Veteran Steelers DL Impresses Mike Tomlin With Strong Camp

UNITY TWP., Pa. — Armon Watts is a name that is coming up in recent days in Latrobe at Steelers training camp. It makes sense. The veteran defensive lineman brings a lot to the table. He can play as a nose tackle and work out as a sub-package rusher. Watts offers some serious pass-rush juice that a team like the Steelers can work with overall. It’s hard to fully discount what Watts brings to the table as a high-level contributor for a Vikings team a year ago.

On Tuesday, he flashed a little bit of those skills. Along with Montravius Adams, Watts is a guy who can provide security for the Steelers. Watts can play some sub-package rusher as well so that changes the complexity and landscape of where things are. He did just that in the linemen’s one-on-ones. I will say, both looked good in their reps today. Though, Watts, in particular, showcased some real juice and ingenuity. Meanwhile, Adams had a rep where he stunned Kevin Dotson backward. Watts has a great cross-chop-rip combination that wins in these periods a lot. Mike Tomlin even gave a bit of a shout to Watts after practice.

“He’s an NFL player,” Tomlin said. “You can tell he’s been in an NFL environment. He’s available consistently every day. He’ll be given an opportunity to state a case for himself for sure.”

With Keeanu Benton and Larry Ogunjobi out, they gave some reps to the veteran Watts, who has certainly been around and seen things before. Overall, he looked solid. I am still trying to figure out how this defensive line room shakes out. Right now, I see a lot of people discounting Watts making this football team. I’m not sure why that is generally. He could easily make it given his skillset and what he brings to the table.