Ladies and gentleman we have hit part 7 of our 90-part series— assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— which 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.

Today we’re going to look at reserve safety:

John Battle

Position: S
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 201 lbs
College: Louisiana State
Draft: UDFA in 2019

2019 stats

N/A

Contract remaining

Expires in 2020

$610,000 salary cap number (0.3% of total cap)
$0 dead money
$610,000 cap savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

Not likely. While the Steelers are thin in terms of safety depth, their are still a handful of names above Battle on the depth chart. Battle is however a strong practice squad candidate and can very well earn a spot in training camp.

2020 projection

I just don't see a world where Battle is a contributor in 2020. Perhaps another team scoops him off of the practice squad or snags him after cut down day and he can get some special teams snaps. I just don't see it happening.

Projected stats:

N/A

Summary

John Battle showed flashes while at LSU, but he’s going to have to bring a whole lot more if he wants to crack this roster. He could just look at stud slot corner, Mike Hilton on what its going to take to make this team. To the same point in each players careers they had bounced around a few teams, and were just doing whatever it took to stay in the NFL. Hilton wrote the blue print, Battle needs to follow it.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett