In what felt like the longest offseason in NFL history, there has been a lot of talk about various Steelers needing to improve their game for the 2020 season. There are several attacking players looking to have years of recovery like Ben Roethlisberger, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner, along with several defenders who need to keep up their excellent 2019 game, such as Minkah Fitzpatrick, TJ Watt, and Joe Haden. And while almost all the players have been analyzed and evaluated in the six months since the Steelers played a game of soccer, some have not been discussed as much as others.
Who are the players that many people are not Discussing as thoroughly as others whose 2020 game could shape the Steelers’ success? Here are my top three suggestions for answering this question.
Alejandro Villanueva
With so much focus lately on moving along the Steelers’ offensive line, the three starters who appear to be holding their same position since 2019 have not been discussed as much as others. With the first two picks of the first-round draft in Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro holding their various positions, it is former professional bowler Alejandro Villanueva at left tackle who could easily make a big difference along the offensive line of the Steelers in 2020.
After the consecutive Pro Bowl seasons in 2017 and 2018, Villanueva had a somewhat moot 2019 campaign. While some point out that certain stats for using Big Al continued to hold the fort well, others felt it was not meeting its previous standards. As the third oldest player in the 2020 Steelers, Villanueva does not have the luxury of time like other players who are fighting for positions.
While some are highly speculative about Matt Feiler’s move to let his guard down at least for now, perhaps another strong inside offensive lineman who plays alongside Villanueva could help him in his 2020 campaign. And if big Al has a great year at Steel City, Ben Roethlisberger will have a little extra time to find his young receivers and keep the Steelers’ offense on the field and rolling.
James Washington
Speaking of Roethlisberger’s young receivers, the third-year pro from out of state Oklahoma is looking to take advantage of his 735-yard performance leading his team in 2019. With all that being said about JuJu Smith Schuster regaining his health and returning to his 2018 Pro Bowl level, Along with anticipation of Diontae Johnson’s second season, Washington has quietly been more of an afterthought when it comes to the Steelers receiving the body. I know I have been as guilty as others of not constantly mentioning Washington as part of the Steelers’ young weapons in 2020.
With Smith-Schuster and Johnson already grabbing the attention of many in the NFL, and with limited offseason work to bring rookie Chase Claypool up to date, Washington may be the key in the receiving room for the Steelers next season. If Washington can continue to produce, the options for Ben Roethlisberger are much greater.
It must be nice to have Washington on your side.
Vince Williams
While many Steelers fans constantly want to point out the responsibility Steelers linebacker Vince Williams presents in coverage, his ability to stop the race should not be overlooked. In the two games Williams lost last season due to injury, there was a noticeable difference in stopping the race. Returning to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5, Williams helped keep his game under control, either directly or indirectly.
The most important task when it comes to Vince Williams in 2020 is the Steelers’ ability to have him on the field in the right situations and not have him caught in the wrong ones. As long as the Steelers defense allows Williams to play to his strengths, he has a lot to offer. If he helps stabilize Pittsburgh’s career defense in 2020, it will only help the Steelers force more passing situations, giving the rest of the team a better shot at both catches and interceptions.
So I think there are three players who haven’t gotten a lot of coverage in the offseason and that could have a big impact on the Steelers by 2020. Do these players make sense to be placed in this category? Are there others that you think have not had a lot of discussion time and that are key for the next season? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
