Asante Samuel Jr. is forcing his way into Steelers lineup

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Asante Samuel Jr., the move was largely viewed as an opportunistic depth addition to bolster the secondary. However, as training camp rolls on, the former second-round pick is quickly proving that his ceiling in Pittsburgh extends far beyond a traditional backup role.

Through the early weeks of camp in Latrobe and into the preseason opener, Samuel has put together a dominant stretch of play. His crisp coverage and knack for shutting down opposing receivers have sparked serious conversations about how the coaching staff can fit him onto the field alongside starters Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean.

Speaking on the “Locked on Steelers” podcast, host Christopher Carter highlighted how Samuel’s impressive performance gives defensive coordinators a unique blueprint to optimize their lineup.

"He has been lighting it up. He has been shutting it down. He had a great first preseason game," Carter noted. "He has the opportunity, in my opinion, to shake things up because he can be the guy that gives the Steelers confidence that, you know what, we got to put him at in the starting rotation somehow."

Rather than forcing Samuel into a rigid reserve position, Carter suggested that using him on the perimeter allows Pittsburgh to unleash three elite cover men simultaneously while unlocking greater scheme flexibility for veteran stars like Jalen Ramsey.

"What if you just want to put the three best covermen we have in Porter, Dean, and Asante Samuel Jr., and we just blanket everyone out there and we erase wide receivers?" Carter posited. "That would be enticing for the Steelers. It would also put them in a position where Jalen Ramsey, maybe he can play more free safety and he's that guy that at the free safety position that they haven't had yet."

As preseason action continues, Samuel’s play is forcing the front office and coaching staff to rethink their depth chart, turning a crowded secondary into a distinct defensive strength.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Asante Samuel Jr. is forcing his way into Steelers lineup