While rookie minicamp is typically reserved for…rookies, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers often invite veterans to be apart of the tryout process.
Looking to stand out amongst the NFL’s greenest members, it’s a chance to get back on a team ahead of OTA’s, minicamp and training camp.
And for these two, there is a good shot at least one of them makes that happen.
Ward was added to the invite list just days before the start of minicamp, which is intriguing given the current group of backs. Obviously there are the headliners with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, but the team also added Cordarrelle Patterson in free agency, then signed UDFA Daijun Edward’s after the draft. A well traveled player who mostly recently played for the Titans, Ward may be just a camp back, but a strong weekend could change that.
Averett has a well documented history with Pittsburgh, playing multiple seasons with division rival Baltimore. But out of every UDFA, invitee and veteran invited to rookie minicamp, you can argue that Averett has the best chance of making the team. His proven production, experience and enough youth would make him an excellent addition to the slot corner room.
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