The first of our 90-part series— yes, 90 parts, assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Kicking things off at the top of the roll-call is the Steelers fourth outside linebacker in 2019.

Olasunkanmi Adeniyi

Position: OLB
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 248 lbs
College: Toledo
Draft: Undrafted in 2018

2019 stats

16 Games played
8 Tackles
2 Forced fumbles
0 Sacks

Contract remaining

Expires in 2020

$755,000 salary cap number (0.4% of total cap)
$5,000 dead money
$750,000 cap savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

Lock. Adeniyi has shown improvement between each of his two professional seasons and I expect that to grow with more opportunities in 2020. Even with the selection of Alex Highsmith in the 3rd round, this roster will likely carry 5 outside linebackers.

2020 projection

Adeniyi will be a contributor on special teams and will see some more use on defensive snaps. Anthony Chickillo departure leaves a hole at the reserve outside linebacker position, and while Highsmith is destined to hold that spot by seasons end, it’s still Adeniyi’s spot to lose.

Projected stats:

1 Sack
15 Tackles
1 Forced fumble
2 TFLs

Summary

Adeniyi should continue to make strides in 2020. While it isn't a lock he will receive another contract with the club, I would expect some sort of lower level Restricted Free Agent tender to keep him in the Steel City at least through 2021.