Steelers 2016 Roster, 90 in 90 days: Ricardo Mathews out to prove he isn’t Cam Thomas 2.0

Player: Ricardo Mathews

Position: DL

School: Cincinnati

Overview: Defensive line is a position that will be really interesting to monitor during the 2016 season. While it was undoubtedly a strength during much of 2015, there were a couple of persistent themes that were incredibly noticeable

First, that Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt were among the league leaders in snaps, and secondly how often the Steelers played in off base sub packages. What makes Mathews an intriguing pick up is that during his time with the Chargers he played primarily in nickel and other sub packages.

If he’s going to make the team, however, he’ll have to prove that he can contribute to an extent that the coaching staff will be comfortable benching it’s star players. He did just that in the team’s first preseason game when he pressured backup Lions QB Dan Orlovsky into throwing an interception to Doran Grant.

Mathews has the look of quality depth, something the team hasn’t had along their defensive line in years. Being able to have some sort of rotation would only help keep Heyward and Tuitt fresh and better prepared to make an impact whenever they step on the football field.

Strengths:
Has experience playing outside base packages
Maintains his gap integrity well

Weaknesses:
Struggles with double teams
Has not produced on the pass rush during career

Chances of Making the team: 60%