Going into training camp, there are some interesting position battles to watch for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some of those competitions will be on the defensive side of the ball, and some players on the roster fringe could make some noise. Veteran linebacker Jamin Davis is one of those players who is on the outside looking in right now and could make a case to secure a roster spot.
He was signed relatively late in the offseason process as Pittsburgh brought him onto their roster on June 4. Few hold high expectations for the former first-round pick, as he has produced an NFL journeyman career to date. The Steelers will be his sixth team since his NFL debut in 2021. Davis isn't going to push for a starting spot, but he could certainly gain one of the final jobs at training camp.
One interesting note to circle regarding Davis is that he played under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham with the Las Vegas Raiders last season.
That might mean Graham was a key reason why Davis signed with Pittsburgh. Getting his former coach to bring on board one of his players from last season could be good news for the linebacker. He might have a shot of sticking around after all.
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Jamin Davis can make roster with strong training camp performance
Throughout offseason workouts, minicamp, and OTAs, it wasn't hard to find praise surrounding Davis. The veteran knew how to stand out in a variety of ways, and that early success could carry over into training camp. He is a professional and understands how to stick on an NFL roster. Even though he has been an NFL journeyman, he has found ways to win vacancies in the past.
Each season, Davis has gone from a roster fringe player to someone who has been employed on an NFL team during every campaign since being taken in the first round five years ago.
He hasn't developed the way he hoped, but his is a common story for most NFL players. He has altered how he approaches the game of football to stick around and earn a paycheck.
Pittsburgh shouldn't anticipate Davis becoming a star linebacker this season, but his versatility and ability to win roster spots in the past should keep their interest. He can play inside and outside linebacker, which is an intriguing wrinkle to his resume. It appears that the Steelers will have him do most of his work at inside linebacker, which gives him a better opportunity to stay with the club.
Davis must win his competition against names like Malik Harrison, Carson Bruener, Cole Holcomb, and Jacoby Windmon if he wants to win a roster spot.
It's a crowded group right now, but this task is nothing new for the veteran as training camp approaches. The path to win a job with the Steelers is clear; Davis just needs to succeed in his quest as he has in prior years. Nothing will be easy for him, but making the team isn't impossible.
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This article was originally published on stillcurtain.com as One Steelers sleeper has the perfect chance to seize a roster opening.