Next up is part 35 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.

Let’s dive into Steelers reserve lineman as he played at four spots along the line last season:

Derwin Gray

Position: T
Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 320 lbs
College: Maryland
Draft: 7th Round 219th overall in 2019

2019 stats

N/A —Practice squad

Contract remaining

Expires in 2020
$610,000 salary cap number (0.30% of total cap)
$0 Dead money
$610,000 Savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

This is going to be close, it all depends on if the Steelers can sign him to the practice squad again in 2020. Sure Matt Feiler is expected to kick back inside to guard but the right tackle position will be a battle between Zach Banner and Chukwuma Okorafor. His main competition to make this roster at tackle is former XFLer and multi year NFL practice squad member, Anthony Coyle. There is a chance where Gray is still on the roster since he could be used at any position other than center, but I don't see a world where he’s dressing most weeks.

2020 projection

Gray will probably end up back on the Steelers practice squad to start the year and depending on injury could end up being on the 55-man roster a time or two throughout 2020. I bet he ends up dressing for one game and gets a rep or two at the jumbo tackle position.

Projected stats:

1 Game Dressed
5 Snaps played

Summary

7th round picks don't typically have very long NFL careers. The 2020 season will be huge for Gray in determining whether he’ll even get a third season in Pittsburgh. A lot of factors out of Gray’s control can make that a possibility but a Gray can force management’s hand in keeping him around a bit longer.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush
Deon Cain
Kam Canaday
Chase Claypool
Josiah Coatney
James Conner
Anthony Coyle
Jordan Dangerfield
Amara Darboh
Carlos Davis
David DeCastro
Christian DiLauro
Kevin Dotson
Bud Dupree
Eric Ebron
Terrell Edmunds
Trey Edmunds
Matt Feiler
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Zach Gentry
Ulysees Gilbert III