First Call: How Steelers rookies influenced roster cuts; former rival offers advice; predictions for Calvin Austin, Joey Porter Jr.

8/30/2023
Tuesday’s “First Call” has some advice for young Pittsburgh Steelers from a former rival of the club. A number of ex-Steelers and Pitt Panthers didn’t survive NFL cutdown day. And we look at how the success of the Steelers draft class ended up influencing the depth chart.
Betting on Benton
The performance of one of the Steelers rookies dictated at least one of the Steelers roster cuts Tuesday.
Second-round draft choice Keeanu Benton, the defensive lineman selected out of Wisconsin, was good enough against the run in his preseason appearances that the Steelers felt comfortable releasing veteran run-stuffing specialist Breiden Fehoko.
The Steelers signed Fehoko in the offseason to help stop the run. He appeared capable of doing that in training camp.
But Benton proved adept enough at doing that one specialty right off the bat that the team decided to keep the likes of Armon Watts, Montravius Adams and Isaiahh Loudermilk instead of Fehoko. All three of those players are perceived to be more skilled pass rushers than Fehoko.
On Monday morning, Pro Football Focus cited Benton as being the highest graded rookie defensive tackle against the run this preseason.
Highest graded rookie DT against the run this Preseason:
Keeanu Benton: 80.4 pic.twitter.com/oJmPz9c4du
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 29, 2023
Also, the fast rookie learning curves for the likes of tight end Darnell Washington, linebacker Nick Herbig and offensive lineman Spencer Anderson facilitated the departures of Zach Gentry, Quincy Roche and (via trades) Kendrick Green and Kevin Dotson respectively.
Some free advice
Former Baltimore Raven and Carolina Panther Steve Smith made an appearance at Saint Vincent College for the NFL Network during this summer’s training camp. He discussed some of his observations during a recent episode of the “Cut To It” podcast.
The retired All-Pro wide receiver offered this bit of advice for speedy, second-year pass catcher Calvin Austin III.
“My only negative with him, and I told him, he just gets too saucy with his routes,” Smith said. “You don’t have to put sprinkles and glaze on every donut. Just get some coffee and a cake donut. Sometimes, just run the route.”
Smith explained that, occasionally, Austin jukes himself into a tough spot.
“He gave the DB a one-two-step rocker step. … He shook him and then he ran his route, (then) gave him another. He put so much sauce on the route that he let the corner get juked back into good coverage,” Smith said.
Smith also had some words of caution for second-round cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
“I do not believe that you are going to see Joey Porter Jr. have a dominant season,” Smith suggested. “I think he’s going to make some rookie mistakes. I don’t think he’ll be as fluid as he was at Penn State. I think it’s gonna be a rollercoaster. He doesn’t have top-end speed. He’s handsy. He’s physical. Some people are going to use his physicality against him. I believe he is going to be susceptible to double moves.”
However, Smith did add that “overall” Porter Jr. would “work out fine.” But “early on, it might be a little rough.”
Looking for work
Quite a few former Steelers were waived or released yesterday. Two such players are from the San Francisco 49ers — receiver Anthony Miller and running back Jeremy McNichols. That’s the team who is coming to Acrisure Stadium to open up the 2023 season on Sept. 10.
Other names include:
• Wide receivers Steven Simms (Texans) and James Washington (Colts)
• Running back Benny Snell (Lions)
• Linemen Aviante Collins (Bears) and Rashaad Coward (Texans)
• Tight ends Nick Vannett (Texans) and Jesse James (Saints)
• Outside linebacker Malik Reed (Dolphins)
• Inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert III (Buccaneers)
Those who were put on waivers include quarterback Chris Oladokun (Chiefs), defensive tackles Carlos Davis and Khalil Davis (Falcons, Texans), wide receiver Mathew Sexton (Falcons), linebacker Tae Crowder (Chargers) and offensive lineman John Leglue (Titans).
Prowling Panthers
A couple of familiar Pitt Panther names are on the market now too. They include offensive lineman Jimmy Morrissey. He blocked for Kenny Pickett at Pitt.
Jimmy Morrissey is a candidate for #Texans practice squad. However, he could be a candidate to be claimed on waivers by another team @KPRC2 https://t.co/X1cm30G1lM
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 29, 2023
Long-time NFL quarterback Nate Peterman was let go by the Bears. But according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, their hope is to get him back to the practice squad.
The #Bears are releasing QB Nathan Peterman, per source. They want him back on the practice squad.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2023
Peterman had previously played for the Raiders and Bills. Undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent appears to be in line for the No. 2 job behind Justin Fields, as P.J. Walker was also released by the club.