Four overlooked players on the Steelers preseason roster
Throughout the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have added and subtracted from their roster via free agency and the draft. As players have come and gone, so have favorites. Some fans will stick with established stars to follow while others cling to their sleepers, or what has become known as “camp phenoms” to come out of nowhere to make an impact.
As training camp concluded and one of three preseason games remain, I wanted to highlight some players who may have been forgotten or haven’t had the spotlight shined on them this offseason: whether that be on other platforms or our own!
The following names haven’t made a lot of headlines this offseason, but are all in contention for a spot on Pittsburgh’s final 53-man roster. Who are they? Find out below. If you also want to find a great place to play and enjoy some excitement, check out Richard casino login.
Dean Lowry
It’s not often that a 30-year-old, eight-year NFL veteran would qualify as being overlooked on a team’s roster. With over 120 career games and 84 starts, Lowry might be considered for a starting role on many teams.
However, Lowry is buried behind a pack of defensive linemen that includes Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, and Keaanu Benton. This has him dangerously close to being cut due to the amount of other defensive linemen ahead of him on the depth chart. Yet, his experience could play a crucial role into being retained.
Julius Welschof
A German-born inside linebacker with six years of college experience should get everyone’s attention. If not, then the 6-6 265 lbs. frame will!
Welschof occupies the Steelers International Pathway Program spot on their roster, making their 90-man team a 91-man one instead. The large linebacker has gobbled up ample amounts of playing time this summer after impressing scouts at the University of Charlotte’s pro day. Welschof, was also selected in the second round (13th overall) of the 2024 CFL global draft by the Calgary Stampeders.
He has played a whopping 88 snaps through the first two preseason games, which is more than any other players on the entire Steelers roster. Notably wearing number 48, Welschof had a key sack on Bills’ QB Ben DiNucci that forced a punt near the end of the fourth quarter.
Jack Colletto
New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith seems adamant on lining up a fullback in certain game situations. Colletto, as the only true fullback on the roster, has taken those snaps, being asked to do everything from block, to rush, and even catch passes out of the backfield.
Despite playing only 11 snaps this preseason, Colletto has made some heads up plays, including recovering the first fumbled snap against the Houston Texans. If the Steelers want to run I-formation plays this season, Colletto has an opportunity of making the final roster; something he was close to achieving with the San Francisco 49ers last offseason.
Ryan Watts
The Steelers sixth round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is a defensive back looking to make an impact as a subpackage safety and special teams ace.
Watts has logged a solid amount of time to show he can play at the next level, accumulating 55 snaps through two preseason games.
He’s made the most of his time, leading the team in tackles (7 solo, 3 assisted, 10 total) and should have no trouble finding a helmet on game days if his play continues to improve.
