Steelers Add ‘Massive’ TE, Versatile Edge Rusher to Rookie Minicamp: Report

Two more players will appear at Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp this weekend. Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney reported on May 11 that the Steelers added former Michigan tight end Joel Honigford and linebacker Joshua Pryor to the team’s rookie minicamp roster.

Honigford worked out with the Steelers in October. He also had a 2023 stint with the Arizona Cardinals although he didn’t appear in a game.

Pryor played seven games for the Washington Commanders during 2023. Both Honigford and Pryor went undrafted last spring.

Honigford will bring more size to the Steelers tight end room. He stood at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds at his 2023 pro day.

“Massive college tight end who is primarily a blocker,” wrote Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline in 2023. “Honigford has speed limitations and is not an offensive threat, but he would be very useful for a team that needs a blocking TE in short-yardage or goal-line situations.”

Pryor could provide the Steelers depth along the edge. But he lined up in multiple spots during his college career. He played mostly special teams for the Commanders.

“[We’ve] seen him line up at 3 technique, 5 technique and off the edge during his college career,” wrote NFL.com’s Charles Davis. “To me, he probably fits best as an edge rusher who could potentially move inside on passing downs.

“He did a nice job not only of rushing the passer, but playing the run, as well.”

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Steelers Taking Another Look at TE Joel Honigford

Honigford caught just 1 pass during his college career at Michigan. But basically being used as an extra offensive lineman, Honigford helped pave the way for the Wolverines rushing attack.

During his final college season, Michigan finished fifth in rushing yards in the entire country. The Wolverines went undefeated in conference play and captured the Big Ten championship.

Honigford’s college career ended with a loss to TCU in the College Football Playoffs semifinals.

New Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves using multiple-tight end sets. So, it makes sense for Pittsburgh to bring in another tight end.

But the Steelers are already pretty deep at the position. Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward are returning from last season while Mycole Pruitt and Rodney Williams are also on the team’s 90-man roster.

Honigford may have to distinguish himself on special teams and at tight end to even earn a practice squad role in Pittsburgh.

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Steelers Add Joshua Pryor to Rookie Minicamp Roster

Pryor didn’t come from a major college like Honigford did. But he already has NFL experience, and there could be an opportunity in Pittsburgh based on the team’s current roster.

The Steelers lost veteran edge rusher Markus Golden to free agency this offseason. Therefore, they could use addition depth behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig.

Pittsburgh has promising edge rushers Kyron Johnson, David Perales and Jeremiah Moon also on the roster. But none of them have played more than 99 defensive snaps in the NFL.

Pryor played 1 defensive snaps and 157 snaps on special teams with the Commanders.

He could compete with those three players along with undrafted rookies Julius Welschof and Jacoby Windmon this summer.

The first step for both Honigford and Pryor, though, is to perform well enough at rookie minicamp to earn a summer contract.

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