Julius Welschof was able to collect a lot of plus points in the preseason. What are his chances of making the final roster cut with the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Julius Welschof knew what he wanted right from the start. The goal was clear.

The German linebacker wants a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster. “I have certain expectations myself”, ”I approach it professionally, football is the number one focus for me.”

That’s why the undrafted free agent has also put a lot of emphasis on special teams: “In the NFL, people like to look at whether or not you can play special teams when you’re on the edge. Special teams is something that can be decisive in the end.”

But he didn’t really need this plan B.

Welschof: Three sacks in the preseason

Welschof also impressed on defense in the preseason, collecting a total of three sacks, including two in the final duel with the Detroit Lions (17:24).

What’s more: before the last preseason game, Welschof had collected the most snaps of all players, 100 in total. He played 88 of them in defense, which also gave him the most playing time.

“Working with Julius is a lot of fun. He sits in my office early in the morning and tries to get everything out of the experience. He takes it very seriously and it’s so much fun to coach a guy like that. He makes the things we ask him to do happen,” said outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin.

“He’s worked his butt off every day,” added tackle Keeanu Benton: ‘I’m rooting for him and making sure he knows he’s got it. ’

An important reference person for Welschof is starter Alex Highsmith. “Alex played before me in Charlotte, so as soon as he saw me he came up to me and introduced himself,” said Welschof: ”He took me under his wing. Alex helps me a lot in training and also afterwards.”

Welschof has delivered in preparation, he has not missed a single session, has received more reps than his rivals were injured and absent. And then in the preseason he showed that he would fight for a place in the squad when the opportunities presented themselves.

The big question: Is what he has shown enough for the final squad? The answer will be known by Tuesday, by which time the teams will have to make their roster cuts, trimming their squads down to 53 men

Welschof: How bad is the injury?

However, a possible break is currently causing concern, as Welschof injured his knee against the Lions, as head coach Mike Tomlin explained afterwards. An examination should shed light on the severity of the injury. A longer absence would be extremely annoying and would probably mean the end of the fight for a place in the final squad.

Otherwise, Welschof would not be without a chance, as the deeper spots behind starters T.J. Watt and Highsmith are in contention.

Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson and Welschof are specifically in contention for the OLB4 spot. Moon and Johnson were long considered the favorites, but with impressive playing time, which undoubtedly has its reasons, and the two sacks against the Lions, Welschof has made a case for himself and could well make the jump as a surprise. Without question, however, he has made the decision much more difficult for Tomlin and Co. More than many experts expected beforehand.

What is certain, however, is that Welschof will stay with the Steelers. As part of the International Pathway Program, the team will give Welschof an extra spot on the practice squad, which the 27-year-old would get.

Then he can have another go. He knows what he wants