Moving along to part 39 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 take a look at former XFL turned Steelers linebacker:

Dewayne Hendrix

Position: OLB/DE
Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 265 lbs
College: Pittsburgh
Draft: UDFA in 2019 (Dolphins)

2019 stats

NFL
Member on the Dolphins, Bears, and Jaguars practice roster

XFL
4 Tackles
1 Sack
1 QB Hit
1 TFL

Contract remaining

Expires in 2021
$610,000 salary cap number (0.30% of total cap)
$0 Dead money
$610,000 Savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

Slim-chance. Obviously T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, and Alex Highsmith are making this team atop the OLB depth chart. Tuzar Skipper and Ola Adeniyi are next on the list. That already makes 5 outside linebackers and the team usually just carries 9 total linebackers on he active roster.

Hendrix has also been rumored to kick inside and play the 3-4 DE spot. The same challenges await him in the interior however, as Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Chris Wormley, and Tyson Alualu will immediately be above him on the depth chart.

Hendrix best shot at the team would be at outside backer, but even then the odds are not in his favor.

2020 projection

I don't foresee Hendrix being available for all 16 games this season. I think he does in fact end up back on the practice roster but will get the call up at some point during the season. One of these XFL guys has to be good, right!?

Projected stats:

2 Games played
2 Tackles

Summary

The Steelers defensive unit is so talented that it’s going to be a challenge for anyone who wasn't already on the roster in 2020 to make the team. Hendrix has a mountain to climb to make this team at linebacker or defensive end, but this is one of the rare cases where I think someone can. The only thing is, the Pitt alum will have to be really good in camp.

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
Derwin Gray
Joe Haden
J.C. Hassenauer
Quadree Henderson