The best teams in the NFL not only draft well but they have an eye for talent when it comes to picking undrafted free agents. Take for example James Harrison. Harrison is one of the best play-makers on defense in this generation but nobody drafted him out of Kent State. The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up Harrison as a free agent in 2002 and 544 tackles and 58 sacks later Harrison is one of the most feared players in the NFL. The Steelers hope they also struck gold with some of this year's undrafted free agents.
Brandon Lindsey (OLB) Pittsburgh and Adrien Robinson (OLB) Temple
Let's start with the position that Harrison plays so well. The Steelers will soon need a new outside linebacker to fill Harrison's shoes and they hope that Lindsey and Robinson will contribute. Lindsey is probably the most likely undrafted free agent to make the team. Lindsey is a good pass rusher and is very athletic but he has average speed.
Drew Butler (P) Georgia and Grant Ressel (K) Missouri
I'm glad the Steelers didn't draft a punter like the Jacksonville Jaguars but I do think an upgrade in the kicking game is a need that not many analysts have pointed out. Butler has a strong leg and I expect him to be punting booming kicks for the Steelers any day now. Ressel is probably not the answer at kicker but I never thought we'd have Shaun Suisham this long either.
Robert Golden (DB) Arizona and Terry Carter (CB) Louisiana Tech
The Steelers had the number one pass defense last season but I think it was a lot of smoke and mirrors. Now that Pittsburgh has seemingly glued together a good offensive line the secondary is probably their biggest need. I expect it will be the focus of their first couple of picks in next year's NFL Draft. For now all Pittsburgh is looking for is one of these players to make the team as a sub.
Marquis Maze (WR) Alabama and Connor Dixon (WR) Duquesne
With all of the Alabama players going off the board I was surprised that nobody took a shot on Maze. The Steelers usually carry six receivers and right now they only have five. I expect Maze will make the team as a backup, will return some kicks, and maybe get a bigger role if the Steelers can't re-sign Mike Wallace next season.
Desmond Stapleton (OG) and Ryan Lee (OG) Rutgers
The Steelers feel like they have fixed their offensive line but taking a look at a few more options certainly won't hurt. I doubt either of these players makes the team since they drafted several offensive linemen and there is only so much room on the roster.
Ikponmwosa Igbinosun (DE) Southern Connecticut State and Jake Stoller (DE) Yale
The defensive end position is not as big a need as defensive tackle, cornerback, safety or linebacker but it never hurts to bring in a few players for good old-fashioned competition.
Alex Tanney Monmouth QB
Tanney has gotten an invite to camp but has not signed a contract. Right now it seems the depth chart is Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Troy Smith. Leftwich has been injured almost every time the Steelers have needed him though so the Steelers need a fourth quarterback. Tanney could challenge Jared Johnson for that role.
Sources:
Undrafted free-agent deals for all 32 NFL teams, NFL.com
The last several generations of Lee Andrew Henderson's family were Pittsburgh born and even though he was born in Alabama he has been a long time fan of the Pirates, Steelers and Panthers. Lee Andrew Henderson can be found on Twitter at @LeeAHenderson
