The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the best NFL Drafts in recent memory, if expert grades are to be believed. But their UDFA class has some diamonds in the rough as well.
In terms of targeting positions of need and selecting the best players available, it's tough to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft. Seemingly every roster hole, including defensive back, left tackle, linebacker and more was addressed.
However, that's not where this story ends. The success of this Steelers draft class won't be determined for years to come. Here is every player Pittsburgh drafted this April:
- Broderick Jones – Offensive Tackle – Round 1
- Joey Porter Jr. – Cornerback – Round 2
- Keeanu Benton – Defensive Lineman – Second Round
- Darnell Washington – Tight End – Third Round
- Nick Herbig – Linebacker – Fourth Round
- Cory Trice Jr. – Defensive Back – Seventh Round
- Spencer Anderson – Offensive Lineman – Seventh Round
Beyond that, Pittsburgh signed seven undrafted free agents. These players have an uphill battle to even make the roster, or the practice squad. Still, there are some areas where Pittsburgh lacks the necessary depth, and it's those positions where the following players may have a chance to surprise us all.
Steelers UDFA's who could make the roster: Monte Pottebaum
Fullback is not the position it once was, even in an organization known for its ground-and-pound style in the Steel City. Single-back and shotgun sets now dominate every offense, and it's more than likely that any fullback who does make the roster won't receive a ton of playing time.
Nonetheless, when the Steelers signed Monte Pottebaum, he became an instant overnight sensation. I mean, how could he not? Just look at this guy.
Yes, he has a mullet. And, yes, he did run the ball quite a bit for the Iowa Hawkeyes last season. Still Curtain summed up Pottebaum's personality best:
"If he wants to sport a mullet, perhaps he should be playing in the NHL. Certainly, his youtube highlight reel must be an internet first. It's the only highlight reel found to date accompanied by bluegrass music heavy on the violin. Oddly enough, Pottebaum even attracted the attention of fans in Great Britain, not something you see pop up on Youtube regularly regarding the Steelers."
Oddly enough, Pottebaum will be competing with another fan favorite for the fullback spot in Connor Heyward, the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward. The younger Heyward has the inside track for the starting job, and Pittsburgh is unlikely to carry two on the active roster. With that, Pottebaum has some work to do, but his resume speaks for itself.
Steelers UDFA's who could make the roster: Jordan Byrd
Jordan Byrd has a decent shot at making the roster for one reason — flexibility. Byrd has experience at running back, wide receiver and most importantly in special teams. Byrd was a return specialist at San Diego State, among other things, and was All-Mountain West in that department the last three seasons. Gunner Olszewski, who may already be on the outs with Pittsburgh, better look out.
The Steelers have a habit of taking shots on undersized and therefore overlooked players. Look no further than Jaylen Warren, who went from undrafted to a core piece of Pittsburgh's offense backing up Najee Harris. For now, Byrd's best chance at making the roster would be as return man, where he is already listed as the backup to Olszewski by most unverified depth charts.
Pittsburgh is looking for another explosive return man after Steven Sims left for the Houston Texans in free agency. Byrd, who averaged over 25 yards per return at San Diego State, fits that bill. It was wise of Omar Khan to wait until after the NFL Draft to address this need, as Byrd is just 5-foot-7 and relatively scrawny compared to most running back/wide receiver prospects.
Byrd's explosiveness sets him apart. It doesn't mean he's Darren Sproles, but the Steelers are wise to take a chance on him.
Steelers UDFA's who could make the roster: Tanner Morgan
The Pittsburgh Steelers have traditionally carried three quarterbacks on their active roster, as they did last year with Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. With Rudolph out of town, only Pickett and Trubisky remain. This is why Omar Khan inked Tanner Morgan, quarterback out of Minnesota.
Bleacher Report ranked Morgan as the most likely UDFA to make the Steelers roster:
"Morgan is a 6'2″, 216-pound prospect who could develop into a long-term backup behind Pickett. Morgan only appeared in nine games this past season because of a concussion, but he completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 1,382 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for four scores."
While Morgan's game tape won't jump off the video screen, he is a reliable passer who the Steelers think can develop into a long-term backup. Trubisky is on the roster for now, but could be trade bait for a team in need of a starting quarterback once training camp begins and beyond. This would leave a player like Morgan as the lone backup to Pickett.
Even should Morgan not be an obvious fit on the roster, he could sign with the practice squad upon being cut from training camp. Morgan was also selected in the USFL draft, so it's unclear exactly what his career path is at this point. But if he wants a chance to make an NFL roster right from the jump, Pittsburgh's not a bad place to land.
