Steelers May Have A UDFA Playmaker In Roc Taylor

Photo: Wes Hale/memphisflyer.com

If you have been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for the last few seasons, you may have noticed their tendency to favor players from Memphis.

It started with Anthony Smith in 2021. A year later, they drafted receiver Calvin Austin III, and this off-season, they added former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell to their group of running backs. Following this year's NFL Draft, the Steelers once again tapped into the Tigers' talent pool and found Roc Taylor, a receiver whose production was worthy of being drafted.

During his four years with the Tigers, Taylor accumulated 163 receptions for 2,375 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per reception. His most notable season came in 2023, when he registered 69 receptions for 1,083 yards and four touchdowns, becoming only the fifth player in the program's history to amass 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Taylor's time at Memphis was defined by his playmaking abilities, both outside, utilizing his 6'2" frame and speed, and inside as a quick-twitch route runner.

Considering that the Steelers' group of receivers is strong at the top with DK Metcalf and George Pickens, there is still a need for productive depth behind Austin III. Taylor's college resume suggests he has the potential to fill one of those roles.

As with any undrafted free agent (UDFA), the odds are stacked against him to make the roster. For Taylor, it begins with making a strong impression at the team's upcoming minicamp, which will hopefully set the tone for training camp later in the summer.