The Steelers continue onward in their OTAs as the third week of the activities will begin on Tuesday. There are plenty of players that have made noise, from sleepers to established players but who could be someone looking to prove something heading into the third week of the activities?
CB Levi Wallace
Levi Wallace has a little something to prove in that cornerback room. All the hype has gone to guys like Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice, and Patrick Peterson. It almost has made Wallace the forgotten man, although he is likely to be a starter this season and coming off what is a very solid season on the outside.
Maybe one of those young corners could be pushing for his spot, but that means he has something significant to prove to everyone as a result. The Steelers are deeper at cornerback than they have been in a long time, even after releasing Ahkello Witherspoon. Wallace factors into those plans every single time, and his quality level of play should make everyone confident in his ability to prove a little something out on the field, even when pressured by young up-and-comers.
DL DeMarvin Leal
The Steelers still do not have a complete plan for DeMarvin Leal in 2023 yet, but he did tell me last week that he is training like he will be playing as a tweener. He is one of those players that has embraced the term ‘unique’ around his game and Pittsburgh has reciprocated that energy. Regardless, he still has plenty of questions to answer after an up-and-down first year in the league.
Now at 290 pounds, Leal sees to factor into the OLB depth and interior defensive line depth at different situations and during different fronts. He has all the athletic tools to be an absolute menace up front if he can put it all together. The question is now just what Leal can do to truly take that next step in his game as he tries to find his footing and role.
C Kendrick Green
Back working at center, Kendrick Green has more than a few things to prove. His career has not gone to plan and the fact that he keeps switching positions just makes his development all the more disjointed. But this offseason seems to feel like a make-or-break year for Green. He has to capitalize on this chance and win that backup center job.
Green’s always had the athleticism to do it. But his length is something that has left him struggling for his entire career with his technique not at a proficient level. If he can showcase that he has improved as a lineman to maximize his game despite his length, Green could find himself firmly on the Steelers roster. There is no better to time than at OTAs.