The Pittsburgh Steelers trimmed their 2014 roster down to 53 players Saturday afternoon and here is some instant analysis of the 22 players that were let go.
Former Draft Picks:
Chris Carter – The light never fully came on for the Steelers former fifth-round draft pick and his special teams play was not enough to save him.
Nick Williams – The Steelers seventh-round draft pick from 2013 ran with the third-team defense all offseason. He might have an outside chance at sticking on the practice squad if the team keeps two defensive ends. His knee injury last year during training camp really hurt him.
David Paulson – The end has finally arrived for the former seventh-round draft pick. Paulson’s inability to block has finally gotten the best of him.
2014 Draft Picks:
Shaquille Richardson – Richardson did not play much during the preseason due to a knee injury and now the hope is that he will be signed to the practice squad.
Rob Blanchflower – Seventh round draft pick that got a lot of burn late in the preseason once his ankle injury was fully healed. Showed signs that he can be a good blocker and will likely be headed for the practice squad.
2014 Priority Undrafted Free Agents:
Josh Mauro – While Mauro did turn heads early during training camp and the preseason, his fate was pretty much sealed when Brett Keisel was brought back. He should be a perfect candidate for the practice squad.
Howard Jones – Jones might have a future but has a lot of developing left to do as he continues to convert to outside linebacker after being a college pass rushing defensive end.
Veterans:
Guy Whimper – The Steelers chose Mike Adams over Whimper to be their swing tackle. Guard Chris Hubbard also may have stole Whimper’s roster spot.
Others:
Derek Moye – Moye never really had a chance after making the final 53 last year as he ran behind Justin Brown all offseason. He still has practice squad eligibility, but with the Steelers keeping six wide receivers on their 53, they might not need an extra body.
Ross Ventrone – Ventrone is a high-effort player, but with five safeties being kept, there was no room for him.
Dan Molls – Molls is a tackling machine that might make the practice squad now that Jordan Zumwalt has been placed on injured reserve.
Isaiah Green – Green never stood a chance and will be lucky to end up back on the practice squad once again.
Josh Harris – Harris might have a shot at the practice squad after being signed just after training camp got underway.
Stephen Houston – Houston was signed very late in training camp and will be another candidate for the practice squad as an extra running back.
Ethan Hemer – Hemer received substantial playing time during the preseason, so he has an outside shot at making the practice squad if two defensive ends are kept.
Bryce Davis – Once Greg Warren was deemed healthy, Davis was as good as gone. He should pride himself that he lasted as long as he did.
Dayonne Nunley – Nunley was signed very, very late and never stood a chance.
Brendon Kay – The fourth quarterback thatonly saw action in the final preseason game. He will be the answer to a future trivia question.
Roy Philon – An undersized defensive tackle that surprising held on all preseason.
Lanear Sampson – Sampson was allowed to return a few kickoffs during the preseason but that was about it for him.
Will Simmons – A guard who gave up two sacks in the preseason finale.
Graham Pocic – Another player signed very late in the preseason. He only played one series during the preseason and looked overwhelmed while being penalized twice.
