The NFL preseason is over, and we are officially on the precipice of a new season. However, recent cuts around the NFL have opened up new opportunities for the Steelers to improve their roster. With injuries continuing to mount, it may be time to consider a few outside names to replenish depth on the roster.

The Steelers have several depth needs, none of which are more pressing than wide receiver and offensive line. Here are a few players across all positions that I believe would be ideal fits for the Steelers.

Elijah Wilkinson

Wilkinson was recently added to the Falcons practice squad following his release from the Cardinals, but the former starting guard could be a nice depth piece in Pittsburgh to help soften the blow of Isaac Seumalo’s injury. Still under the age of 30, Wilkinson provides a blend of experience, power, and versatility that would help get Pittsburgh by until Seumalo is healthy.

Terrell Edmunds

I could not help but add the former Steeler to the list, as I am still concerned about the state of the Steelers at strong safety. DeShon Elliott had several good reps combined with a couple poor reps during the preseason, and the Steelers could still use another man who specializes in defending the tight end. Edmunds is still a quality player in the right scheme, and the Steelers would be wise to mend any broken bridges and bring him back into the fold.

Jackson Carman

This one may be my favorite of all of them, as Carman provides true guard/tackle versatility and elite athleticism. Inconsistency ruined his days in Cincy, but the unit they were trying to build did not match Carman’s strengths. In Pittsburgh, he would be a great fit on early downs in inside zone blocking assignments.

Dee Eskridge

Eskridge is a former mid-round draft pick who never caught on at the NFL level, but part of the reason could be the fact he was buried on a deep receiver depth chart in Seattle. Eskridge may not stand out to an average fan when compared to other receivers the Steelers added this offseason, but his after-catch acceleration is truly special. He could add more explosion to what is already a speedy receiving corps.

Jonathan Abram (Saints PS)

Abram may seem like an unnecessary signing, but he is a big hitter who I believe would be an upgrade from Damontae Kazee. Abram thrives off instincts when he is allowed to play center field, but he also has the physicality to come downhill and make difficult tackles in the open field. For those reasons, putting in a waiver claim for him would not be a useless action.

SLEEPER

Shon Stephens

I love Beanie Bishop, but it never hurts to add more developmental talent at nickel corner. Here was my writeup on Stephens back in April:

“The cousin of Steelers cornerback Joey Porter, Jr., Stephens is an intriguing prospect with plus upside. Stephens displays feistiness from the beginning of the snap until the whistle is blown, but at 5’9”, 173 pounds, there is only so much he can do from a physicality perspective. He cannot simply impose his will against anyone, and because of his lack of size, he struggles against the run. Having said that, I do like his savvy in coverage. He doesn’t overreact, but he is sudden in his lateral movements, displaying a great combination of twitchiness, quickness, and speed. Players with NFL bloodlines I always find intriguing, but when bloodlines are combined with proven production, there is true substance. Stephens also possesses strong instincts and ball skills, which boosts his long-term ceiling in the NFL. He will definitely be limited to the slot, but if he can add a few pounds, maintain his speed, and make tackles more consistently, he can find significant playing time as a nickel corner in the NFL.”

Other Considerations

John Leglue
Mac McCain III
Trevor Nowaske
Ben Bartch
Zack Kuntz (Jets PS)
Lew Nichols