PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s so unusual, but Mike Tomlin said it’s about the quality of the 90 players they started training camp with as the Steelers begin the season with a practice squad that all comes from within.
Every player of the initial group were in camp with the team. Usually you’ll pick up at least a couple new players to fill a need position. This year they believe they have the answers, not only on the active roster, but the practice squad internally.
“Individually and collectively, I thought they were just on the outside looking in, and that's what the practice squads about,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on Wednesday. “Some components of their game is varsity. Some of it still needs development and so practice squad provides an avenue for them to continue to work and round out their skills.”
That includes a mix of about every path they could to get to the Steelers initially. From returning players to undrafted free agents, a Super Bowl champ and a former third-round pick. There are several names that you might know, plus a look at a few young players who made plays in camp.
S Beanie Bishop
· The WVU All-American went undrafted and then earned six starts in 17 games as a rookie in 2024. He curiously didn’t play during the final preseason game in what has become a crowded, veteran secondary even after trading Minkah Fitzpatrick
CB James Pierre
· It seemed like the sixth-year NFL vet would be a lock after playing 524 special teams snaps the last two seasons with the Steelers. While starting on special teams, he would be the baseball equivalent of a Quad A corner, but an option if they are dealing with injuries.
OLB DeMarvin Leal
· All of the talent, yet an inability to find a position in the Steelers defense. Leal returns as he continues to work at his position change from defensive line to outside linebacker. An early injury to Nick Herbig could make him an early call-up to the active roster
WR Robert Woods
· The argument here is that Woods didn’t lose a job on the roster as much as Scotty Miller took it from him. Woods brings a physical attitude to receiver and should be good competition for a veteran secondary in practice.
RB Trey Sermon
· More known for his 331 yards rushing for Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game in 2020 than his work in the NFL. He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and has 42 games of NFL experience
OT Dylan Cook
· An athletic tackle, injury set him back last year and now an opportunity to continue his work with offensive line coach Pat Meyer. Swing tackle Calvin Anderson already dealt with a camp injury, Cook would be next up for a roster spot.
Young players to watch
Safety Sebastian Castro
· The Beanie Bishop of 2025 in terms of being undrafted but having a high upside with many college credentials. If not for the crowded, experienced safety room Castro would be on the roster
Corner Daryl Porter
· A legacy as his father played in the NFL, Porter came into camp late after being released by Buffalo. He’s a guy you continue to notice. A couple of turnovers in practice along with some pass breakups for the former Mountaineer and Miami Hurricane
Running back Lew Nichols
· Nichols runs with an edge and he’s been shouted out by a couple of teammates for his work in camp. In 32 games at Central Michigan he had 26 rushing touchdowns. The 5’10”, 220-pounder spent the last two years on and off the Eagles practice squad.
TE JJ Galbreath
· Undrafted First-Team All-American from the University of South Dakota, he is smooth and shown he has some ability to block. It was one of the toughest rooms to crack the active roster.
WR Max Hurleman
· Football player might be a better description coming undrafted after one season at Notre Dame following a career at Colgate. Hurleman can play special teams as a returner or on coverage and will continue to work as he converts from running back to receiver.
“Excited about the group and excited about continuing their growth and development,” Tomlin said.