We're just days away from the Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off training camp. While most of the news surrounding the team is centered around T.J. Watt's new contract and Aaron Rodgers' fit, lesser-known players are gearing up to fight for a spot on Pittsburgh's final roster.
If he proves himself in training camp, one unknown Steelers' rookie could do more than just take a roster spot — he could end up playing a significant role in Pittsburgh's offense.
Roc Taylor is a dark horse to make Pittsburgh Steelers final roster
The Steelers have seen a bigger shift in their roster this offseason than they've had in years, and their wide receiver room has seen as much turnover as any. D.K. Metcalf and Robert Woods are in, and George Pickens is out.
The position has been shaken up at the top of the depth chart, but one rookie could be set to steal an important role.
Soon after April's draft, the Steelers quietly signed former Memphis receiver Roc Taylor as an undrafted free agent. Taylor was productive at Memphis, totaling over 2,000 yards in his final two seasons, but he never received national recognition.
The rest of the NFL passed up on Taylor, but he could become a key player in Arthur Smith's offense.
If Smith loves one thing, it's running the football. Even if it's not efficient, he'll keep pounding the rock. Last season, the Steelers finished fourth in rushing attempts despite ranking 28th in EPA per rush. In an offense like that, it's crucial to have receivers who can be competent blockers.
That's exactly why the Steelers signed Robert Woods in free agency. Woods has been known as an elite blocking receiver for most of his career, but he's 33 years old. Even if the Steelers can rely on him to play a role this season, Woods will likely be limited in his snap count.
When Woods steps off the field, Roc Taylor can step in. Taylor has the ideal frame for a blocking receiver at 6'1" and 213 pounds. At Memphis, he was a physical blocker who consistently overpowered defensive backs in the run game.
In a relatively open receiver room, Taylor has a path to play a significant role. Woods may stay ahead of him on the depth chart this year, but Taylor could be a starter as soon as 2026.
Taylor brings some juice as a receiver, too. He's good in contested catch situations and is surprisingly refined as a route runner.
As Taylor enters training camp, he might be looking to make highlight catches to impress his coaches. But if anything is going to earn him a roster spot, it's his physicality as a run blocker.