Countdown to Camp: Eli Rogers

by Joe Kuzma (joe_kuzma) on July 8, 2017

Countdown to Camp is a series aimed at preparing fans for the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming training camp by focusing on players who were on the 2016 roster. Each profile will include basic statistics and a hand selected highlight from last year.

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Eli Rogers	17
Position	Wide Receiver
Date of birth	December 23, 1992 (age 24)
Place of birth	Miami, Florida
Height	5-10
Weight	180
High school	Miami (FL) Northwestern
College	Louisville
Undrafted	2015
Career	Pittsburgh Steelers (2015-present)

Eli Rogers enters his third season with the Steelers but only his second full season playing. The slot specialist sat out the 2015 season, with Pittsburgh retaining his rights by placing him on injured reserve for the entirety of his rookie year. The investment paid off as Rogers started as the Steelers slot receiver for the 2016 season and was a consistent contributor throughout the year.

Rogers’ started strong with a six-catch 59-yard performance during Week 1 against the Washington Redskins. Eli caught a ping-pong pass, intended for Sammie Coates, for his first career touchdown in the same game. He would add a pair of TDs throughout the remainder of the season, including a go-ahead clutch catch in a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. His season-high best was a six-catch 103-yard game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Rogers must draw upon his 2016 experience to retain his spot in the wide receiver pecking order. The team added Justin Hunter in free agency, and second round draft pick JuJu Smith-Schuster to their roster. Martavis Bryant also returns from suspension to create a crowded, but incredibly deep and talented wide receiver room: one Rogers will have to overcome to continue his progression from last season.