Underrated players for Steelers third preseason game

Heading into the Steelers third preseason game this Friday against the New Orleans Saints, I wanted to take some time to highlight a handful of players that aren’t getting the usual preseason “buzz” like others (I’m looking at you Sammie Coates!)

In no particular order…

Robert Golden

A player that signed a 3-year deal this offseason might not be considered “underrated” however, Sean Davis has been getting most of the attention when it comes to the Steelers secondary, though Golden has floated back and forth in a role similar to Davis’ last season. While Golden is likely positioned as the starter opposite Mike Mitchell, he’s a player we should have our eyes on against the Saints’ first-teamers.

Tyler Matakevich

https://twitter.com/Steel_Curtain4/status/768491589471731713

Another fan-favorite this preseason, Matakevich is listed as an underrated player due to his playing mostly against camp bodies. Pro Football Focus recently rated “Dirty Red” as their highest-rated inside linebacker through the preseason thus far, so it will be interesting to see if he’s “graded” as high with the Steelers coaching staff.

If he has, could he receive more playing time with those a bit up the depth chart?

L.J. Fort

L.J. is definitely a mystery: I was surprised he got reps with the 2nd team players throughout the last 2 weeks. (The 2nd rotation in that game anyway.)

Now I wonder if there’s any way he doesn’t make the team.

Fort has showed good push, good coverage skills, you name it. He’s holding off new additions, such as Matakevich, and free agent signing Steven Johnson.

The Steelers are so loaded at the linebacker position, this could be the make-or-break game for Fort; at this time, I feel he’s been underrated enough that he could have a legitimate shot a making this team, one way or another.

Cobi Hamilton

I was rough on Cobi last week, giving him some partial blame for Landry Jones’ second interception, however, upon further review, he did have one arm tied behind his back.

Literally! Cobi was draped and had an arm pinned by a defender in the endzone, while Jones tried to deliver the ball to him. With only one arm free (and the official in a poor position?) the ball ricocheted to another Eagle for turnover.

Later in the game, Hamilton made up for the earlier play by extending his body and making this spectacular catch:

https://twitter.com/steelcityundrgr/status/767784996597854208

Last preseason, Shakim Phillips made a similar one-handed catch, and was retained on the practice squad. Perhaps this will be enough to give Cobi at least that much consideration. While one one-handed grab isn’t going to earn you a roster spot, it may go a long way in staving off other receivers competing for potentially one or two spots available, on the final 53-man roster, or the practice squad.

Jordan Berry

https://twitter.com/landonwhite10/status/754752415061118976

Maybe Berry isn’t underrated this preseason, but then again, punters are certainly underappreciated for the most part.

The Steelers revolving door of punters has finally slammed shut this offseason, as Berry has been showing us booming kicks (like in the video above.) His ability to flip the field was seen in the last game, where the Steelers defense held Philadelphia in check in the first half (and even longer, though the first/second team players, nor Berry were still in the game.)

Therefore, Berry makes this list, as his ability to send opponents backwards is every bit as valuable as others on the team.


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