The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t begin training camp for a few more weeks, so I thought we would spend this week talking about a few players that many believe will have a decent shot at making the final 53 man roster. Basically, these are players that we can’t quite consider locks, but do consider as being on the bubble.
After reading the recap of the player that we highlight, you can cast your vote as to whether or not you think that player will make the final 53 man roster. Each poll will run for three days.
The third player up in this series is rookie linebacker Jordan Zumwalt.
2013 Season Recap:
There’s no 2013 season with the Steelers to recap for Zumwalt, who was drafted in the sixth-round out of UCLA back in May. During his senior season, Zumwalt recorded 91 total tackles with 6.5 of those resulting in a loss. Started all 13 games in ’13 (12 at LILB, one at LOLB).
2014 Outlook:
Missing all of the OTA practices due to graduation requirements certainly won’t help Zumwalt’s cause heading into training camp. However, he was able to attend the mandatory mini camp and it’s not like the team is expecting him to contribute during his rookie season on defense.
Zumwalt’s path to the Steelers final 53 man roster figures to include him being able to be a core special teams player. This mean that he will be expected to play on both return teams and both coverage teams should he make the team. Two other young linebackers, Terence Garvin and Sean Spence, will also be gunning for spots and it’s unlikely that all three make the final 53 man roster.
Zumwalt might be able to help his cause by showing position flexibility during training camp and the preseason as he could see playing time at an inside position and an outside position.
Vote below and tell us the reason why you voted the way that you did in the comments below.
You can view the results here.
Will LB Terence Garvin Make The Final 53?
Will LB Sean Spence Make The Final 53?