CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Tuzar Skipper is nothing if not confident.
The linebacker oozes it. And it's served him well thus far on his journey to make the Steelers roster as an undrafted rookie out of Toledo.
Confidence alone won't win Skipper a spot on an NFL roster. No, that will only come if Skipper shows he can be a valuable member of the Steelers or on some other team's roster.
But Skipper has continued to rise through the ranks throughout the Steelers' training camp and preseason. He opened training camp working with the third- and fourth-team units. Then he worked with the second-team defense, in part because of injuries, in part because of his preseason play. Last week, he even worked a little in practice with the first-team defense.
"It's a confidence booster," Skipper told me. "When you’re going against the 3s, you kick the 3s' butt. Can I get a little better competition? You go against the 2s and you’re kicking 2s' butts. That really shows this is where I belong. It’s just a confidence booster. I just go out and do what I’ve got to do to the best of my ability. My confidence is definitely up there right now."
It's showing.
Skipper has recorded a sack in each of the Steelers' first three preseason games. He'll get a chance to make it four in a row when the Steelers close out their preseason Thursday night against the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Mike Tomlin won't play any of his starters in this game with the regular season opener now just over a week away. That will provide Skipper and a number of other young players plenty of opportunities to make a final impression.
Skipper, who had 11.5 sacks in his final season at Toledo, has shown he can rush the passer. He's also shown he can be solid against the run. What he hasn't quite shown yet is if he can drop into coverage well or play much on special teams.
"I do drop back," the 246-pound former college defensive end said. "I’m not going to question it. I love rushing. I love covering. Anything I’ve got to do to get on that field.
"I had once chance to do it in college. We had one defensive call where if the running back ran a wheel route, I was supposed to go with him. And I blew my chance at doing that."
He can't make that same mistake here if he hopes to earn a roster spot.
After working at it for the past few months, Skipper feels ready to be more responsible in coverage.
"It’s just understanding the defense. Of course you’ve got the natural talent to go out and do things or else you wouldn’t be out there," he told me. "But once you understand things, you can actually go out and execute. You could put anyone out there and just say, ‘See ball, get ball.’ You’re not going to make as many plays as you will once you understand the playbook. Playmaking will come. It’s catching up to me now. Now, I’m able to go and make those plays."
Unfortunately, that has not applied to special teams play. Skipper did not see a single special teams snap against the Titans and has played just three snaps in the preseason.
"I don't know why I am not playing special teams. I want to play special teams," he emphasized. "I am not saying, 'I don't wanna play special teams.'"
Maybe he'll get his chance in this game.
THE ESSENTIALS
• What: Preseason Week 4
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Bank of America Stadium
• TV: KDKA (local)
• Radio: 102.5 WDVE, ESPN Pittsburgh
• Satellite: SiriusXM 81, Internet 826
• Forecast: 75 degrees, 0 percent chance of rain
• Lots open: 2 p.m.
• Will call open: 2 p.m.
• Gates open: 6:30 p.m.
• Boxscore: NFL Game Center
• Odds: MyBookie.AG
TEN TO WATCH
1. Josh Dobbs -- Dobbs has had his ups and downs in this preseason. He's made some very good throws at times and some plays with his legs. But he's completing just 53.6 percent of his passes and has a passer rating of 55.5. Dobbs will get the start in this game, giving him one last chance to show he belongs as the No. 2 over Mason Rudolph.
2. Tuzar Skipper -- Skipper, No. 51 defense, has been active in the preseason, recording three sacks in the team's first three preseason games. He easily outplayed Sutton Smith last week. And with Ola Adeniyi still sidelined while recovering from a minor knee scope, Skipper could push for a spot on the roster -- or at least the practice squad.
3. Benny Snell -- Snell, No. 24 on offense, hasn't shined as much as anyone would have expected in the preseason, gaining 42 yards on 20 carries in the team's first two games before sitting out last week with a groin injury. Snell isn't in danger of not making this team. But a solid effort here would alleviate some concerns about his long-term ability to contribute.
4. Diontae Johnson -- Like Snell, Johnson sat out the last game with an undisclosed injury. He also missed the team's first preseason game with a hip issue. And part of OTAs with a hamstring. You get the idea. Johnson had three catches for 46 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. He'll get a shot to show he can contribute in this game, both as a receiver and in the return game.
5. Devlin Hodges -- Hodges, No. 6 on offense, didn't get into the game against the Titans. But he'll likely play all or most of the second half in this game. If he has another good showing, could the Steelers be tempted to move on from Dobbs?
6. Diontae Spencer -- Spencer, No. 82 on offense, is averaging 14.7 yards per punt return and has gained 48 yards on two rushing attempts and 17 yards on two receptions. He also gained 35 yards on his only kick return. If he breaks one in this game, the coaching staff would have to think long and hard about keeping him.
7. Xavier Grimble -- The Steelers' No. 2 tight end could find himself No. 3 or even off the roster if the team is forced to make a move, as expected, to acquire a veteran who is cut or traded. Grimble is a solid blocker. A couple of catches in this game would go a long way.
8. Isaiah Buggs -- Buggs, No. 96 on defense, flashed early in the preseason but had a tough go of it against the Titans. There's a sixth defensive line spot on the line. Does he win it or leave the door open for Casey Sayles or Henry Mondeaux?
9. Ulysees Gilbert -- Gilbert has done enough to catch the eye of the coaching staff, but has the rookie linebacker done enough to win a spot on the 53-man roster? A special teams tackle or two wouldn't hurt there. Robert Spillane is pushing for a job there, as well. Can the Steelers keep both? If so, they would have to short another position.
10. Artie Burns -- Burns isn't going anywhere. He's going to make this team. He's played well in the preseason. But there is always going to be a segment of fans who don't trust him. Another good preseason game could make some of those people see him in a new light. Nah, probably not.