Steelers' John Rhys Plumlee's Unique Talents A Definite Benefit: "Fun Guy To Catch In Camp"

The Pittsburgh Steelers left little doubt in the minds of NFL fans that they were wide open to making sweeping changes this offseason. During the season, they fired their former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada, and later replaced him with Arthur Smith. The coordinator change was more a relief than a surprise, but the quarterback situation shocked many. 

The franchise acquired Russell Wilson and then Justin Fields after Kenny Pickett was traded. They also signed an undrafted rookie free agent, John Rhys Plumlee, and another undrafted, but more veteran quarterback, Kyle Allen, to round out the room. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has said that Wilson has "pole position" heading into the season as the starter, but that Fields will have a shot to compete. That leaves some wondering how a player like Plumlee might make his way onto the roster. 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Christopher Carter recently discussed Rhys Plumlee on his podcast, Locked on Steelers. Carter had previously said he was impressed with the young quarterback's play. 

During the 2023 season at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Plumlee led them to a 5-5 record and 8-5 in 2022. Carter said he had 34 total touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Despite having a solid season, Plumlee isn't at the level he needs to be at to compete against Fields and Wilson. But that doesn't mean he will get cut. 

"He's exciting; he's certainly an athlete, and if you look up his rushing numbers, that's where he made his hay. I think he'll be a fun guy to catch in camp. The Steelers love to have fast guys work the scout teams as the faster quarterbacks, especially when they prepare for Lamar Jackson. That might be the thing that keeps him around on the practice squad the most because then the Steelers don't have to try to tell Calvin Austin, 'Hey, go pretend to be Lamar Jackson real quick for the defense.' They can have John Rhys Plumlee be him in the scout team."

While at UCF, Plumlee impressed NFL teams with his feet. In 2022, he rushed 159 times for 862 yards, an average of 5.4 yards per carry. He also ran for 11 touchdowns. Production dropped slightly in 2023: 6 rushes for 505 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry, and only five touchdowns. 

Carter cautions fans to "never say never." While it feels like there is a solid depth chart right now, crazy things happen in the league. He mentioned that many years ago, when he co-hosted with Tony Sereno, Serano always raved about Devlin Hodges, and Carter would tell him he was nuts, assuming Hodges would be cut. 

"Then, low and behold, all the injuries that happened that year and Devlin Hodges ended up starting and winning a few games. But I think if that happens, there's a lot of other terrible things that happen in the first place."

Regardless, Plumlee can't wait for the universe to offer him a shot. While he might have a tall mountain to climb to get there, he has a chance and needs to make the most of it. 

That means he needs to work hard and maybe show the coaches what he can do while pretending to be Lamar Jackson. It is unclear who the franchise's future quarterback will be, and Plumlee could make the roster. 

Steelers' John Rhys Plumlee Is Ready To Make The Most Out Of Every Opportunity

Plumlee recently spoke with the media following team activities and said he is ready to seize every chance, whether on special teams or the practice squad. What precisely a special teams opportunity would look like remains to be seen. 

The NFL recently changed the kick return rules to prevent injuries caused by high-speed collisions. In Pittsburgh, there have been rumors surrounding Fields, who is well known for his speed and athleticism, saying that he will be returning kicks for the Steelers. While the coaches have denied that rumor, it does leave the door open for someone like Plumlee.

How do you think Plumlee will fit on the roster, if at all? Click to comment below. 

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