Steelers News: Could UDFA safety P.J. Locke break through to make the 53-man roster?

With the 2019 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season is fast approaching, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is far from over. As the team now turns their attention to more offseason workouts, OTAs and minicamp, there is no shortage of news.

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how Undrafted Rookie Free Agent (UDFA) P.J. Locke is turning heads with his versatility at Steelers Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

Let’s get to the news:

• The more you can do, the better you will be. This is true in many aspects of life, but also for those trying to man an NFL roster. Luckily for UDFA rookie safety P.J. Locke, he has versatility. Can he make the 53-man roster?

Undrafted rookie P.J. Locke brings versatility to Steelers

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

P.J. Locke took a calculated gamble in the frenzied hours as the NFL draft wound down late last month.

While he wasn’t a top draft prospect by any means, as an experienced safety from a blueblood college program Locke had options as an undrafted free agent. But instead of pouncing on one of the offers he got during that crazy, meat-market Saturday for teams, prospects and their agents across the league, Locke took a step back.

“I had some offers on the table; I was kind of like weighing my options,” Locke said after an organized team activities session at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex last week. “I just didn’t want to make a decision real quick. I wanted to see what the best fit was me.

“And then, come that Monday…”

The Pittsburgh Steelers – unexpectedly – called.

To read the full article, click HERE

• The Steelers need free agent CB Steven Nelson to show out in 2019, and the good news is he is settling into his new role with his new team.

Armed with biggest free agent contract in Steelers history, Steven Nelson settles in during OTAs

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Nelson said former Oregon State teammate Marcus Wheaton – a third-round pick by the Steelers two years before Nelson entered the league – gave a solid reference for what to expect from the organization during Nelson’s free-agency decision-making process.

“The organization’s past history, man, very deep rooted in football,” Nelson said last week. “The whole town is big on football, and I think the Steelers have a big tradition in football.”

Nelson joins veteran Mark Barron and first-round pick Devin Bush as key offseason additions to a Steelers defense that has finished among the top six in the NFL in yardage allowed each of the past two seasons.

“It’s very contagious,” Nelson said of the mindset among the defense. “Guys have high energy, guys want to be great, they want to win.”

To read the full article, click HERE

• If you are wondering about the status of James Conner entering his first year as the feature back from Day 1, his mind is just where it should be.

Conner: ‘I just go about my business’

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

James Conner entered OTAs as the team’s No. 1 running back, but that isn’t changing the way he prepares. He is a regular at the voluntary practices, knowing there is always room for improvement and growth.

“The first rule of getting better is showing up,” said Conner. “With all of us being here, running the plays we are going to be in season, it’s going to help us in the long run.

“I want to knock the rust off, do some conditioning, and be around the new guys. A little bit of everything.”

Conner said he doesn’t look at himself as a leader, even though he is the most experienced running back in the group. But if others look at him that way, he knows he needs to step up.

To read the full article, click HERE

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