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5 Young Players Set To Break Out For Pittsburgh Steelers In 2015

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By @Tweets_ByJ

5 Young Players Set To Break Out For Pittsburgh Steelers In 2015

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The Pittsburgh Steelers were defeated in the AFC Wild Card game on Saturday, and that has left the team thinking about next year. It seems like many veterans will be leaving the team due to retirement and poor performance, and this should allow some young players to show what they can do. These players in particular look like they are ready to break out in 2015.

5. Cortez Allen

Pittsburgh Steelers Cortez Allen
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5. Cortez Allen

Pittsburgh Steelers Cortez Allen
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The Steelers have long been without talent at the cornerback position, and they have been hoping Allen would change that. So far in his career, Allen has looked mediocre as a starter, but that didn't stop the Steelers from giving him an extension. His poor play could be blamed on multiple injuries and a short leash from the coaches, but going into the season healthy as the No. 1 guy could allow Allen to reach his potential.

4. Jarvis Jones

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4. Jarvis Jones

Pittsburgh Steelers Jarvis Jones
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When Jones was drafted two seasons ago, many believed he had the talent to go in the top five. Since joining the Steelers, he has not flashed any of that talent as he has been relegated to the role of a backup and special teams performer. Similar to the situation of Allen, Jones has battled injuries and hasn't had a chance to start. With James Harrison and Jason Worilds likely gone next season, Jones should have that shot.

3. Ryan Shazier

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3. Ryan Shazier

Ryan Shazier Pittsburgh Steelers
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Shazier accomplished something that is rarely seen with the Steelers -- he entered his rookie season as a starter. Despite being the starter at the beginning of the season, Shazier battled many injuries and lost his spot to Sean Spence. Once Shazier was healthy, he received more playing time at the end of the season, showing development. With a full offseason to learn the defense, Shazier should become a star in 2015.

2. Shamarko Thomas

Shamarko Thomas Pitsburgh Steelers
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2. Shamarko Thomas

Shamarko Thomas Pitsburgh Steelers
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Thomas has not had to battle injuries in his career. He has been healthy in his first two seasons and has been a special teams star. Thomas has just never had an opportunity to start on the defense because of incumbent safety Troy Polamalu. With Polamalu set to retire, Thomas will finally get an opportunity to show what he can do and won't disappoint in 2015.

1. Martavis Bryant

Martavis Bryant Pittsburgh Steelers
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1. Martavis Bryant

Martavis Bryant Pittsburgh Steelers
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Some people would argue that Bryant had a breakout season with the Steelers in 2014, but Bryant hasn't come anywhere close to his potential. After being inactive for the first six games of the season, Bryant starred as a strong red zone target and situational player with the Steelers. He did the most he could with that playing time, and it looks like he could start next season. If he does, Bryant could be one of the best receivers in the NFL.

Justin Broyles is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @Tweets_ByJ, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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