The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed 10 players to the practice squad after having to trim their roster to 53 players this weekend. The following players, nine of which were part of Steelers training camp, will make up their initial practice squad group.
Nick Williams, DE–The Steelers spent a seventh round pick on Williams in 2013, but a knee injury cost Williams a chance to make the team, and he spent the year on IR. With the Steelers deciding to go with only six defensive linemen to start the season, Williams will provide additional depth in case of injury.
Josh Mauro, DL–The Stanford product had a solid camp, and would have likely made the 53 man roster had the Steelers chose to keep an extra defensive lineman. Mauro is a developmental player, but one the Steelers not only like, but believe has the potential to contribute in the future.
Shaquille Richardson, CB–Despite of a lack of depth at CB, the Steelers decided to wait until the fifth round to attempt to upgrade the position. The choice of Richardson was odd from the beginning, as he was considered a late round pick at best, and very much a project player who will not be ready to contribute any time soon. A knee injury in camp slowed the process further. Will this be another bad draft decision by Kevin Colbert? Richardson will have a chance to prove it was not a mistake as a PS player.
Ross Ventrone, DB–Ventrone, a Chartiers Valley grad, has NFL experience with the Patriots, and has the ability to fill in as a safety or special teams player.
Derek Moye, WR–The multi sport star from Rochester High lost the battle for the sixth WR spot with Justin Brown and Darius Heyward-Bey. This will be his second year on the Steelers practice squad.
CJ Goodwin, WR–Another player with local ties, Goodwin shined at Cal U of PA, and though he was a long shot going into camp, his talent and athleticism is intriguing to the Steelers. Might be someone who could make the roster in the future.
Rob Branchflower, TE–Branchflower, a seventh round pick out of UMASS, simply could not win the number game with the Steelers. With so many veteran TE’s in the mix, along with injuries that slowed Branchflower early in camp, it was too much to overcome.
Josh Harris, RB–After the Steelers decided to go with three running backs on their opening day roster, you knew the Steelers would have at least one RB on their practice squad. Harris ends up being the pick. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers consider other options now that cuts are finished. Benjarvis Green-Ellis maybe?
Howard Jones, LB–Jones, a free agent linebacker from D2 Shepard University, played multiple positions in college, including wide receiver, before settling in a linebacker. Jones had a tremendous camp, and many were surprised, including yours truly, that Jones was cut. He’s raw, but so was James Harrison at one point, and we know how that worked out. Jones is a unique talent, and the Steelers were lucky to retain him to the practice squad.
Alejandro Villanueva, DL–The only player on the practice squad who was not in Steelers camp. The 6’9 270 lb West Point grad is unique not only because of his height, he happens to be a war veteran who served bravely in Afghanistan. It’s hard not to root for Villanueva, who was among the last cuts for the Philadelphia Eagles.
