An argument can be made that the most intriguing player on the Steelers roster is one that didn't see the field in 2023.
For veteran defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko, this offseason will be about proving himself worthy of an expanded role on the defense. The biggest obstacle in his way may be one that is out of his control.
This past season, Fehoko did not participate in any games or play any defensive snaps. The most snaps Fehoko played in his short career was in 2022, when he played 279 defensive snaps with the Los Angeles Chargers. What is certain is the fact that Fehoko has made the most of the few opportunities he's been given. In 2021, Fehoko led his Chargers team in run-stop win rate among players with at least 65 defensive snaps. One year later, injuries hindered his development, and he found himself struggling until the last weeks of that season.
Fehoko's biggest challenge entering this year's training camp will be the competition he faces. With second-year lineman Keeanu Benton's status rising and new additions like sixth-round rookie Logan Lee, Fehoko will likely struggle to carve himself a role on the team's defense. Fehoko will undoubtedly need to improve his run defense if he wants to make an impression that will earn his coaches' trust.
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