SCU Awards: Steelers Most Improved Player

by Eric Herrmann (SteelersGrind) on February 20, 2017

Steel City Underground presents the 1st annual SCU Awards. Our panel of contributors all voted on various awards for the Steelers with the player getting the most votes being the winner. Each article will have the list of nominees with one of our contributors stating their case for why that player earned their vote and deserves the award. Comment and let us know if you agree or disagree with our winners and nominees.

The most improved player award is subjective: is it a new player who took a big leap this season?

A veteran who had a bounce-back season?

Maybe a player we always felt had potential, but for a variety of reasons, hasn’t lived up to that billing?

Our panel opined on several Steelers who all improved in 2016.

Alejandro Villanueva

Most Improved Player I have to go with Alejandro Villaneuva. In his first year as a full time starter, he seemed to only improve with each passing game. This season was a career low for sacks for Ben Roethlisberger and Villaneuva had a large part in that. Yes the pro bowlers certainly helped with that, but Villaneuva is the one responsible for Ben’s blind side. Just think about last draft season when left tackle was actually thought of a need and it was assumed that it would be addressed in the draft. The Steelers have their left tackle in my opinion and I bet he only continues to get better.

– Zac Celedonia

Bud Dupree

How does a second-year player, who only started five games in his rookie season, and missed over half of the 2016 season, end up with more sacks than anyone else in the entire AFC for the month of December?

Bud Dupree showed a lot of growth with every game he played. Since he only played in 7 games (starting 4) there’s still plenty room for improvement! I’m confident he’ll carry this momentum into the 2017 season and finally become the linebacker we drafted him to be.

– Joe Kuzma

Jesse James

James really stepped up this year in the absence of Ladarius Green. Originally drafted as a project, in year two we saw his hands improve, his blocking improve, and he just looked like he “belonged.” He made some big plays in big moments, a la the Dallas game on the offense’s final drive. He is working his way towards definitely a solid #2 and possibly a starter. With his size and the growth he showed in 2016, the sky is the limit.

– Jim Ricalto

Ryan Shazier

Let’s for a second mention the best abs in the league that we get to see weekly while he warms up shirtless, but Ryan Shazier really “gets it.” He’s smart as well as physical, which is hard combination to find in a defensive player so young. He is the Polamalu 2.0 his flying around the field with fury, we have even saw him playing hard and flying around the field at the Pro Bowl this year.

He wants to be known as a legend he says, and his plays are becoming legendary so he’s on his way. In his 3rd season he played in 13 games out of 16 for 2016. If we can get an entire season out of him he will earn Defensive Player of the Year next time.

– Terry Fletcher

Eli Rogers

I voted for Rogers as most improved for a couple reasons. First in the beginning of the season I’ll be honest I didn’t think he would contribute to the team at all. For him to rise up and have an impact late in the season is one heck of a story. As the season progressed he got better he got more targets and capitalized on his opportunities.

– Dan Lee