Pittsburgh Steelers training camp 2024 is officially underway.  There promises to be several battles over spots on this 53 man roster.  Let’s take a look at six unknown Steelers who could make some noise during training camp in the coming weeks:

1. Jeremiah Moon OLB:

The Steelers pounced on Jeremiah Moon as soon as he was put on waivers back in January.  The Ravens were doing some post season roster shuffling and hoped no one would claim him.  Moon made quite the impression on the Steelers during their matchup in January of 2024 however.  In that game Moon had 4 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a forced fumble.

Moon is certainly built for the part.  He stands 6’4”, weighs 250lbs, and finished in the high 90s percentile in the broad and vert during the combine in 2022.  There just so happens to be an open spot at backup outside linebacker on this team along side Nick Herbig.  Moon’s on real threat is journeyman David Perales.  This is a very exciting prospect who deserves a lot of attention this summer in Latrobe.

2.  Jacob Copeland WR:

It’s no secret there are several wide receiver spots up for grabs as we had into training camp, including in the slot.  Once you get past George Pickens, there is nothing but question marks in the Steelers wide receiver room.  Jacob Copeland is a very interesting name you haven’t heard much about yet.

Coming from Maryland doesn’t hurt considering Mike Tomlin’s deep affection for that program.  Copeland was a transfer from Florida where he had some very good seasons.  During the 2021 season there, he had a 41/642/4 stat line while averaging nearly 16 yards per catch.  Speed is an obvious strength to his game having run a 4.42/40 at the 2023 combine.  With over 200 snaps in the slot in college, Copeland may end up being a serious threat for that position with the Steelers before all is said and done.

3. Kalon Barnes CB:

Kalon Barnes has one thing going of him ahead of all others…….speed!  Barnes ran one of the fastest 40 times ever recorded at the combine in 2022 at 4.23.  Mark him as one of those “planet theory guys”.  In other words, there are not many human beings alive who stand almost 6 feet tall, have a 32” arms, and run like this player.  The depth at corner is questionable at best in Pittsburgh.  Barnes could help himself immensely by proving his worth on special teams, then eventually using that tremendous speed to become a viable NFL corner.

4.  Daijun Edwards RB:

Daijun Edwards isn’t particularly a big, or fast athlete.  What he is however is productive.  In his final season at Georgia, Edwards ran for 881 yards and a whopping 13 touchdown.  This on a program not short of talented offensive players.  He comes to the Steelers with a bit of a crowded running back room.  That is unless the team sees Cordarrelle Patterson as more of a special teams/part time wide receiver.  Expect Edwards to impress in preseason action, and put pressure on the  Steelers for a roster spot.  In fact we had him on our initial 53 man roster prediction here:Steelers 53 man roster prediction 1.0: The way too early version

5. Jonathan Marshall DT:

Jonathan Marshall is exactly what the Steelers look for in a defensive tackle physically.  The former sixth round pick of the Jets stands 6’4”, and weighs 300lbs.  The Steelers kept Marshall on the practice squad all last season, and then liked him enough to sign him back for 2024.  The defensive line room is not as deep as last year, and there may be room for Marshall to push his way to a roster spot. Keep an eye on the amount of snaps he gets during training camp, he may surprise many of you.

To hear more of what we think of the depth along the defensive line, and the entire team in general, check out epsiode 16 of the Steelers Sanctuary Pocast here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1981237/15467178-episode-16-training-camp-preview

6.  Dylan Cook OT:

Like Jonathan Marshall, Dylan Cook spent the entire 2023 season with the Steelers, then was also resigned for 2024.  Cook impressed during last season’s training camp.  So much so he made the initial 53 man roster, although he appeared in no games last season.  A good camp could make Dan Moore expendable, and a possible trade candidate before the season.