Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, I’ve revised my 53-man preliminary roster predictions for the crew’s cutdown date later this month. There’s loads of adjustments from this model and our final one made previous to coaching camp. The following roster prediction will come following Saturday’s second preseason recreation in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Earlier Steelers Roster Predictions
Put up-Draft Prediction
Pre-Coaching Camp Prediction
OFFENSE – 25
Quarterbacks (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Evaluation: Skylar Thompson’s preseason outing was spectacular and creates an open query about how he may keep on with the crew past the summer season. Putting Will Howard on designated-to-return injured reserve is a chance and the almost certainly path for Thompson to make the crew. However till there’s extra readability over Howard’s rehab and Thompson’s play — he’ll get a lot extra snaps Saturday in opposition to Tampa Bay — I’ll preserve issues establishment for now.
Working Backs (3) – Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Evaluation: No adjustments to working again, a bunch that feels settled until there’s harm. Warren sitting out and Gainwell barely taking part in within the opener speaks to that. Johnson is a proficient runner however should present extra as a blocker and receiver to have a big function on this offense. Behind these three are enjoyable follow squad battles.
Fullback (0) – None
Evaluation: I’ve stubbornly included rookie DJ Thomas-Jones on my earlier lists. Not right here. Injured for a piece of coaching camp and lacking the Jaguars recreation, he’s combating only for follow squad consideration.
Tight Ends (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Evaluation: Connor Heyward makes his means again onto the roster. Primarily for his particular groups worth however Arthur Smith will need to run some four-tight finish personnel this season. Rookie JJ Galbreath hasn’t proven sufficient to bump him off the roster.
Vast Receivers (5) – DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller
Evaluation: The primary 4 spots are just about sewn up. The fifth spot is fluid and open. Swapping out Robert Woods for Miller, who has persistently made performs all summer season and is somebody I believe Aaron Rodgers likes. Miller is flexible and probably the quickest receiver on the crew, no small feat given who surrounds him. Rookies Ke’Shawn Williams, Roc Taylor, and Max Hurleman have made their performs however not on the make-the-53 degree but. Should see extra from all three.
Offensive Tackles (4) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Dylan Prepare dinner
Evaluation: Anderson was injured throughout Friday Night time Lights and the timetable for his return is unsure. It compels the crew to maintain Prepare dinner, who can play both deal with spot and has had a serviceable coaching camp. The Steelers must look to the waiver wire/commerce market at cutdowns for o-line depth. It’s their weakest space.
Offensive Guards (3) – Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson
Evaluation: Anderson would be the high backup at each guard spots. Nobody else on the roster is threatening for a spot.
Facilities (3) – Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum, Max Scharping
Evaluation: McCollum has been damage all through camp and missed the Steelers’ preseason opener Saturday. Scharping is restricted however can play guard or heart and is a veteran to again finish an general younger Steelers offensive line. Retaining 10 linemen is heavy however accidents are taking part in a job why.
DEFENSE – 25
Defensive Ends (4) – Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Evaluation: A once-intense d-line battle has thinned out. Black, who has performed finish and never nostril deal with, is firmly on the roster with a great coaching camp. Loudermilk has a low ceiling, however the crew is aware of him nicely, not less than. Breiden Fehoko will attempt to push for a spot late this summer season. Esezi Otomewo missed per week with harm whereas Logan Lee obtained simply 4 snaps within the Steelers’ preseason opener.
Nostril Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Daniel Ekuale
Evaluation: Ekuale might find yourself taking part in some defensive finish as soon as the roster is decreased however he’s solely been a nostril deal with within the Steelers’ base 3-4. He’s sturdy and might plug the run behind Benton.
EDGE Rushers (4) –T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Evaluation: No adjustments right here. DeMarvin Leal has had his moments in camp however was much less efficient in Saturday’s recreation. He isn’t going to bump off Jack Sawyer however is working to be the No. 5 outdoors linebacker. Proper now, it’s not going to occur.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
Evaluation: Mark Robinson has had a great camp and will make the 53-man roster over rookie Carson Bruener, working forward of him all through the summer season. Cole Holcomb appears to be like wholesome and will make it, too. The Steelers hope is Payton Wilson performs all the bottom 3-4 and nickel snaps, leaving the others as pure backups and particular teamers.
Cornerbacks (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop Jr., James Pierre
Evaluation: Cory Trice Jr. has all of the expertise on the earth and not one of the well being. Maybe he recovers and returns late this summer season, however his harm historical past is simply too worrisome. Rookie Donte Kent has missed essential time with a foot harm. He may return too however is at the moment eyeing a follow squad spot.
Echols is a high backup with a formidable summer season whereas Pierre has performed nicely and ought to be a beginning gunner.
Safeties (4) – DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Chuck Clark
Evaluation: Chuck Clark was an early camp addition and will make this crew with relative ease. Pittsburgh likes his versatility, expertise, and physicality. Nonetheless, Jalen Ramsey will see a good quantity of security reps.
SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
Kicker (1) – Chris Boswell
Evaluation: Boz is secure. His solely summer season storyline is the revised contract he’s looking for.
Punter (1) – Cameron Johnston
Evaluation: Enjoyable battle between Corliss Waitman and Cameron Johnston. For now, Johnston maintains a slight edge. He’s confirmed his well being, and the Steelers have the contract invested in him.
Lengthy Snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz
Evaluation: Kuntz will proceed to function the Steelers’ snapper.
Gameday Inactives (Week 1): Will Howard, Scotty Miller, Max Scharping, Calvin Anderson, Cole Holcomb
Inactives can change on a weekly foundation based mostly on recreation plan and accidents. O-line well being will dictate the backup hats. Holcomb has labored on particular groups however isn’t a “core” man like Robinson and Harrison, making him odd man out.
PRACTICE SQUAD (17)
QB: Skylar Thompson
RB: Trey Sermon, Evan Hull
WR: Roc Taylor, Max Hurleman, Ke’Shawn Williams
TE: JJ Galbreath
OL: Doug Nester, Andrus Peat
DL: Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee
ILB: Carson Bruener
EDGE: Julius Welschof
CB: Cameron McCutcheon, D’Shawn Jamison, Donte Kent
S: Sebastian Castro
Thompson might draw leaguewide curiosity however the Steelers will nonetheless attempt to sneak him onto their follow squad. Half the league solely carries two quarterbacks on its 53 nowadays. Sermon and Hull are versatile whereas the three rookie receivers have made performs. Galbreath is sweet taxi squad fodder. Nester can play both guard spot whereas Peat is a flexible veteran.
Otomewo and Lee spherical out the d-line, additional depth wanted understanding Cam Heyward will get loads of relaxation throughout every week. Bruener begins his NFL profession on the follow squad. Welshof is the crew’s worldwide exemption, permitting the Steelers to maintain 17 on their follow squad. Cornerback is fairly heavy, and Kent’s well being will dictate his future. Castro made performs on particular groups Saturday night time in Jacksonville, giving him a slender nod over Quindell Johnson.
