Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Says Opportunities Are On The Way For Armon Watts

The Pittsburgh Steelers made many roster moves in 2023 offseason. This included bolstering the defense with new names including Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander and Armon Watts. For some, the starting roles will come easy. For others though, they must prove to the coaches that they can solidify themselves as prominent NFL players. For Watts, he must compete against Isaiahh Loudermilk (who he currently sits behind on the depth chart).

Watts was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. During his three seasons with the Vikings, he would have a total of 90 tackles along with eight sacks. During Watts's rookie season, he would only appear in seven games. Following his rookie season, he would slowly see his role get bigger with the Vikings. On August 31st of 2022, Watts would end up being claimed off of the waiver wire by the Chicago Bears. With the Bears, he would quickly win the starting job alongside other defensive tackle, Justin Jones. 

Watts would only play the 2022 NFL season with the Bears. With the Bears, he would have 18 tackles and just one sack. Watts would not be offered an extension with Chicago, and following the 2022 NFL season, he would hit free agency. Eventually, Watts would be signed by the Steelers to a one-year deal. Entering the 2023 NFL season, Watts now finds himself fighting once again for a major role on an NFL team. With Watts entering his fifth year in the NFL, there is no question that he has enough experience to be able to compete for the rotation spot at defensive tackle. 

Steelers' Watts Looks To Take Advantage

So far, Watts has had a good, but quiet camp. He occasionally makes a good play, then will be quiet for a while. Now, this could easily be because he's not seeing a huge number of reps during practice. Recently though, it looks like that could be changing very fast. On Tuesday, Head Coach, Mike Tomlin talked to the media and 93.7 the fan following team practice. Tomlin was asked what the team has seen in Watts.

“You can tell he’s been in an NFL environment. He’s available consistently every day. He’ll be given an opportunity to state a case for himself for sure.”

Many easily can question why Watts saw so many first-team reps. Truthfully, it could be a lot of things, from veteran leader Cameron Heyward taking a break from team reps, to even just injuries. Furthermore, each opportunity Watts gets, he should take complete advantage. No matter what, each rep Watts sees is a chance for him to show the coach's he has what it takes to be able to come on the field when Heyward does need a break mid-game.

How Will The Steelers Defensive Line Look

Who is currently giving Watts a running for the backup to Heyward? That would be Loudermilk. Loudermilk has been with the Steelers his whole NFL career and was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During his time with the Steelers, he has racked up a total of 30 tackles and just one sack. By the end of the 2022 NFL season, Loudermilk saw himself as second-string behind Heyward and splitting time with versatile defensive lineman, De'Marvin Leal. 

Going into the 2023 NFL season, it will be interesting to see who will eventually be able to gain full control of the second defensive tackle spot. With Watts and Loudermilk fighting for control, it will be a good battle as all of these guys still have yet to show their full potential on the gridiron. With Watts having more experience in the NFL, don't be surprised to see Watts eventually jump Loudermilk. Yet, at the same time, don't expect to not see Loudermilk at all. 

What does Steelernation think? Will Watts be able to take advantage of his opportunities and take control of the second defensive tackle spot. Or, will Watts and Loudermilk split the reps at the second defensive tackle spot. Leave your thoughts down below in the comments.