The announcement of Mr. Irrelevant is not where the NFL Draft process really ends. After the last pick, many players are signed by teams after going undrafted. Though most of these players are training camp bodies who ultimately don’t make the team, some gems pop up every year out of the group of undrafted players. Following their stellar draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed five undrafted free agents. In order, here is how likely each of these five players are to make the Steelers roster.
How Likely Pittsburgh Steelers Undrafted Free Agents Are to Make Roster
1. Beanie Bishop – DB, West Virginia
Of all five Steelers undrafted free agents, Bishop is head and shoulders the most likely to make the team. While Pittsburgh had a great draft, they didn’t do anything to address their need at slot cornerback. They will probably sign a slot-capable veteran, but Bishop could fill that role perfectly for them. Bishop was a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 selection last season. He is the embodiment of a playmaker, totaling four interceptions and 67 tackles last year. Bishop is very solid in run support, too, which the Steelers always expect of their nickel cornerbacks. Pittsburgh will sign another cornerback, but Bishop will compete in training camp with a real shot of making the roster.
2. Julius Welschof – EDGE, Charlotte
After Bishop, there is a fall-off in probability of any undrafted free agents making the Steelers’ final roster. Julius Welschof, the German-born defensive end, has a shot, though. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are of course the Steelers starting edge rushers, and Nick Herbig is third in the rotation. After Herbig, though, the fourth spot is up for grabs. The team did not re-sign Markus Golden this offseason, who was a productive depth piece for them last year. Welschof is a good athlete who has a chance to compete for a depth spot on the team.
3. John Rhys Plumlee – QB, UCF
Plumlee is an intriguing prospect due to his position versatility. He is a quarterback who also played wide receiver (and baseball at UCF, interestingly). A move back to receiver seemed in the cards for Plumlee if he had a shot of making the NFL, but the Steelers announced his signing as a quarterback. At that position, he’s fighting an uphill battle to pass Kyle Allen for the QB3 roster spot. However, due to his strong athleticism and versatility, Pittsburgh could give him a look as a Taysom Hill-type of player. It’s unlikely, but once he gets to training camp, the Steelers might like Plumlee as a gadget and special teams guy. That, not quarterback, is his best chance of making the roster.
4. Daijun Edwards – RB, Georgia
The leading running back for one of the nation’s best teams, Daijun Edwards didn’t hear his name called during the draft. He probably won’t make the Steelers roster, either. They have their top three running backs. Edwards is a prime candidate for the practice squad, though. With running backs at an increased risk of injury, he would be a good extra piece to have if needed. He won’t break tackles like Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren do. But he’s respectable in the passing game, both as a receiver and blocker, which are two positive traits to have.
5. Jacoby Windmon – LB, Michigan State
Jacoby Windmon is by far the least likely of the Steelers’ undrafted free agents to ultimately make the roster. His biggest roadblock is the Steelers having five linebackers on the team already. They made a huge move in free agency by signing 2023 second-team All-Pro selection Patrick Queen. Elandon Roberts and Cole Holecomb return from last year. Payton Wilson was just drafted in the third round by the Steelers and will be a key contributor. And Mark Robinson sits behind them all as a special teams player and run-stuffing depth piece. It’s just very tough to see Windmon finding himself a spot in the rotation.
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