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Player: Montell Garner
Position: DB
School: South Alabama
Overview: As the attrition rate climbs for defensive backs for the Pittsburgh Steelers it’s becoming more clear that someone unproven from inside the organization will have to contribute on the playing field in 2016. I appears that Garner is getting a look for these duties as he’s drawing some first team snaps in the nickel position so far during camp.
Obviously, it remains to be seen if he can hold onto a spot, but with the well documented struggles of Artie Burns and the injury to Senquez Golson mean that the chances of Garner making the roster are trending up.
The interesting thing about Garner coming from a smaller school, and not having NFL experience is that our situation covering him is much the same as the coaches who only have the small sample size of a handful of practices to draw conclusions on what we to expect from him going forward.
Initial reports seem to be positive, at least, not overtly negative, and it seems like he’ll be given an opportunity to make an impact. He seems to have adequate to above average ball skills, possess enough size to go toe to toe with NFL receivers, and while his speed isn’t elite at this level it he’s not slow by any objective measure. Without a doubt, someone that no one expected coming into camp will see significant time in 2016, and it will be fascinating to watch who earns it.
Strengths:
Has flashed promising ball skills
Is a fairly big prospect with good size
Weaknesses:
Does not have experience against NFL competition
Does not posses elite level speed or quickness
Chances of Making the team: 75%