Rundown of Steelers Rookie Roster and Players To Watch
This weekend marks the Pittsburgh Steelers annual rookie minicamp, taking place on May 12–14.
Following a strong draft performance, this year's rookie minicamp may prove to be a preview of what is to come when the official training camp begins in late July.
In addition to their seven drafted rookies, the Steelers will also have their seven undrafted free agents and a host of other players invited for tryouts. Here is the current list of attendees to this year's minicamp.
Drafted and UDFA Players
OL Spencer Anderson - Maryland
DL Keeanu Benton - Wisconsin
WR/RS Jordan Byrd - Jordan Byrd
C Trevor Downing - Iowa State
LB Nick Herbig - Wisconsin
OT Broderick Jones - Georgia
QB Tanner Morgan - Minnesota
DL James Nyamwaya - Merrimack College
EDGE David Perales - Fresno State
CB Joey Porter Jr. - Penn State
FB Monte Pottebaum - Iowa
K B.T. Potter - Clemson
DB Cory Trice Jr. - Purdue
TE Darnell Washington - Georgia
Rookie Minicamp Invites
RB Alfonzo Graham - Morgan State
CB Sylvonta Oliver - Memphis
DL Chidi Okeke - XFL
WR Hakeem Butler - XFL
QB Hunter Johnson - Clemson/Northwestern
S Tyrell Ajian - Kentucky
WR Dwayne Mendes, Jr. - Duquesne
C Mike Panasiuk - XFL
LB/S Tylar Wiltz - Pitt
TE Maverick Wolfley - Akron
RB Toa Taua - Nevada
DL Tyler Tate - Millerville
DL Gabe Oladipo - Texas Tech
OL Darian Bryant - Virginia Union
P Adam Korsak - Rutgers
DL Xach Gill - Temple/North Carolina
LB Johnny Buchanan - Delaware
Rookies To Follow:
David Perales, out of Fresno State, is arguably the most intriguing rookie prospect at this year's minicamp. Last season with the Bulldogs, Perales recorded 47 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. Despite going undrafted, Perales has the skillset that could earn him an invite to this year's training camp and perhaps become this year's Jaylen Warren.
The other is a familiar name: receiver Hakeem Butler. Before being drafted in the NFL, Butler was a highly accomplished player at Iowa State, recording 1,318 receiving yards his junior year. Since then, Butler has been a football journeyman who recently played for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL. At 6'5, 230 lbs., Butler has the size the team is looking for in their offense. The question is whether Butler is able to impress the coaches in attendance and earn a spot on the roster.
Seventh-round pick Spencer Anderson out of Maryland has not received much attention, but his position versatility makes him a valuable member of this year's Steelers draft class. Last season, Anderson started 12 games at right guard and one at right tackle. The Steelers come into this season with good-quality options at offensive line. Could Anderson's versatility help him win a spot on the roster?