Monday, December 23, 2024
Sports

3 Steelers UDFA signings who will make the 53-man roster

nfl best bets for week 16, steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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