The Pittsburgh Steelers wish to tout their historical past of success with UDFAs—undrafted free brokers—although a few of that historical past is historical. They do have some latest successes, most lately with Beanie Bishop Jr. final yr. In 2022, they actually hit with RB Jaylen Warren, who has offered high quality play for 3 seasons.
So, which of this yr’s UDFAs have the most effective probability of constructing the Steelers’ 53-man roster? I might argue that there are two who stand a greater probability than the remaining, and neither of them is stunning. They’re S Sebastian Castro out of Iowa and TE JJ Galbreath from South Dakota.
Sebastian Castro appears to be the highest candidate among the many Steelers’ UDFAs, even receiving exterior consideration. Whereas he doesn’t have elite traits, he’s only a very stable general soccer participant with a lot of expertise. He can play each the run and the go and will probably contend for a sub-package position.
With Arthur Smith working the Steelers’ offense, you realize any tight finish UDFAs they signal would possibly wind up right here. However JJ Galbreath isn’t right here simply because he’s a good finish. He’s athletic, including a little bit of a distinct wrinkle, however in fact, he’ll have to indicate a flair for all phases of the job. He should impress Arthur Smith and particular groups coordinator Danny Smith.
That goes, too, for Castro. Except they play quarterback or within the trenches, UDFAs virtually universally must earn their carry on particular groups. Huge receivers, working backs, tight ends, linebackers, defensive backs, all of them play ‘groups. That’s their foot within the door; no matter they earn after that’s as much as them.
Among the many Steelers’ class of UDFAs are two extensive receivers, Roc Taylor and Ke’Shawn Williams. Contemplating they’re already six or seven deep there, I wouldn’t put their odds excessive, however a standout efficiency all the time deserves a better look. With Chris Boswell nonetheless possessing each legs, Okay Ben Sauls can have a tough go of it, too.
However maybe OG Aiden Williams and FB DJ Thomas-Jones are price contemplating, too. As soon as once more, we will return to Arthur Smith and his model, which requires a fullback. They didn’t have one final yr, however they did take a look at their choices. Fullbacks are usually UDFAs, however they must play particular groups.
As for Aiden Williams, the Steelers didn’t add to their offensive line this offseason. Or not less than, virtually. They did declare Lecitus Smith off waivers, however that doesn’t transfer the needle a lot. They made no unrestricted free agent signings and drafted no offensive linemen. UDFAs at this place even have a constructive historical past with the Steelers, like Ramon Foster or Alejandro Villanueva. However they don’t precisely have Mike Munchak teaching them, both.
If the Steelers maintain any UDFAs on the 53-man roster this yr, Sebastian Castro and JJ Galbreath are most likely your finest bets. With S Ryan Watts’ injury-related retirement, there’s a door open within the secondary. Likewise, they didn’t retain TE MyCole Pruitt from final season, so in the event that they maintain a fourth tight finish, he might be your man. You would possibly need to keep in mind these names as gamers to observe in coaching camp and the preseason.
