How will the Steelers address the safety position?

The bad news just keeps on coming for the Steelers secondary. Not only have we lost Senquez Golson, but now Ross Ventrone has been put on the injured reserve. Although he wasn’t a lock to make the 53 man roster, our secondary has the least depth on the entire roster making every loss felt. It is very likely the Steelers will keep at least 5 safeties, so with Ventrone out there is a wide open spot on this roster.

Normally the fifth safety spot isn’t exactly newsworthy, but this year things are a little different. Sean Davis, our 2016 2nd draft pick, is currently projected to be the team’s slot cornerback. With this role change, Shamarko Thomas slides moves up the depth chart as the #3 safety – a statement that no Steeler fan should be comfortable with. It is imperitive this year that the Steelers have another safety on the roster that the Steelers have confidence in. The Steelers have a few options for how they can address this situation…

Re-sign Will Allen

I’ve already written an article on Allen’s potential return and though it seems unlikely, it is still a possibility. Though not the player he used to be, Allen could still be an asset to this defense. He doesn’t have the versatility as some of the younger safeties on this roster, but if placed in a role that will utilize his strengths he could succeed. Though his speed and tackling have certainly taken a toll due to his age, he still has his greatest weapon: his head. Allen is a smart player who can be counted on to play smart football as well as act as a mentor to our young secondary. He may not be the best option, but he’s a great contingency if the Steelers are unhappy with the guys on their roster and don’t sign a player off of waivers.

Doran Grant conversion

Last year there was talk of Doran Grant having the potential to play safety. These talks weren’t outlandish rumors either; following the Steelers drafting Grant, defensive backs coach Carnell Lack commented on Grant’s versatility and his potential for a position conversion:

“I think he’s that strong of a tackler that he could easily transition from corner to safety” – Carnell Lake

These murmurs finally came to fruition this week when it was announced that Grant practiced with the safeties. It’s worth nothing that Grant was at the bottom of the safety depth chart during his time, but this news is significant nonetheless. He is an intriguing project considering he hones many of the skills needed to play the position, including his strong tackling, play diagnosis, and his awareness. He certainly has the potential to successfully convert to safety, but it’s highly unlikely he will be the savior for our safety group this season, or even a mere band-aid. Grant should only be considered a project that has the potential to contribute to this position group far down the road.

The Underdogs: Jordan Dangerfield and Ray Vinopal

The two players on the roster that benefit the most from Ventrone’s injury are Jordan Dangerfield and Ray Vinopal. They are now the #5 and #6 safeties on the depth chart after formerly being long-shots. Both players will  now presumably get the opportunity to make this roster.

Dangerfield is a fan favorite to many Steeler fans. He plays like a missile and has that hard-hitting style that resonates with Steeler nation. Vinopal on the other hand is new to the organization, but is familiar with the area having grown up in Youngstown Ohio and attending the University of Pittsburgh. Vinopal is also intriguing because of the impressive numbers he posted at his pro day: 4.49-4.56 40 yard dash, 35 inc vertical jump, and 26 bench-presses (his bench press only matched by one other safety in his draft class).

I wouldn’t overlook either of these players when creating a 53 man roster prediction. Both have intriguing skill sets and have the potential to follow the footsteps of fellow undrafted free agent, Robert Golden. These two players have a rare opportunity to make an NFL roster and it is now up to them to capitalize on it in these upcoming preseason games.

Waiver wire

It’s no secret that the Steelers will be scouring the waiver wire for safeties. Just last year the Steelers signed Ross Cockrell off of waivers to replace cornerback B.W. Webb following a training camp battle with Kevin Fogg. The same could certainly happen this year. Though it is hard to project what players are on the chopping block on other rosters, it is shouldn’t come as a surprise to anybody to see a player like Dangerfield or Vinopal cut for a waiver wire pick-up.