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Player: Bryn Renner
Position: QB
School: UNC
Overview: Quarterback Dustin Vaughan was injured late in the game versus the Eagles which means two things: 1.) The Steelers should not let big Ben back onto the field before the regular season, and 2.) They have an opening at quarterback.
The team filled that opening by bringing in former North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner. Renner was the starter from 2011-2013 where he was a very consistent player and set school records for touchdowns and yards before a shoulder injury ended his senior year early. Renner was once one of the top ranked prospects in the country. In fact, before his 2013 senior season Mike Mayock of the NFL Network said Renner could be a first round pick.
Unfortunately, after the shoulder surgery ended his season, that projection was over as well. Renner was undrafted and has spent time with the Broncos, Ravens, Chargers, and the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena league. He has decent accuracy and an understanding of ball placement, meaning he'll throw the ball to where only his receiver has a good shot at catching it. For Renner to stick with the Steelers he'll need to shine with the offense, that he's only been a member with for four days, in the next preseason game.
Since Bruce Gradkowski is hurt and Dustin Vaughan may be out for an undetermined amount of time this week should see Renner getting some serious playing time. Of course the most realistic outcome is that Renner is just here for a cup of coffee while the Steelers shop around for another backup with more experience to be the backup behind Roethlisberger and Jones.
Strengths:
Accuracy- career 66.5% completion percentage
Tough
Good touch with the ball
Good arm strength on short to intermediate throws
Weaknesses:
Average Arm strength
Didn't improve year to year
Is not a scramble threat
Tendency to force throws to favorite targets instead of reading the coverage
Chances of Making the team: 25%