NFL · 1 hour ago

Ranking 5 Steelers Preseason Stars Facing Long Odds to Make the Final Roster

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

5) Dean Lowry
Dean Lowry, DL, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Veteran entering his 10th NFL season.
- More than 100 career NFL games played.
- Former Green Bay Packers starter.
- Can play multiple defensive line positions.
- Brings leadership and dependable depth.
Depth Will Force Him Out

Dean Lowry may not generate many headlines, but every playoff contender needs players exactly like him.

The veteran defensive lineman has spent nearly a decade proving he can handle difficult assignments, rotate across multiple positions and play winning football.

His value extends beyond statistics because he understands blocking schemes, communicates adjustments and allows younger linemen to develop without being rushed into oversized roles.

Pittsburgh's defensive line is talented but also young in several spots. Lowry offers stability, professionalism and experience that coaches trust, making him one of the more important veterans competing for meaningful rotational snaps this season.
1) Lew Nichols III
Lew Nichols III, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Sixth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
- Rushed for more than 4,000 yards at Central Michigan.
- MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
- Compact runner with excellent contact balance.
- Battling for a depth role and special teams value.
Watch The Tape

Today Nichols burst though the hole with a surprising amount of speed and brought the Steelers fans in attendance at training camp. Unfortunately, inclement weather cut short the practice.

We were back in the safe confines of the Fred Rogers Institute a few minutes after noon.

Few players on Pittsburgh's roster have been as easy to root for as Lew Nichols III. Injuries and roster moves slowed the beginning of his NFL career, but the former Central Michigan star has quietly kept working.

His college tape showcased outstanding vision, patience and toughness between the tackles, traits that helped him become one of the nation's most productive running backs.

Behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, opportunities won't come easily, but Nichols continues to fight for every rep. Watching Nichols III run compared to Kaleb Johnson last year in the preseason was a travesty.

Pure draft grade over riding common sense.

Productive preseason carries, pass protection and special teams could make him difficult for the Steelers to leave off the final 53-man roster. However, they will and it truly bums me out.
2) Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Former fourth-round pick from Iowa.
- Excellent size and long speed.
- Productive collegiate career despite sharing targets.
- Has bounced around multiple NFL organizations.
- Competing for one of the final receiver spots.
Hard to Ignore 87

There is something special about Smith that has allowed him to remain consistently active throughout his NFL career in terms of practice squad activity. Undrafted out of Iowa back in 2021, Smith’s perseverance is nothing short of outstanding.

Once again, his persistent demeanor has elevated him up the depth chart. However, it likely will not be enough to break the barrier of the 53-man roster.

Smith checks several boxes teams covet this time of year. He's long, athletic and has enough experience to step into multiple receiver roles.

The former Iowa standout has quietly stayed in the NFL by continuing to develop while learning different offensive systems. Pittsburgh's receiver room is deeper than it has been in years, making every preseason snap meaningful.

He simply needs to continue making contested catches, contribute on special teams and prove dependable when his number is called. Those traits often determine the final few roster spots more than highlight plays.

If an injury occurs, he could find himself active on Sundays.
3) Sebastian Castro
Sebastian Castro, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Four-year contributor at Iowa.
- First-Team All-Big Ten selection.
- Versatile safety and nickel defender.
- Instinctive player with strong football IQ.
- Projects as a core special teams contributor.
Played 9 Games as Undrafted Rookie

Castro began his career in Pittsburgh.

Last year he played eight games with Pittsburgh and one in Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers claimed him off the practice squad.

He’s spent time running with the ones in practice. Which isn’t completely shocking since over the duration of camp there are a plethora of different line-ups.

Currently listed third on the Steeles depth chart at strong safety behind DeShon Elliott and rookie Robert Spears-Jennings.

He's not the flashiest athlete in camp, but he rarely looks out of position. Pittsburgh values defensive backs who can wear multiple hats, and Castro fits that mold as a safety capable of moving into the slot when needed.

Add in his willingness to contribute on every special teams unit, and it's easy to understand why he remains one of the more intriguing roster bubble players as final cuts approach. Running with the one's in practice is something many players do throughout camp. Castro has done it plenty but so has Jack Henderson. It makes judging a little difficult on who is in and who is out.https://www.college2pro.com/5-steelers-players-to-watch-in-pittsburghs-opener-vs-packers/
4) Doneiko Slaughter
Doneiko Slaughter, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Played six seasons at Tennessee.
- Experienced outside and nickel defender.
- Physical tackler with SEC experience.
- Intelligent defender with leadership qualities.
- Special teams versatility boosts roster chances.
4.39 Speed with Attitude

One practice Slaughter was being overly aggressive. It even caused the happy-mannered Pat Freiermuth to bark at him a bit after Slaughter came barreling up on the veteran tight end.

That’s the mindset of a nickel cornerback who plays with a ton of adrenaline. His 4.39 forty at his Pro Day captures the intriguing aspects he brings to the position. Speed and attitude are a nice combination in professional football.

Slaughter arrives with something coaches appreciate immediately.

Experience. Few defensive backs entering the NFL have played as much football against elite competition as the former Tennessee defensive back.

Pittsburgh already possesses talented corners, but Slaughter gives coaches flexibility because he can contribute defensively while also carving out an important role on special teams throughout the regular season.

I’d be shocked if he doesn’t register his first regular season game in 2026.

In Pittsburgh?

That I don’t know but he’ll see live action somewhere in the National Football League.
5) Dean Lowry
Dean Lowry, DL, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Veteran entering his 10th NFL season.
- More than 100 career NFL games played.
- Former Green Bay Packers starter.
- Can play multiple defensive line positions.
- Brings leadership and dependable depth.
Depth Will Force Him Out

Dean Lowry may not generate many headlines, but every playoff contender needs players exactly like him.

The veteran defensive lineman has spent nearly a decade proving he can handle difficult assignments, rotate across multiple positions and play winning football.

His value extends beyond statistics because he understands blocking schemes, communicates adjustments and allows younger linemen to develop without being rushed into oversized roles.

Pittsburgh's defensive line is talented but also young in several spots. Lowry offers stability, professionalism and experience that coaches trust, making him one of the more important veterans competing for meaningful rotational snaps this season.
1) Lew Nichols III
Lew Nichols III, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Sixth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
- Rushed for more than 4,000 yards at Central Michigan.
- MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
- Compact runner with excellent contact balance.
- Battling for a depth role and special teams value.
Watch The Tape

Today Nichols burst though the hole with a surprising amount of speed and brought the Steelers fans in attendance at training camp. Unfortunately, inclement weather cut short the practice.

We were back in the safe confines of the Fred Rogers Institute a few minutes after noon.

Few players on Pittsburgh's roster have been as easy to root for as Lew Nichols III. Injuries and roster moves slowed the beginning of his NFL career, but the former Central Michigan star has quietly kept working.

His college tape showcased outstanding vision, patience and toughness between the tackles, traits that helped him become one of the nation's most productive running backs.

Behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, opportunities won't come easily, but Nichols continues to fight for every rep. Watching Nichols III run compared to Kaleb Johnson last year in the preseason was a travesty.

Pure draft grade over riding common sense.

Productive preseason carries, pass protection and special teams could make him difficult for the Steelers to leave off the final 53-man roster. However, they will and it truly bums me out.