Undrafted FAs often make cut
But big question is, which one(s) will?
The Steelers have a long history of undrafted free agents making their 53-man roster. Many of them spend timeon the practice squad before making the roster, but a fewhave made it as rookies.
This century, the best example is Willie Parker, who made the team as a rookie in 2004 and a year later set the record for the longest run in Super Bowl history. He played seven seasons, is third among the Steelers rushers all time, and finished his career with two Super Bowl rings.
There have been many others over the years. Current Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster went undrafted, made the team as a rookie and started in Super Bowl XLV one year later. He’s now 32 and in his 10th NFLseason.
TheSteelers must cut their roster from 90 to 53 players by next Saturday. Here are the undrafted rookies with the best chance to earn a spot on the roster this year:
• Matthew Thomas, ILB, Florida State — Thomas went undrafted due to some suspensions at Florida State, but he has the athletic profile coaches are looking for in modern-day inside linebackers. Thomas ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 41inch vertical leap at the NFL combine. He has the athletic ability to run with tight ends and running backs in coverage, which has become a must as NFL offenses trend toward the pass more than the run. The tenuous shortandlong-term depth at the position might boost Thomas’ chances as well. One starter, Vince Williams, is 28 and entering the final year of his contract. The other starter, Jon Bostic, is signed for just two years and has not been overly impressive in the first two preseason games. Given the fact the Steelers had a hard time finding an inside linebacker in the draft, they might not want to expose Thomason the waiver wire.
• Ola Adeniyi, OLB, Toledo —The Steelers aren’t terribly deep at outside linebacker either, and Adeniyi hasn’t been overmatched this summer despite being only 20 years old. He had 20 tackles for loss and 8½ sacks in his final college season at Toledo. Adeniyi might have been a candidate to get drafted had he stayed for his senior season, but he left school early. He signed with the Steelers because he knew they lacked depth at the position. Adeniyi has three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in the first two preseason games. His main competition for a roster spot is Keion Adams, another playerfrom the MAC. Adams also does not have any NFL experience, but he was around the team last season on injured reserve. If Adeniyi proves to be a better specialteams player the Steelers could keep him over Adams. If not, he’s another player the Steelers would look to sneak ontothe practice squad.
• Damoun Patterson, WR, Youngstown State — If Patterson makes the team, he would be one of the most unlikely rookies in the NFL this year. Not only did he go undrafted but he also went unsigned after the draft. The Steelers discovered him during a rookie tryout a week after the draft. The only other undrafted rookie free agent to take that path in recent years and make the team was linebacker Terence Garvin, whowas discovered the same way and made the 53-man roster because of his abilities on special teams. With his smooth route running and big-play ability, Patterson has been one of the standout rookies in training camp. Boosting his chances is his strong resume as a specialteams ace at Youngstown State. If the Steelers keep six receivers, Patterson has a good shot to make the cut. If not, they’ll likely try to sneak himonto the practice squad.
• Quadree Henderson, PR/ WR, Pitt — Another early entrant into the draft who did not hear his name called, Henderson has an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster. It has little to do with hisskill set as an explosive returner on special teams and more to do with the fact that returners have been marginalized with the new kickoff rules. Coach Mike Tomlin said return specialists usually run their way into teams by making plays in the preseason much in the way Stephan Logan did in 2009. But opportunities for Henderson in the first two preseason games have been few and far between. He has two games left to make his mark. If he doesn’t, it will be hard for the Steelers to keep him without knowing if he truly has the ability to be a game-breaker.