Nearly one-third of NFL rosters are comprised of undrafted free agents. In fact, there are more UDFA in the Pro Football Hall of Fame than there are No. 1 overall picks. Teams who can properly evaluate undrafted players and find guys who can stick around afford a team with quality depth with very little financial commitment.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed 10 players after the draft in hopes a few can stick through training camp and the preseason. Here are the three guys we think have the best shot to make the final 53-man roster.
DL Chris Nelson, Texas
It’s been a long time since the Steelers had a true nose tackle on the roster so excuse us if we get a little excited about the potential of Nelson. The Steelers sent GM Kevin Colbert to the Texas pro day where he got a good look at the squatty run stuffer. He needs a year in an NFL strength program but his potential as a situational guy in the middle of the Steelers defense is high.
S Dravon Askew-Henry, West Virginia
If we were ranking the UDFA by most likely to make the team, it feels like Askew-Herny has the best chance. The Steelers are thin at safety behind Sean Davis and Terrell Edmunds and Askew-Henry is an exciting player to watch. The Mountaineers moved him all over the field and his effort and physicality were evident.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina
We’ve included Berryman on this list because I do believe the starting punter job is going to be wide open in training camp. Jordan Berry is the incumbent but is inconsistent. Berryman showed incredible consistency during his college career and has a chance to steal a starting spot.
