Kozora: Steelers 2025 Roster Prediction (Pre-Coaching Camp Version)

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Earlier than gamers report back to Latrobe for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 coaching camp, I’m providing a pre-camp 53-man roster prediction. My first one was revealed in Could shortly after the draft and since, the Steelers have made a lot of strikes. Broad receiver George Pickens and free security Minkah Fitzpatrick have been traded, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight finish Jonnu Smith added, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed.

With all that in thoughts, my greatest guesses as to how the crew’s roster will look instantly following roster cutdowns. My subsequent prediction will come later this summer season, probably proper after the preseason opener.

OFFENSE – 24

Quarterbacks (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

Evaluation: I don’t slot Howard’s probabilities at one hundred pc and Skylar Thompson’s veteran resume may give him an early camp edge. Nonetheless, Howard is the clear favourite to win the No. 3 job. Rodgers and Rudolph are entrenched within the starter and high backup spots.

Working Backs (3) – Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

Evaluation: There’s a handful of attention-grabbing names on the roster behind these three and even Cordarrelle Patterson has caught round longer than many anticipated. Nonetheless, these three are roster locks with a various talent set who can hopefully breathe life into the Steelers’ working recreation. Division of labor and roles can be enjoyable to trace all through camp.

Fullback (1) – DJ Thomas-Jones

Evaluation: Not quitting the thought of Thomas-Jones making the roster. With dimension that jogs my memory a lot of ex-Steeler David Johnson, Thomas-Jones could be a highly effective lead blocker in an Arthur Smith offense that missed a fullback a yr in the past. Proving his price on particular groups can be vital to Thomas-Jones making the 53.

Tight Ends (3) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington

Evaluation: These three set in stone. I’m once more leaving Connor Heyward off the checklist and don’t need to low cost his probabilities solely. He’s a real roster bubble participant and his particular groups background is effective. However Freiermuth, Smith, and Washington are the apparent high three.

Broad Receivers (5) – DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Robert Woods

Evaluation: Exit George Pickens and Pittsburgh hasn’t introduced another receivers in since. The crew appears to be leaning on its tight ends and younger receivers, Austin and Wilson, to fill within the gaps. Woods will play the function of Van Jefferson or Allen Robinson II, a veteran blocker, whereas Skowronek is a robust particular teamer. A wholesome Roman Wilson all through camp could be the perfect storyline right here.

Offensive Tackles (3) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson

Evaluation: Poor offensive line depth stays a high concern and these roster workout routines replicate that. Anderson signed a two-year deal and figures to be the highest sort out behind Jones and Fautanu, two younger gamers vital to the Steelers’ success. This growing entrance 5 should come collectively and play to its potential.

Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Nick Broeker

Evaluation: Seumalo and McCormick will begin at left and proper guard, respectively. Anderson is the highest backup however can’t be a multi-game reply if there are accidents. Broeker was added within the spring and has guard and sort out flexibility, a robust run blocker who matches the type of offense Pittsburgh seeks.

Facilities (2) – Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum

Evaluation: Not a lot to debate or talk about right here. Frazier is the locked-in starter whereas McCollum will virtually actually be his backup. He’s additionally arguably the highest backup offensive lineman on the crew.

DEFENSE – 26

Defensive Ends (5) – Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Daniel Ekuale, Esezi Otomewo, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Evaluation: Following Ross McCorkle’s lead to shock with Otomewo on my 53, a participant actually flying underneath the radar. His NFL resume is gentle, however he has the dimensions profile Pittsburgh seems for (6-5, roughly 290 kilos with 34.5-inch arms) and in only a handful of 2024 snaps, confirmed he may rush the passer a bit. That’ll pair properly with extra run defense-minded backups like Ekuale, Loudermilk, and Yayha Black.

Nostril Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Yayha Black

Evaluation: Including Black to my 53 after leaving him off in my first version. His spot isn’t assured however his fifth-round standing will assist, and he ought to get extra nostril sort out work following Montravius Adams’ launch. The extra Black performs inside, the higher off he’ll be. Benton wants a giant yr because the Steelers’ starter.

EDGE Rushers (4) –T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

Evaluation: No adjustments right here. Jeremiah Moon could possibly be a fast call-up ought to accidents strike however these 4 are locked in. A superb group high to backside, and now there’s no query about Watt’s standing heading into camp.

Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener

Evaluation: The highest three are cemented. The subsequent names usually are not. Cole Holcomb should show his well being and play after a big 2023 knee damage that value him all of final yr. However the crew has believed in him sufficient to maintain him round. Carson Bruener and Mark Robinson are pitted in a fierce battle for the ultimate roster spot. I’ll give the slim edge to Bruener, youthful and underneath contract for 4 seasons whereas Robinson is getting into a contract yr. Ought to be a enjoyable battle to look at.

Cornerbacks (7) – Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Beanie Bishop Jr., Brandin Echols, Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre

Evaluation: Pittsburgh’s revamped its cornerback room this offseason and the unit seems a lot better than a season in the past, Ramsey being the newest addition. Meaning the Steelers may go heavy right here with seven cornerbacks. So much, I do know, however cuts are powerful to seek out. Porter, Ramsey, Slay, and Echols really feel like locks. Bishop was slated to be the crew’s beginning slot nook earlier than the Ramsey deal. It’s onerous to assume he’ll get reduce one month from now.

Trice has struggled to remain wholesome however is gifted and reducing him with older cornerbacks (Slay, Ramsey) with unsure futures past 2025 makes it unwise to dump him. And Pierre is a top quality particular teamer.

As Dave Bryan says, this stuff have a humorous method of working themselves out. Proper now, I’ll keep heavy and see if accidents wither down the checklist.

Safeties (3) – DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew

Evaluation: The shock comes at security. Maintaining 4 or 5 is the norm however this offseason has been something however for Pittsburgh. Don’t preserve gamers simply to succeed in imaginary quotas. Maintain the perfect gamers on the roster. Proper now, Elliott, Thornhill, and Killebrew are the one ones who’ve earned their preserve. Quindell Johnson and Sebastian Castro are worthy sleepers who may make noise however I’ll take a wait-and-see strategy with them.

Importantly, Ramsey’s flexibility to play security provides the Steelers a “fourth” circuitously mirrored on the depth chart. We will’t speak a lot about Ramsey’s utilization there and never present that in roster development. It’s additionally price questioning if somebody like Cory Trice Jr., a part-time faculty security, may see some seems there, too.