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Player: Leterrius Walton
Position: DE
School: Central Michigan
Overview: In 2015 both Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt garnered much attention for their combined production and sensational play. During that time they both managed to rack up an extraordinary amount of snaps. Leterrius Walton is a player that is looking to help relive some of the Steelers best defensive players to help keep them both fresh and healthy for later in the season when the games are the most crucial.
Walton a former sixth round pick in 2015 figures to have an inside track for one of the final roster spots as he was able to make the team last year where he was active for 6 games and played 29 snaps. He’ll have to beat out Caushad Lyons along with undrafted free agents Johnny Maxey and Giorgio Newberry while proving that he can contribute as a depth player and on special teams.
Certainly, he’s shown the ability to do that during his career in college. His ability to rush the passer and make plays from the DT position at Central Michigan led to his selection of first team All Mac during his senior year. Also, he’s a strong, lean, tall athlete, and that combination has led to many a successful NFL career.
To make the roster let alone contribute as a defensive linemen he’ll have to prove over training camp and the preseason that he’s able to produce against the elevated NFL competition to the extent that the coaching staff feels comfortable resting some of their most productive players.
Strengths:
Great size
Has shown ability to penetrate and rush passer
Weaknesses:
Can play to high allowing opponents to gain leverage
Has not refined technique and has been called a raw talent
Chances of Making the team: 80%