Steelers Rookie Tabbed As A Possible Contributor Could Be In Danger Of Being Cut

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 draft class has been highly touted and is considered one of the best throughout the league. All four picks from the first three rounds seem like they could make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Even a player like Mason McCormick, who was selected in the fourth round, is seen as a part of the team's future with James Daniels' contract set to expire after the 2024 season. Unlike the organization's top rookies, late-round pick Logan Lee may have some work to do to make the final roster.

It's not often that drafted rookies get cut before the start of their rookie season. Team's usually like to keep them around to see if the player could develop into a contributor. The last time the Steelers cut a drafted player before their rookie season was with quarterback Chris Oladokun, who the team drafted in the seventh-round in 2022. Lee, a sixth-round pick, is currently buried in the defensive line room. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke about Lee's performance in their preseason opener. He was pleased in some aspects, but doesn't consider him an immediate contributor.

"Logan did well, he's a strong kid, smart kid. You probably shouldn't be surprised with the amount people that sit down and get dinged up. It's a testament to his readiness that he's able to play any position along the line as a young guy. He can play nose, he can play four. He did a good job in there. He's pretty stout and you'll see that sometimes guys come down, they don't really knock him out or knock him off the ball, so that's a good start for him. I think once he gets his feet under him and learns, he'll have the ability to possibly contribute." 

It's clear Austin expects Lee's development to take some time, but still only gives him a chance to possibly contribute. Insider Mark Kaboly believes Lee is a serious cut-candidate, which he displayed in his pre-camp roster projection. It's hard to imagine the Steelers part ways with the sixth-round pick, but he has flown under the radar while participating in limited reps during training camp.

Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi are all locks to make the final roster. DeMarvin Leal and Montravius Adams each had impressive performances during training camp, which means they will likely stick around. Dean Lowry was a free agency addition during the 2024 offseason, and began practicing towards the end of camp as he came off of the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list. That's six spots that are likely already filled up.

Steelers Have A Serious Battle For Last Spot On The Defensive Line

Pittsburgh typically keeps seven defensive linemen, so it is likely only one of Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Jacob Slade, Willington Previlon, and Marquiss Spencer make the final roster. Loudermilk has been with the team for three seasons and is the final year of his rookie deal, while the other four candidates for the final spot are in their first season with the team.

Slade went undrafted following the 2023 NFL Draft and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals. Previlon has bounced around practice squads up until this point in his career. Spencer is also a practice squad player, spending the last two seasons with the New York Jets.

The last spot ultimately will be between Loudermilk and Lee, unless Pittsburgh uncharacteristically keeps eight defensive linemen. Loudermilk has valuable experience in the NFL, but hasn't shown a ton of improvement throughout his first three seasons. Lee should have the edge over the veteran when it comes to making the roster, as he is just starting his rookie contract and has the potential to develop into a better player.

Do you think Lee will make the final roster? Let us know in the comments below!

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