With coaching camp on the way in which, it’s time to start out pumping out Steelers predictions, starting with projecting the 53-man roster. It’s approach too early, however that gained’t cease us, or anybody else, from making an attempt to foretell the longer term. Now, usually sufficient, an excellent 80 p.c of the roster is already set in stone barring the surprising. There are at all times a pair surprises right here and there, although, making the train a bit of extra fulfilling. So with out additional ado, my pre-training camp Steelers 53-man roster prediction.
Offense (25):
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
No surprises right here. The Steelers will carry precisely the identical three quarterbacks on the roster as everyone suspects. I don’t even suppose there’ll even be any intrigue concerning the backup spot, however quite what number of reps Howard sees in coaching camp.
Working Again (4): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell, Cordarrelle Patterson
I believe if the Steelers didn’t plan on carrying Cordarrelle Patterson on the 53-man roster, he can be gone already. However he’s nonetheless right here on the eve of coaching camp, so I think he’ll wind up there in September.
Large Receiver (5): DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
Do the Steelers actually need to suit Scotty Miller onto the 53-man roster? No, not whereas there’s a beautiful spot ready for him, Brandon Johnson, and Roc Taylor on the observe squad. Skowronek is the particular teamer, whereas Austin and Wilson will jockey for taking part in time.
Tight Finish (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Connor Heyward is a particular groups ace, incomes a spot on the Steelers’ 53-man roster. Bear in mind, I’m making a prediction about what I believe will occur, quite than essentially doing what I would do.
Offensive Line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Ryan McCollum, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook dinner
I’m curious to see how Pittsburgh evaluates and values Cook dinner. Did he fall out of favor final 12 months simply due to harm, and can he be again in good graces? Calvin Austin just isn’t the Steelers’ very best swing sort out, so having Cook dinner on the roster to compete wouldn’t damage. I believe the highest eight spots listed here are fairly effectively entrenched by now, barring an outdoor addition.
Protection (25):
Defensive Line (6): Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, DeMarvin Leal
The Steelers usually preserve six defensive linemen on the 53-man roster, and can fall again to that, regardless of latest developments. They actually don’t want seven, particularly when not less than one if not two will probably be inactive. For now, I’m really going out on a limb and predicting Leal makes it as a flexible piece. He also can play outdoors linebacker, not less than in idea. Ekuale is only a higher model of Isaiahh Loudermilk, so why carry each? He’ll be on the observe squad, together with Dean Lowry or Logan Lee, or another L.
Outdoors Linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
The Steelers have had this spot on the roster set in stone since drafting Jack Sawyer within the fourth spherical. Positive, you might make a case for Jeremiah Moon on particular groups, however he’s fourth or fifth on the totem pole there at finest.
Inside Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
Regardless of some intrigue, the Steelers preserve Cole Holcomb on the 53-man roster. His willingness to play particular groups locks up his spot, and Carson Bruener unseats Mark Robinson because of greater upside. They’ll preserve Robinson round on the observe squad, although.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Beanie Bishop Jr., Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre
Sure, I’m leaving Brandin Echols off the Steelers’ 53-man roster. Reportedly, they weren’t even utilizing him inside, and so they have sufficient outdoors corners already. And if Jalen Ramsey is taking part in within the slot, together with slot-capable safeties, he isn’t wanted.
Security (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, TBD
I’m not going to pencil in Sebastian Castro for the Steelers’ 53-man roster simply because. I genuinely suppose a security not at present on the roster is within the crew’s plans, who will make the squad. Who it’s or once they add him, I don’t know, however it is going to be anyone.
Specialist: Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
In a surprising upset, Chris Boswell holds off Ben Sauls to retain his kicker place. No, however significantly, Johnston and Kuntz might should battle to maintain their spots on the Steelers’ roster. Johnston has stiffer competitors in opposition to Corliss Waitman, however they preserve including lengthy snappers. I wouldn’t be completely shocked if hey made a swap there.
