It took very little time for the backlash from the 2019 NFL draft class to be felt by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh had a plan and the theme of this, like the rest of the offseason is out with the old and in with the new. We’ve already gotten word veteran linebacker Jon Bostic is being released but we don’t think he’s the last veteran who could end up losing their job before minicamp gets going.
Here are four more veterans we think are on the roster bubble after the draft.
Tyler Matakevich, linebacker
Bostic was just the beginning. The Steelers essentially drafted three inside linebackers and signed veteran Mark Barron. There are only so many spots for these guys and every rookie inside linebacker they brought in is far more athletic than Tyler Matakevich.
Artie Burns, cornerback
The former first-round pick found himself benched last season. The Steelers have said they hoped he could get his confidence back and help the team. But the signing of Steven Nelson as a free agent made this problematic. The drafting of Justin Layne makes it nearly impossible. Layne was a steal in the third round and could force Burns out sooner rather than later.
Jordan Berry, punter
Despite his struggles, the Steelers made a financial commitment to Berry this offseason. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh brought in Western Carolina punter Ian Berryman as a UDFA and he will push Berry for a roster spot. Berry’s inconsistency has been his biggest shortcoming and by all accounts, this is a strength of Berryman.
Eli Rogers, wide receiver
The addition of Diontae Johnson gives the Steelers multiple players to fill a similar role. Johnson along with Rogers and Ryan Switzer are similar in stature and play style. Switzer was such a steady contributor last season it is hard to see the Steelers releasing him. But Rogers is another story. Looking at the depth chart you have JuJu Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief, James Washington, Switzer and Johson. There’s no room for Rogers in this scenario.
