Can Chris Steele be the training camp darling of the Steelers UDFAs?

Welcome to Going For Two! Over the 45 days leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 training camp, we will be highlighting two players every day in order to cover the entire 90-man offseason roster. So without further ado, here are today’s two players:

Chris Steele

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Position: Defensive back
Age: 21
Year: 1
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 190
Drafted: UDFA, 2022
College: USC
Roster Outlook: Outside looking in
Analysis:

The Steelers did not draft a cornerback in the 2022 NFL draft, but they did add Chris Steele as an undrafted free agent. Considered a fairly raw talent coming out of the University of Southern California, Steele is an intriguing player as a developmental prospect much like James Pierre two seasons ago. But will Steele show the qualities needed to move up the depth chart and grab a spot on the 53-man roster? At this time it seems unlikely, but if he shows promise he would be a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Linden Stephens

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Defensive back
Age: 27
Year: 2
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 193
Drafted: UDFA, 2018 (New Orleans Saints)
College: Cincinnati
Roster Outlook: Unlikely
Analysis:

Landing on the Steelers practice squad in October 2021, the Steelers are the eighth NFL franchise where Linden Stephens has spent time over the last four seasons. Appearing in 16 games between the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, Stephens does have six career tackles. But according to Pro Football Reference, in his 65 defensive snaps Stephens was targeted six times with all passes being complete for a total of 74 yards. While there are a number of possibilities when it comes to the Steelers cornerback room, Stephens landing on the 53-man roster is one of the more unlikely scenarios. But having some NFL experience and getting his first training camp with the Steelers could create the opportunity for Stephens to stick around in some capacity.

Be sure to check back everyday for another two players for the Steelers, and as we go along click back on previous articles listed below so you don’t miss a thing.