The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t begin training camp for a few more weeks, so, like last year at this same time, I thought we would spend the next week or so talking about a few players that many believe will have a decent shot at making the 2016 final 53-man roster. Basically, these are players that we can’t quite consider locks, but do consider as being on the bubble ahead of the team reporting to Latrobe.
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 safety Ross Ventrone.
2015 Season Recap:
After initially making the Steelers final 53-man roster last season out of training camp, Ventrone was used exclusivity on special teams and registered two total tackles in the team’s first 5 regular-season games.
After suffering a hamstring injury in the Steelers Monday night game against the San Diego Chargers, Ventrone was released as the team needed his roster spot. A few weeks later he was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad but that stay with them was a short one. Ventrone was eventually signed to the Steelers practice squad in late December and promoted to their 53-man roster a few days later for the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Ventrone went on to dress for both of the Steelers playoff games last year and was credited with being in on one special teams tackle during those two contests.
2016 Training Camp Outlook:
Just like last year, Ventrone’s best shot at making the Steelers final 53-man roster out of training camp will rely heavily on his special teams ability. While Ventrone is listed as a safety, he hasn’t played a meaningful defensive snap at the position in several seasons.
Ventrone’s kamikaze-style and all-in effort on special teams is what has allowed him to stick in and around the league for several seasons. He’ll be hard to keep off the roster once again because of his playing style and selfishness and especially if he stays healthy the entire summer. With that said, the Steelers will certainly give younger and cheaper defensive basks on their roster every opportunity to take his spot over the course of the next several weeks and months.
Vote below and tell us the reason why you voted the way that you did in the comments.
Previous polls:
Will OL Chris Hubbard Make The Final 53?
Will LB Jordan Zumwalt Make The Final 53?
