3 Steelers That Absolutely Need To Have A Great Training Camp To Make The 53-Man Roster In 2024

With training camp coming up, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to begin another season with plenty of new and old faces. While many players are excited to start training in preparation for a hopeful playoff run, there are plenty of players that are just hoping to keep a job. The roster will eventually be sliced down from 90 men to 53. There are plenty of "camp bodies" that won't make it, but there are also some notable names that could be cut if they don't prove themselves right out of the gate. 

1. DeMarvin Leal 

Leal had a very promising rookie season in 2022, where he acted as quality depth that could eventually become a starting defensive lineman. Instead, he took multiple steps back in 2023 and was even a healthy scratch for multiple games. He was accused of being lazy and slow, which led to guys like Isaiahh Loudermilk and Armon Watts getting more of those depth snaps, while Keeanu Benton broke out into a great lineman overnight.

Leal needs to win Mike Tomlin back over after he completely lost him during the season, and to do that, he needs to shine in training camp and preseason. The starting defensive line is already set, and Dean Lowry was brought in to be the primary depth piece at that spot. Logan Lee was also drafted to be a depth piece that could quickly develop into that role. There is still a spot for Leal on the roster, but it will take a lot to convince Tomlin and Omar Khan that he has changed and can be that quality lineman again. 

2. Mark Robinson

With the recent signing of Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson's job is suddenly in jeopardy. Even if Matakevich is primarily be a special teamer, there's no guarantee that the Steelers will keep six linebackers on the 53-man roster, especially if Cole Holcomb returns from his injury sooner rather than later. Robinson has a lot to work on if he wants to keep his spot, whether or not Holcomb recovers soon enough.

Robinson has great straight-line speed, but he struggles when there's any sort of change of direction. He just picks a hole and hits it, whether it's the right move or not. That lack of football IQ and lateral quickness could signify the end of his time in Pittsburgh. Unless he gets a major boost with his side-to-side movement, there is a solid chance that he loses his job before Week 1. 

3. Anthony Averett

While looking for a career revival, Anthony Averett attended Steelers' rookie minicamp and eventually earned himself a contract. Injuries ended his 2022 season early when he was with the Las Vegas Raiders, and he never played a game in 2023 while he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. While the story of him getting a contract with the Steelers is a good one, the crowning of it as a true Cinderella tale needs to wait.

The Steelers have an obvious mold that they have been looking to utilize. Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice Jr., and Darius Rush are all big, physical corners that excel in press coverage. The Steelers are looking to develop those players in particular, especially with Trice receiving a lot of hype throughout the summer camps. 

Steelers Need To Secure A Solid Secondary For 2024

With the fact that the Steelers also traded for Donte Jackson, as well as Beanie Bishop looking to take over the starting slot corner role, Averett will have to prove that he can still produce like he did with the Baltimore Ravens if he wants to convince the Steelers that they should carry him as an extra defensive back. If the team can pinpoint who the best fit will be at the slot position, Pittsburgh's defense alone could carry this organization back to the playoffs.

What do you think about the players that are seemingly on the outside looking in? Who do you think needs to shine to make it on to the 53-man roster? Let us know in the comments.

#SteelerNation