Long shots who could make the team

[Atlsteelers]

I would be interested to hear of anyone that they feel either undrafted or considered first year players that could make the team and make a contribution this year? I have a couple who I feel could surprise some people. I don't think any of them are significant players but could really contribute this year and not just make the 53 man team.

The first is Danny Coale. Under the radar signing and was drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 nfl draft by the Cowboys. He had some injuries Broken Toe & ACL and was eventually cut by the Cowboys he was signed to the Colts PS and cut for Da'Rick Rogers. Being a Virginia Tech fan I may be a little biased but Coale if healthy is a guy who runs great routes and catches everything. Not the fastest guy and would be considered a poor man Wes Welker but I think has the potential to surprise some people and if goes well make the team. He also isn't afraid to run in traffic and catch the tough passes. Good possesion receiver.

The second player that some forget is Nick Embernate (AKA: Embernasty). Below is an article written this past April from behindsteelcurtain.com. It will be interesting in both players that if they can come back stronger and better players than they were before the injuries.

"Embernasty" lost his rookie year to a knee injury but should enter Phase 1 (workouts and conditioning) of OTAs as a candidate for the 53-man roster.

The Steelers' 2013 draft netted them four players who filled significant roles last season. They aren't the only ones to focus on, however. Several players from the past few drafts have been developing over the last few seasons, and this is look at those players.

Offensive Guard Nik Embernate
Undrafted free agent, 2013

"Embernasty" was the pride of the 2013 UDFA class - a player many expected the Steelers to draft at some point last season. A powerful interior lineman, many hoped he could be groomed to eventually take over the left guard position in what looks like an emerging multiple-scheme running game that would emphasize zone but include power concepts as well.

Embernate suffered a knee injury during training camp and missed the 2013 season. This was a blessing in the sense it allowed for a redshirt year to help him develop the mental aspects of the game while protected on the Steelers' roster. He would have been a long-shot to make the team, although it wouldn't have been impossible for him to do so.

Come minicamp this year, Embernate is perhaps the most intriguing player to watch. While the five starters on the offensive line are set (at least in some combination of Kelvin Beachum, Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert, with a platooning Mike Adams), the players who will add depth to those positions will be the victors of a hard-fought training camp battle.

Figure Embernate to make his mark in that battle. The obvious difference between the first year player and the second is the mental aspect of the game, and Embernate has an elevated sense of that now, as opposed to any rookie interior lineman who may come in via the draft or UDFA.

The Steelers have three-position veteran Cody Wallace for interior line depth, but it's not out of the question the Steelers keep a second swing guard to help bolster the unit for the future. Embernate has to be considered a favorite for that spot as the team kicks off Phase 1 of Organized Team Activities Tuesday.

The last player is Brian Arnfelt. I really like this kid and with our lack of depth on the defensive line I think he has the best shot of the 3 to contribute if he can stay healthy. Below is a link to a write up on Arnfelt I feel is a good read with some gif's to break down his game a little.

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/8/26/4658478/steelers-film-room-GIF-highlights-brian-arnfelt-roster-cuts

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

Danny Coale has less than zero chance of making the roster. He's in camp to run routes. Not much more. Maybe he'll catch on on some other WR starved team like the Panthers but it ain't happenin here.

 

[Idioteque]

Holding out hope for Howard Jones. The guy really has some tools and was the fastest edge rusher in the class. I think he sticks on the PS.

 

[USDA#1]

Gress has a shot at the PS.

 

[SteelerAl]

The areas on the roster that are thin enough for a long-shot to squeeze in would seem to me to be:

RB (we only have Bell and Blount with Archer being more of a slash than traditional RB)
OL (numbers are tight but we could probably squeeze in Ebernasty if we wows in the preseason)
DL (only Tuitt, McClendon, Thomas & Heyward are locks)
OLB (depth is lousy)

 

[ZACKB]

I think Mauro and Arnfelt will make it. OLB depth does blow. If Moats or any of the other guys look crappy in pre-season, we will prob bring Harrison back and sign someone from another teams cuts. I could see Ebernaste and the Vandy kid making it.

 

[AggieSteel]

I think Arnfelt is also a lock, honestly. Howard Jones could definitely make it as an edge rusher considering Chris Carter is basically our only depth at that position

 

[F83]

Arnfiet is the next kesiel, will start slow but once he picks up the scheme fully he will thrive.
Early on I think he will give us the type of depth kirschkie gave us, and with tuitt a strong future lock at re he will be the the main rotating end.

 

[Atlsteelers]

I think Arnfelt is also a lock, honestly. Howard Jones could definitely make it as an edge rusher considering Chris Carter is basically our only depth at that position

Speaking of Carter I think it's about time with him to show us what he's got or dump him.

 

[slashsteel]

Speaking of Carter I think it's about time with him to show us what he's got or dump him.

I think that time might have come and went..............

 

[TMC]

I think Roy Philon will surprise some people.

 

[steelerscotty]

I think there is pretty good chance all of our drafted rookies make the team. The last roster spot might come down to arnfelt and mauro. I think Howard Jones will be on the practice squad and, with 4 lb's able to play both inside and out, i see Carter as a camp cut.

 

[Stryker]

Please kick *** Arnfelt, I want a 69 jersey!!

 

[Atlsteelers]

I think Roy Philon will surprise some people.

Not gonna lie. Never even heard of him. Google his name and actually not much on him out there. Care to share anything you have found on him?

 

[Wingman]

Not gonna lie. Never even heard of him. Google his name and actually not much on him out there. Care to share anything you have found on him?

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

From Louisville.. missed 3 games... for sure.. didn't do much the games he played... Maybe just a big snak type player.. clogging it.

 

[jdell]

Holding out hope for Howard Jones. The guy really has some tools and was the fastest edge rusher in the class. I think he sticks on the PS.

I am also holding out hope. As of right now he would be on the 53 man roster. As deep as the draft was he seems to be viewed as a 5th or 6th rounder. I would say that Moats is the OLB and ILB swing man, so that leaves Carter and H. Jones. If a vetran is signed I think the 3 would compete for 2 spots. I dont think H. Jones would make it to the practice squad bc of other teams trolling for cut steelers players. H. Jones could be in the Adrian Robinson type of roster spot if he has a strong preseason.

 

[Vincent]

I'm pulling for Vic So'oto. You have to hope that the staff can find a place for a 6'3" / 263lb OLB that runs a 4.5 40, and can play fullback. Surely he's a better choice than Chris Carter. IMHO, he'd be a better use of a roster spot than Uncle Jarvis, but that ain't happening. Anyway...

 

[CorpusDsteelers]

Archer from what I read in that other thread!

 

[36bus36]

Jasper (better known as Junior) Collins! Flawless route runner and catches EVERYTHING. Will excell on ST. Hopefully will be #5 WR or convince us to keep 6.

 

[DeaconKnowledge]

I'm pulling for Vic So'oto. You have to hope that the staff can find a place for a 6'3" / 263lb OLB that runs a 4.5 40, and can play fullback. Surely he's a better choice than Chris Carter. IMHO, he'd be a better use of a roster spot than Uncle Jarvis, but that ain't happening. Anyway...

why did the Packers cut him?

 

[Wingman]

If fister wallace saw that he would quickly get about 5 rows further up in the stands

 

[Ron Burgundy]

I met Eric Waters tonight at the airport. UDFA tight end. Seemed like a very nice young man. Couple other guys too, I didn't get their names.

 

[F83]

if he can rush the qb and line at at multiple places in the subpackages, I hope he makes it as Carter has shown nothing.

 

[Vincent]

I'm pulling for Vic So'oto.

We need more violence from our LBs...

Mark Kaboly ✔ @MarkKaboly_Trib

Vic So'oto (@sooto_vic) on his fight with Will Simmons at today's OTAs: "It was fun."
11:15 AM - 3 Jun 2014