The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their first preseason game this Friday, it is worth looking at players who might be flying under the radar. Players who could be described as “diamonds in the rough” were a constant in the Kevin Colbert era, and it will be interesting to see if Omar Khan and company can have the same type of luck.

Before going further, I think it’s important to outline what a “diamond in the rough” would consist of. To me, and this is just my opinion, a “diamond in the rough” would be a player who was either drafted or signed with very little, to no, fanfare attached to it, yet has a large role with the team.

Some examples would be:

• OG Ramon Foster — Undrafted out of Tennessee, became long-term starter at guard.
• DB Mike Hilton — Undrafted out of Ole Miss, lands in Pittsburgh and turns it into a lucrative deal in Cincinnati.
• OT Alejandro Villanueva — Signed after military service, college tight end turned to starting offensive tackle.
• RB Jaylen Warren — Undrafted out of Oklahoma State to have a big role on the current team.

So, who would be the “diamonds in the rough” for the 2024 Steelers? Let’s take a look at my list…

Van Jefferson

While Jefferson wasn’t undrafted out of college, he certainly wasn’t celebrated as a high-profile free agent acquisition. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be a good piece of the puzzle for the Steelers offense in 2024. Coach KT Smith raved about Jefferson when he visited Latrobe this past week, talking about his workman-like approach, and willingness to do the dirty things to help the offense. Jefferson isn’t expected to be a WR1, but could be a very good compliment to George Pickens in the Arthur Smith offense. The hope is after 2024 we are talking about how great the addition of Jefferson was on multiple fronts.

Jack Colletto

This isn’t Colletto’s first training camp, but it is his first with the Steelers, and the Steelers are using Colletto in a variety of ways on the offense. Obviously he is leading the way as a fullback, but has also been instructed to work on tackling drills, etc. to improve as a special teams player. Colletto isn’t the next Dan Kreider, but he certainly could be a fan favorite if he makes the 53-man roster and starts flattening players in his path while leading the way for Najee Harris and company.

Donte Jackson

I think there are still fans who overlook Jackson in the Diontae Johnson trade with the Carolina Panthers. Everyone sees a WR2 being lost in a pick swap, but the Steelers coveted Jackson enough to make the deal. Jackson is a veteran who can provide stability across from Joey Porter Jr., but it isn’t just a presence at cornerback, it’s an upgrade. Whether you are talking about an aging Patrick Peterson or Levi Wallace from 2023, the Steelers are better off with Jackson in 2024 than the alternatives. If Jackson can get his hands on the football this season, people might be talking about how Khan fleeced the Panthers in the trade this offseason.

Beanie Bishop

Bishop is the typical “diamond in the rough”, like the players mentioned above in this article. Undrafted, overlooked and just looking for an opportunity to compete. I can’t guarantee Bishop will be the starting slot cornerback for the Steelers when the regular season rolls around, but he is getting an early opportunity to stake claim to that role. Even if it takes him a year to get acclimated, Bishop being picked up off the undrafted heap might seem very much like a Mike Hilton-type acquisition which could pay dividends for years to come.

Montravius Adams

Adams isn’t a new player, nor is he new to the Steelers, but he is having one heck of a training camp. Adams’ play thus far has been to the point where you have to wonder how the Steelers could deploy a versatile piece like Keeanu Benton if Adams can solidify the role of nose tackle in specific packages. Adams was a 3rd Round pick by the Green Bay Packers, so he has pedigree on his side, but since he left Green Bay he has been more of a journeyman than a proven commodity. Adams could find a serious role on the Steelers’ defensive front if he can carry this type of play into the season where the games really count.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the first preseason game this Friday night.