Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 Players Who Stood Out in Second Preseason Game

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The Pittsburgh Steelers got their first win of the preseason in Week 2 with a 26-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

The actual game came right down to the end, but more importantly, it was another opportunity to evaluate players looking to make the team.

Here are 10 players who made an impression either in a good or bad way in the teams’ second preseason game.

Danny Hrapmann

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Danny Hrapmann has a long way to go to surpass Shaun Suisham as the Steelers’ kicker. However, the undrafted rookie had a pretty strong game.

Not only did Hrapmann make all four of his field goal attempts, he also showed off his big leg by booming the kickoffs out of the endzone.

If Hrapmann can keep up this kind of play, then he has a shot to make Steelers fans happy and supplant Suisham as the Steelers’ kicker.

Kelvin Beachum

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Kelvin Beachum had another rough game against the Colts with a few holding penalties and he was routinely beat.

Beachum struggled against the Eagles as well, and the only good thing is that the Steelers coaching staff is giving him a lot of snaps in these games.

That means they at least want to get an extended look at Beachum and that he is probably destined for the practice squad.

Trai Essex

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Trai Essex has been a solid backup at pretty much every position on the offensive line for the Steelers, however, he is not having a good preseason.

Essex struggled against the Eagles in Week 1, and against the Colts it was much of the same.

Although Essex is still probably going to make the team, if he keeps up this kind of play, the team could decide to keep someone like Ryan Lee or John Malecki.

Ike Taylor

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Ike Taylor has been one of the most underrated corners in the league because of his inability to actually catch interceptions.

The pick six against the Colts was a nice play. However, other than that I do not think Ike had a very good game in coverage.

Normally, Ike blankets the other teams No. 1 receiver, but ever since about the middle of last season, he seems to be getting beat more.

Ryan Clark

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Against the Colts, Ryan Clark was flying all over the field making plays and laying hits on the opposing team.

When Clark is on the field, it allows Troy Polamalu to do what he does best without fear of compromising the Steelers’ defense.

The only disheartening thing about his performance was that it is just another reminder that he is not going to be able to play in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.

Mike Adams

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The Steelers offensive line seems to be coming together with the only spot up in the air at the left tackle position.

With two preseason games in the books, it looks like the starting job is Max Starks to lose whenever he is healthy enough to take the field.

Mike Adams did not have a terrible game against the Colts, but he still has a long way to go before he’s ready to be the Steelers starting LT.

The Running Backs

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With Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman sidelined against the Colts, Jonathan Dwyer was given a chance to start and he ran probably the best of the running backs.

Baron Batch’s best play in the game in my opinion was a block he threw to take out two Colts during Antonio Brown's 57-yard touchdown catch.

Chris Rainey, as expected, showed his speed and receiving ability, and even Jason Ford was impressive for only being signed last week.

Antonio Brown

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With one play in the first quarter, Antonio Brown showed that he is worth every penny the Steelers decided to pay him this offseason.

Brown took a screen pass from Ben Roethlisberger and weaved through Colts for a 57-yard touchdown reception.

Although one play doesn’t make a career or a season, Brown just continued a great offseason while Mike Wallace still holds out.

David Gilreath

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The Steelers have been waiting for any young receiver to step up, and David Gilreath has definitely helped his chances with his performance against the Colts.

Gilreath caught all four passes thrown his way in the game for 78 yards—his longest being a 41-yard grab on a play where the Steelers had the Colts offside.

Only three receivers caught a pass in the game, and Gilreath showed a good ability to not only get open but to fight for the first down.

Adrian Robinson

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It has been well documented about all of the injuries the team has sustained to the linebacker position, and Adrian Robinson has certainly taken advantage.

In two preseason games, Robinson has shown an ability to get in the opposing teams backfield, and I thought he really improved against the run from Week 1.

As an undrafted free agent, Robinson was seen as a long shot to make the team when camp started. However, now I would be surprised if he didn’t earn a spot.