Steelers sleepers
Steelers sleepers
Training camp is in full swing with the first of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ three preseason games just days away. Much attention has been paid to starters and stars like QB Aaron Rodgers, EDGE T.J. Watt, and, of course, the changes head coach Mike McCarthy has implemented. But there’s a full 91-man roster with plenty of intrigue closer to the bottom, too. Here are five Steelers sleepers emerging in camp who should get plenty of preseason reps and are worth keeping an eye on.
WR Brandon Smith
Smith is a sleeper who might be emerging in the local mainstream. That’s thanks to a strong ̶F̶r̶i̶d̶a̶y̶ Saturday night lights session in which he made multiple highlight-reel plays in 7-on-7 and team periods. Years ago, OT Dylan Cook’s roster spot took shape during a great Friday night lights practice, and Smith’s showing this weekend was similarly impressive.
Smith opened camp with a dazzling back-shoulder fade from Aaron Rodgers against Jamel Dean, and though his game got quiet in the middle, he perked back up Saturday. Smith has consistently worked with the 1s throughout camp, putting him ahead of other backup receivers like Levi Wentz, A.T. Perry (before he was cut), and others.
He still needs to show consistent special teams value to stick, and earning a spot on the 53-man roster is difficult. But it’s no longer impossible, especially if an injury changes the group’s complexion.
RB Lew Nichols
Nichols drew attention for his preseason performance last summer, averaging a blistering 7.9 yards per carry on just 11 attempts. He stuck on the practice squad for the regular season and made his NFL debut in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Now, he’s back with a full offseason in Pittsburgh under his belt. The running back room is crowded, but our stats through seven practices showed he received more carries than Kaleb Johnson and Travis Homer. Evaluating running backs is difficult in this environment; players can’t tackle or break tackles either, but Nichols has a muscular build with good strength. He can catch, block, and play on special teams. Last summer, he played on four special teams units.
Breaking through to make the 53 will prove difficult. But Kaleb Johnson is still refining his game, Travis Homer has a lower offensive ceiling, and Eli Heidenreich is currently injured with no return date. Nichols could get a lot of burn this summer, and if he runs just as well, he’ll be discussed more frequently.
OL Doug Nester
One of the most versatile players in training camp, Nester has logged some reps at all five spots during his two training camp stints with Pittsburgh. He primarily played guard last summer but opened up at offensive tackle this year. He recently dabbled at center during individual periods, although I don’t think he has worked there in team periods.
In 1v1 drills, he has held his own even against lower-end opponents like Malik Harrison as he dabbles in playing outside linebacker and Jamin Davis, who has struggled to kick from inside linebacker to playing on the edges.
Nester underwhelmed last summer and showed a lack of play strength, but his play has improved this time around. A practice squad spot is certainly possible.
NT Kyler Baugh
Baugh has always been fun to watch. Signed midway through last season’s camp, Baugh has always played hard with a ton of energy. His build is atypical, 6016, about 300 pounds with short 32 1/4-inch arms, but he’s a bull in a china shop. He shows great burst off the ball that mirrors his elite explosion score in pre-draft testing, with quick hands to beat blocks as a rusher and great effort to finish. It would be nice to see him go up against better competition than UDFA C Greg Crippen.
Baugh is so athletic that he and fellow DL Anthony Goodlow were getting looks on the kick coverage team during Saturday’s practice.
Finding a place for him on the 53 will be tough, but he’s a strong candidate to stick on the practice squad. In his third preseason, he knows what the NFL is like and could do some damage against wide-eyed rookies this summer. A definite Steelers sleeper.
S Rayshawn Jenkins
Jenkins is a veteran with a well-rounded resume unlike the four names above. Still, he faces tall odds to stick as a mid-camp signing. Jenkins has made an immediate impression with his energy, intensity, and hit power.
For a team looking for a veteran behind Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, and Jaquan Brisker, Jenkins might be the guy. Pittsburgh also brought in Israel Mukuamu, who is bigger and potentially offers more range, but Jenkins’ underlying coverage metrics are encouraging. Jenkins has experience and special teams value, and he could grab the final safety spot on the 53.