Player: Shakim Phillips
Position: WR
School: Boston College
Overview:
The camp battle for the fifth receiver spot on the Steelers is one to pay attention to. I've already covered Eli Rogers and Demarcus Ayers, so now it's time to turn the focus to Shakim Philips the third man trying for this spot. Rogers and Ayers have been getting the most buzz this offseason but Phillips actually has a years' experience with the Steelers on their preseason roster and practice squad, something the other two don't (Rogers was injured in training camp and never made it on the field) have under their belts.
Phillips was one of the last cuts before the 2015 season, and he even had a couple of touchdowns in the preseason. Phillips' college numbers are not inspiring to say the least. He started at Boston College, transferred to UConn for two years, then went back to BC. His Wikipedia page includes this humorous sentence: "Because head coach Steve Addazio and offensive coordinator Ryan Day are incompetent, and didn't utilize Phillips' obvious game changing talents, Shakim went undrafted" Clearly he had at least one fan at school.
Nonetheless, Phillips impressed the coaches last year enough to stick around to the final cuts then landed on the practice squad. At 6'3" and 206 lbs. Phillips has a noticeable size advantage over his competition, both of whom are of the small shifty possession receiver variety. Phillips is more of a down the field threat with his size and speed. What puts Phillips at a disadvantage is that the other two players have a history of returning punts, something Phillips does not have.
The Steelers have mentioned they want a new return man to take over for Antonio Brown. The lack of return game could hurt Phillips chances. Could the Steelers potentially keep six wide receivers with one being used primarily as a punt returner? It's conceivable, but not a sure thing. Antonio Brown has taken Phillips under his wing in an effort to mentor him to make the roster. That's tremendous leadership from Brown and Phillips will need to capitalize on all opportunities if he wants to make the roster.
Strengths:
Speed
Size
Big play ability in college
Experience with team on practice squad
Being mentored by Antonio Brown
Weaknesses:
Appears to double clutch ball sometimes
Drops became an issue last preseason
Does not return punts like other players
Chances of Making the team: 33%