The Pittsburgh Steelers were fortunate to have stability at the safety position over the past four seasons in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds. With Edmunds opting to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, the Steelers will likely call upon multiple players to fill his role. As of now, the two most likely candidates to do so are Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal. Both players have their own unique set of skills that may end up proving to be an upgrade in terms of productivity over the recently departed safety.
Kazee will likely handle a majority of the responsibilities opposite of Fitzpatrick. During his first season in Pittsburgh in 2022, the former Atlanta Falcons' draft pick was highly impressive, notching two interceptions in nine games. At 5'11" and 174 pounds, Kazee lacks the type of size the Steelers look for with their in-the-box safeties. Fortunately, Neal does not at 6'0" and 211 pounds. Over the course of his seven-year NFL career, he has proved to be a highly physical safety who is willing and able to defend the run.
During a recent interview posted on the DK Pittsburgh Sports YouTube Channel, Neal described his style of play and how he thrives in playing close to the line of scrimmage.
"I'm all about it. Physicality as part of the game is what I enjoy. Being close to the line of scrimmage, blitzing, doing all of those different things, that's part of my game for sure," answered Neal.
Neal's Ability To Play A Variety Of Roles Will Be Huge For The Steelers In 2023
Neal is far from a full-time starter at this point in his career, but there is no denying that he can still make an impact in the right situation. In addition to his duties as a two-deep safety, the former first-round pick will be asked to play alongside both Fitzpatrick and Kazee in three-safety sets, as well as serve as a dime linebacker in passing situations. With the Steelers' lack of depth at coverage inside linebackers, this role may end up being Neal's top priority. While he may be officially listed as a safety on the roster, Neal plays with a linebacker's mentality when it comes to defending the middle of the field.
During the same interview, Neal talked about his willingness to take part in "positionless football," a term often used by Head Coach, Mike Tomlin.
"I think that's what the game is evolving to. Guys who can move around, play different positions, and be chess pieces," said Neal.
Steelers' Secondary May Be The Key To Winning The AFC North
As with every other team in the NFL, the Steelers will only go as far as their quarterback, Kenny Pickett, will take them in 2023. Apart from that, there may not be another group that is under more pressure than the secondary. With the AFC having an abundance of talent at signal-caller such as Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen, it will take a collective effort from the team's cornerbacks and safeties next season to help slow down opposing teams' passing attacks.
The team has done well over the past few months of adding both veteran free agents such as Neal, Patrick Peterson and Chandon Sullivan, as well as promising young players via the 2023 NFL Draft in Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. The new additions will join an already talented group of defensive backs. On paper, the Steelers have more talent in their secondary than they have had in quite some time.
Combine an improved level of play in the back half of the defense with an unrelenting pass rush, and the Steelers are poised to have one of the most well-rounded defenses in the NFL. While many outside of Pittsburgh believe the unit will take a step back this upcoming season due to the losses of Edmunds and Cam Sutton, there is reason to believe that the team will have all the necessary pieces to be better than their 2022 form. Get ready, Steeler Nation. Training camp will be here in no time!
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
What role do you expect Neal to play in 2023? How confident are you in the Steelers' secondary? Who will lead the team in interceptions this upcoming season? Let it be known in the comments!
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