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After the Pittsburgh Steelers selected nine players in the 2021 NFL draft, they continued to adding to the roster with eight undrafted free agents. With many draft profiles focusing on those players towards the top and middle of the NFL draft, it is time to get to take a look at these other members of the Pittsburgh Steelers who will have just as much opportunity to make the roster in 2021 as those who were selected in the draft, despite the more difficult path.
Remember, some draft profiles for these players are quite harsh as they are looking at them as a draftable prospect. Taking a flyer on an UDFA is a completely different story as many times the potential the player shows is what lands them on an NFL offseason roster.
Following the 2021 NFL Draft, three former Kentucky Wildcats were signed to undrafted free agent contracts.
First up, running back A.J. Rose is headed to the Minnesota Vikings.
At Kentucky, Rose finished with 1,971 career rushing yards, ending his career at No. 10 on UK’s all-time list. His 5.8 career average per rushing attempt ranks third all-time.
Rose has a lot of potential that could help him carve out a career in the pros. He has that breakaway speed that coaches love, and if he can improve his pass-catching ability, he could be a great threat on the outside.
Rose will always be remembered at Kentucky for his long runs and exciting plays. However, it felt like he was never really able to grab hold and control of the Kentucky backfield after Benny Snell left.
Sunday Headlines: New NFL Cats Edition
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It was a big weekend for the Kentucky Football program as multiple Wildcats began their professional careers.
Starting with the draft, Jamin Davis (Washington), Kelvin Joseph (Cowboys), Quinton Bohanna (Cowboys), Brandin Echols (Jets), Landon Young (Saints), and Phil Hoskins (Panthers) all heard their names called.
And on top of that, some notable former Wildcats inked free agent deals just after the draft concluded.
Drake Jackson, who many thought would be a draft pick, quickly signed a deal with the Detroit Lions, AJ Rose signed a deal with the Vikings, and Boogie Watson landed a deal with the Steelers.
There is no team on the 2021 list that will have the dominance in the workforce that Alabama enjoyed in 2020. Realistically, the UK will not be an overbearing underdog in any game next season. There are plenty of “toss up” games forthcoming. The Wildcats’ biggest challenge is internal expectation management, finding a new offensive identity with key personnel, firing the quarterback, and identifying starters at cornerback. Let’s take a closer look:
OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
Eddie Gran led the British offense for five successful seasons that resulted in bowl appearances. Former Rams assistant Liam Coen takes over a unit that lacked big-play capabilities with struggles in the passing game that resulted in multiple final places in the SEC’s Passing Offense category.