A forgotten man during camp, Montravius Adams filling significant role on Steelers D-line

Throughout Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, much was made about the depth on the defensive line.

Eight NFL-caliber players were on the roster for what were only six or seven available spots.

Among that group were well-compensated proven starters (Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi). There were the recently drafted young guns (Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk). There were the new veteran acquisitions (Armon Watts, Breiden Fehoko).

And there was Montravius Adams.

Adams, with his $2.5 million salary, was thought to be a candidate to get cut, something he openly acknowledged during camp.

Instead, Adams not only made the team, but he has started all four games. Atop the official depth chart at nose tackle, Adams has played all up and down the D-line and has played the second-most snaps at the position on the team.

“I think ‘Mon’ is doing a really great job,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “Really impressed. He just plays so hard, and he’s playing really good. It’s his third year (with the Steelers) now, and, all of a sudden, you see all of the teaching that he’s been getting in his room. The technique stuff has really taken off (and) you pair it with his motor, you’re starting to get some really good results. He’s been playing really well for us.”

The groin injury suffered by Heyward, of course, plays a part. But among D-linemen, only Ogunjobi has played more than the 58% of the defensive snaps Adams has played. That’s a career high for Adams, who spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers and, after brief stints with the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints, joined the Steelers in November 2021.

“I have been around four teams,” Adams said after a practice last week, “and something I was thinking about today: This is a special group. It’s just getting everybody to realize it.”

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