Steelers gamers report back to coaching camp on Wednesday with 91 gamers on the roster together with worldwide pathways exemption OLB Julius Welschof. After the ultimate preseason recreation in late August, that 91-man roster will likely be trimmed right down to 53. Performances at coaching camp will seemingly change this checklist rather a lot, however I wished to take a stab at a 53-man roster prediction with a lot of the trades and signings seemingly out of the way in which.
OFFENSE – 24
Quarterbacks (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Evaluation: There shouldn’t be a ton of controversy with this group. Rodgers and Rudolph are locks, and it makes extra sense to maintain the promising rookie round over Skylar Thompson. In the event that they get right down to their third string this yr, the season might be already misplaced. No have to maintain Thompson’s expertise over Howard.
Operating Backs (3) – Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Evaluation: Cordarrelle Patterson continues to be on the roster, however he barely did something on kick return final season and his age began to indicate after a short flash of success in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts. Kenneth Gainwell is a youthful and higher model of Patterson at this level and may help out on the return unit and as a receiver out of the backfield.
Tight Ends (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Evaluation: Arthur Smith groups have a tendency to love holding 4 tight ends, and different core particular teamers like Mark Robinson and James Pierre are liable to shedding their spots. I don’t assume Danny Smith desires that a lot turnover on particular groups, so Heyward retains his spot for now. They will additionally use Smith and Heyward as quasi-fullbacks at instances.
Huge Receivers (5) – DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
Evaluation: They stored 5 final yr, and it appears like they’ll achieve this once more. Perhaps Brandon Johnson, Roc Taylor or Ke’Shawn Williams might shock as a sixth, however they appear destined for the observe squad to start out the season. Skowronek sticks round as a key particular teamer and a favourite of each Arthur Smith and Danny Smith.
Offensive Tackles (3) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson
Evaluation: Calvin Anderson versus Dylan Prepare dinner needs to be an fascinating camp competitors, however Anderson’s expertise wins out because the swing deal with.
Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Doug Nester
Evaluation: Spencer Anderson will stick round as the first inside swing with the aptitude to play deal with in a pinch. The ultimate guard also needs to be probably the greatest competitions in camp. I used to be between Nick Broeker and Nester, however finally went with Nester’s dimension and his built-in chemistry with Zach Frazier from their West Virginia days.
Facilities (2) – Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum
Evaluation: McCollum proved he might deal with a beginning position within the couple video games that Frazier missed final season. They need to have faith of their middle depth because of this.
DEFENSE – 26
Defensive Ends (5) – Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Esezi Otomewo
Evaluation: Heyward, Harmon and Ekuale needs to be locks, however the remainder of this group will likely be fluid all through camp. They introduced Loudermilk again for a cause, and appear to belief him greater than DeMarvin Leal lately. Leal lastly will get lower after a number of disappointing years. Otomewo has nearly as good an opportunity as any to seize the final spot with ultimate measurables and at the very least some beginning expertise within the NFL.
Nostril Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black
Evaluation: Karl Dunbar might have initially known as Black an finish, however he later clarified that he can play throughout. If not Black, then who’s the backup nostril? Logan Lee performed some nostril in camp final yr earlier than getting injured, however his measurables don’t make a lot sense there in comparison with Black. Two Iowa canine, one bone for Black and Lee. Perhaps they’ll get Lee to the observe squad.
EDGE Rushers (4) –T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Evaluation: With Watt agreeing to phrases on his contract, there shouldn’t be a lot controversy right here. Jeremiah Moon doesn’t supply sufficient to beat out Sawyer, who the Steelers actually appeared to worth within the draft as a fourth-round choose. With a crowded ILB room, there isn’t room for 5 exterior backers.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
Evaluation: That is as deep of an ILB room because the Steelers have had in a really very long time. Holcomb’s inexperienced dot expertise is invaluable to the crew within the occasion Queen will get injured. Harrison is a flexible run stuffer to assist exchange Elandon Roberts. Bruener needs to be competing with Mark Robinson, however the youthful possibility with extra years of low-cost crew management ought to have the within observe. Plus, Danny Smith appeared to really need him within the draft.
Cornerbacks (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Cory Trice Jr., Brandin Echols, Donte Kent
Evaluation: That is by far the hardest group to slim down. The Steelers nearly at all times maintain 10 whole defensive backs. The one time in latest reminiscence they stored extra was 2020, however that was 5 safeties and 6 corners. Porter, Ramsey, Slay and Trice are the gamers I really feel essentially the most assured about. That leaves Echols, Kent, Bishop and Pierre to compete for 2 spots. Echols ought to have the within observe with essentially the most expertise, versatility and the very best paycheck. If Pierre will get bumped, they’ll want a gunner, and Kent will likely be competing for that position.
Bishop failing to make the roster might come as a shock to some, however the addition of Ramsey actually complicates issues for him. And so they changed him the primary probability they received final season with Cameron Sutton, who actually struggled on the sector. If Kent makes it, don’t be shocked if Bishop is the odd man out.
Safeties (4) – DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Sebastian Castro
Evaluation: The depth here’s a concern, and it’s essentially the most logical place to make one other roster transfer. Sebastian Castro is penciled in for now, however that would change if the Steelers add a veteran security between now and the beginning of the season. Killebrew ought to proceed to be a particular groups captain.
SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
Kicker (1) – Chris Boswell
Evaluation: Greatest kicker in soccer. No dialog right here.
Punter (1) – Cameron Johnston
Evaluation: Corliss Waitman would possibly put up a struggle, however Johnston appeared unbelievable earlier than his damage final yr. And he stayed extremely engaged whereas damage to assist put together the punt and punt return items.
Lengthy Snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz
Evaluation: They introduced in some competitors for him like at all times, however no actual cause to make a swap. He signed a three-year contract with the Steelers final offseason.
