3 Steelers players that could single-handedly make the team better in 2024 NFL season
When you think of the top players on the Pittsburgh Steelers, names like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, and George Pickens come to mind. And while it's true that they will need strong performances from those four and others to reach the playoffs, what about some under-the-radar players? That's where these three come in: […]
When you think of the top players on the Pittsburgh Steelers, names like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, and George Pickens come to mind.
And while it's true that they will need strong performances from those four and others to reach the playoffs, what about some under-the-radar players?
That's where these three come in:
DL DeMarvin Leal
Heading into year three, now is the time for Leal to show why he was touted when coming out of Texas A&M. Battling through injuries and trying to figure out what body type and position he should play during his first two seasons, all of that is behind Leal now, who is reportedly blowing away coaches through this point of the year.
Steelers DC Teryl Austin told Steelers.com that Leal is much more stable this year and looks to be in the best shape of his career. Focusing on technique, getting his body right, and becoming fully comfortable in the scheme is on his plate for 2024.
“Technique, just working on my technique,” Leal told Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette when asked about what's different this year. “Making sure that I come back in better shape than I did last year and just making sure I’m technically sound. Feel like that’s the biggest thing coming off of this second year. Technique I feel is what was my downfall. So made sure I got with some defensive line coaches. Got together, and just came up with a plan and got to it.”
WR Calvin Austin III
Austin is also approaching year three, and has either battled injury or being buried behind veterans as a reason for his lack of breaking out. And while the latter can't be ruled out again barring a big trade, Austin has already taken on a bigger role as a player and as a leader.
“I mean right now, the way I look at Calvin, he is the veteran of the room," said rookie WR Roman Wilson. "In my opinion, I feel like he is more of the leader of the room. He is just a great guy and a great teammate. I feel like I can talk to him and ask him questions. He asks me questions and I just feel like he is a great dude.”
If Pittsburgh is going to play it safe and stick with the current crop of WRs heading into the 2024 season, Austin will need to be a winning player for the Steelers in an increased role and he knows it as much as they do.
P Cameron Johnston
Look, I know it seems crazy, but punters control field position and field position wins ball games. Former Steelers punter Pressely Harvin had his fair share of shanked punts over the last two years, giving teams short fields to capitalize on.
So while Johnston likely won't be competing for All-Pro nominations or Pro Bowls in 2024, his stability will be applauded in Pittsburgh.
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