teams, there are no limitations for his future in Pittsburgh.