4 names to watch for in Steelers training camp
There are plenty of players to be excited about once the Steelers arrive in Latrobe for training camp later this week. There’s the return of Martavis Bryant and the arrival of James Conner. Those are two names that will be on plenty of headlines and on people’s radars, and with good reason: both are talented players.
However, every year there are players people forget are even on the roster; the guys you hear people asking “who’s that guy?”
This year won’t be any different. The Steelers are fortunate to have a very deep roster. Even though most of the starters are returning from last year, there are still plenty of spots open on the depth chart for a “forgotten” player to seize.
Here is a list of names to watch for in training camp that could end up making the 53-man roster.
Senquez Golson (CB)
The Steelers have done a great job drafting in the second round in recent years; most notably star running back Le’Veon Bell but also up-and-comers like Stephon Tuitt and Sean Davis.
Stuck in between these excellent picks is a name many have forgotten: Senquez Golson. The cornerback from Ole Miss was expected to be a major contributor to the Steelers defense upon being drafted, but he was struck by misfortune when he missed his entire rookie season with an injury. The following year, things weren’t much different. In his second consecutive training camp, Golson was once again struck by a season-ending injury.
The reason Senquez is a player to watch is that we don’t know what kind of player we’ll be getting. We could get a washed-up player who hasn’t played football for two years or the talent that led him to be drafted in the second round.
Luckily for Golson, high draft picks usually get some leniency with their development. Coaches don’t want to give up on their high investments prematurely, but Golson’s path has been far from ordinary. Gone is the mindset of “it’s like we’re getting an extra second round pick this year” as we’ve heard the coaching staff say before. He is now in make it or break it situation.
Considering how deep the Steelers cornerback depth chart is this year, Golson is far from a roster lock, but should definitely be a name to watch for during camp.
Phazahn Odom (TE)
Odom’s name may not stand out, but he’ll certainly stand out once he steps onto the football field. Odom, who stands at 6’8″ tall and weighs 251 lbs., was brought in recently after impressing the coaching staff during a tryout.
When Ladarius Green was released from the roster, the tight end position became open season. There’s hardly ever room for an undrafted free agent to make the 53- man roster in most seasons, but with the state of the Steelers tight end depth chart, Odom he has a legitimate chance to make the team.
Jesse James is locked in as the starter and I’d consider David Johnson a lock because of his experience and ability to also play fullback. While the Steelers could keep four tight ends, three seems to be the more likely number. The backup spot behind James is currently occupied by journeyman tight end Xavier Grimble, but he is in no way a lock to make the team. Grimble flashed potential last year, during his first year in Pittsburgh, but he never developed into a consistent player. Injuries had somewhat of a hand in his inconsistency, but the Steelers have always been intrigued with physical marvels like Alejandro Villaneuva and Dan McCullers.
They may think Odom’s size, and potential, is worth gambling on.
Daimion Stafford (S)
One of the most forgotten names picked up in free agency is Daimion Stafford; a free agent signing in late May.
Stafford is intriguing because he was the biggest name added to the safety depth chart this offseason. The Steelers appeared to show an interest in drafting a safety this year, with plenty of pre-draft visits with safeties. However, after going the entire draft without selecting one, Stafford ends up as a sort of consolation prize.
The Steelers interest in the dime defense may be enough to give him a shot at a legitimate playing time. It’s up in the air for now whether or not Stafford can succeed in this role, but I’m confident the Steelers will do their due diligence in training camp and see what all he’s capable of.
Brian Allen (CB)
The cornerback battle in camp is expected to be epic. So, of course, another corner makes this list.
2017 draft pick Brian Allen is an exciting name to watch because of his potential. Standing at 6’3″, he has the size and skillset fans have been clamoring for, for awhile.
He is certainly going to stand out when standing among the other, shorter, cornerbacks on the roster, but it’s tough to get too excited about Allen due to his inexperience. He didn’t play defense until he attended college makes him a project, and we should expect him to be raw and make mistakes. But hopefully, he has a few moments where he flashes his physical tools and athleticism.
He’s not a roster lock by any means, but if he manages to make enough splash plays this offseason, the Steelers may be forced to keep him on the roster in order so he’s not poached off of the practice squad.
Besides, T.J. Watt started college as a tight end and converted to linebacker; so never say never.
