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While the NFL, the players and the fans continue to debate the importance of preseason football, it is crucial to undrafted, and often mid- to late-round draft picks. They are playing not only to be noticed by their own team, but by the rest of the league as well - to build a portfolio.
Alameda Ta'amu and Marshall McFadden played well at times leaving them as top candidates for open reserve roles on the depth chart, and both fit the description of players fighting for their careers on every snap amongst stiff competition. Neither did enough to survive final cuts, but they did enough to find new employment elsewhere.
Marshall McFadden only #Steelers cut to find way on another practice squad (Oak). Ta'amu on 53-man in Arz.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) September 3, 2013
McFadden drew comparisons to a younger James Harrison from Bob Labriola of Steelers Digest in the early portions of training camp. Ta'amu has been growing in the shadow of legend Casey Hampton since he was drafted in the 4th round of last year's draft.
Neither lived up to expectations enough to earn full-time roster spots with the Steelers, but other teams took notice.
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