As the 90-man rosters are now set, the information to begin examining training camp battles in here. You can also see what positions the Pittsburgh Steelers may want to upgrade this year. We will look through the Steelers roster and see who will make the team. Also, we will see where they stand in terms of playing time for the 2016 season and beyond. Reasons to hold on to these lower-end players vary, and some may be able to make a future impact as players come and go via free agency. This edition will look at the defensive end position. The Steelers will likely carry four defensive ends.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End Projection
Left End
Heyward has been marvelous the last two years. Now he enters 2016 as one of the better interior defensive ends in the 3-4 alignment. Using his versatility, Heyward can assume a role as a pass rushing defensive tackle when the Steelers go into the nickel and sub-package defenses. With the six-year deal he signed in 2015 now appearing as a bargain, the team will definitely enjoy his presence for seasons to come.
2. Ricardo Matthews
Matthews was signed this off-season. While it is just a one-year deal for the minimum, it would be a surprise to see him not make the roster. If he is cut, it would mean a young and unproven player is stepping up. Though that is not a case, however, he is far from a lock. The Steelers lack defensive end depth, and Matthews is an NFL-ready player. Matthews will rotate on both ends and will be able to sub as an interior player in sub-package football.
Right End
Tuitt had an excellent second season in the NFL, and his growth potential arrow seems to be pointing upward. Former defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was hesitant to use him as a rookie, but his 7.5 sacks in 18 career starts made him a force under Keith Butler‘s scheme. Having the capability to slide into the interior on passing downs, Heyward–with the help of Tuitt–give the Steelers one of the better, and more multifaceted, defensive fronts.
2. L.T. Walton
2015 sixth-round pick L.T.Walton will head to camp competing with Matthews and Cashaud Lyons for one of the team’s final roster spots. At times–albeit instances of desperation–the Steelers went to Walton for snaps last season. He wasn’t really impactful in limited time, but he now has more experience and more knowledge of the system than his competition. If he can show he took a step forward after his rookie campaign, he should make the opening-day squad for the first time.
The plethora of lineman currently on the Steelers 90-man roster speaks to their scarcity of depth. The need for competition also points to their confidence in Walton and Matthews. On the 90-man roster last year, Lyons will have every chance to make the team. Other names to look for in camp will be Lavon Hooks, Brian Mihalik, John Maxey and Giorgio Newberry. While all four were undrafted free agents this spring, the team will probably hope to keep one of them around on the practice squad.
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