The draft is over, and free agency has slowed down considerably now.  We are close to knowing the entire  Steelers 90 man roster heading into rookie minicamp.  That means it’s time for our way too early Steelers 53 man roster prediction.  Lots can change between now and opening day, but here is our best guess as to who the final 53 players will be:

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3):

Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, TBD

The only question with this group is who will be the third string quarterback for the Steelers in 2023? The candidates on the roster right now really do not have a shot of making this team.  Nick Foles name has been tossed around lately with him having spent time with the Eagles and Andy Weidl.  Don’t rule out old friend Mason Rudolph as a possible re-signing.

Running backs (3):

Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland

As it stands today, there should be an interesting battle for the third running back spot between Anthony McFarland, and Master Teague.  McFarland offers up something different in terms of speed, while Teague fits the mold of size the Steelers have stressed all off-season.  McFarland’s return ability might give him the edge here depending on how the wide receiver room shakes out.

Wide Receivers: (6)

Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Miles Boykin, Calvin Austin, Hakeem Butler

The first three on our list are locks, while Myles Boykin and Calvin Austin are nearly shoe-ins,  The final wide receiver spot becomes very interesting however.  We’re betting XFL standout Hakeem Butler to win that spot.  Butler is a huge receiver with 4.4 speed whose career has yet to take off.  He is a former fourth round pick of the New York Jets in 2019.  https://www.mockdraftable.com/player/hakeem-butler

Fullbacks (1):

Monte Pottebaum

Take one look at this kid, and tell me he’s not destined to be a Steelers player.  This team needs a true fullback to play the physical style of run game they are planning.  Mark it down, Pottebaum is a lock to make this roster.

Tight ends: (3)

Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Conner Heyward

Drafting Darnell Washington makes incumbent tight end Zach Gentry pretty expendable.  They are the same body type, only Washington is more athletic and a far better blocker.  Conner Heyward is a lock simply by this team’s fascination with siblings.

Tackles (3):

Broderick Jones, Chuks Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr.

It would be a mild upset if Broderick Jones isn’t the day one starter at left tackle for this team.  That would leave Dan Moore as the swing tackle.  This group still seems a little thin.  We expect the Steelers to add another name here to compete with Laraven Clark with an actual shot at making this roster.

Gaurd/Center (6)

Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Kevin Dotson, Mason Cole, Ryan McCollum

The questions surrounding this group are will Kevin Dotson be traded, and who will be the backup center?  Having made it past the draft it seems unlikely Dotson will be traded at this point,  Our initial pick is for McCollum to beat out Spencer Anderson for the backup center position, but stay tuned here.

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6):

Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton, Armon Watts, Isaiaah Loudermilk

The fifth and sixth spots at this position are the ones to keep an eye on here.  Loudermilk will need a strong performance in camp after a disappointing 2022.  Same goes for Montravius Adams who’s place on this team is in serious jeopardy.  Five Steelers players who’s jobs are on the line after the draft

Inside Linebacker (4):

Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse

We will have two new starters at inside linebacker come opening day.  Even with the two new signings, this is probably the thinnest position on the roster as we stand today.  There are only three true inside linebackers, possibly four depending on what position Tanner Muse slots into.  It will be interesting to see if the team adds a veteran to this group as the off-season progresses,

Outside Linebacker (5)

TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Quincy Roche, TBD

The way we see it, this position is three deep as we head into rookie mini camp.  Quincy Roche is a 4th outside linebacker at best, and Nick Herbig is probably best suited as an off the ball linebacker.  Of all the position groups in our Steelers 53 man roster prediction, this is the one most likely to have a name added to it. Possibly even two names if we’re being honest.

Corners (6)

Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr, Levi Wallace, Cory Trice, James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan

This went from a really thin group, to a deep one in the span of a few days.  Pittsburgh drafted two corners, and signed another all within a week. Apparently Chandon Sullivan is your slot corner now that Arthur Maulet has been released.  Would it be crazy to think that Porter and Trice could be the starting corners on this team by season’s end?  We think it’s a very real possibility.

Safeties (4)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontea Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew

Miles Killebrew makes it strictly on his special teams prowess once again.  The rest of this position group is pretty chalk,  By far the easiest one in our Steelers 53 man roster prediction.

Specialists (3):

Chris Boswell, Braden Mann, Christian Kuntz

Pressley Harvin’s inconsistency finally gets the best of him.  Braden Mann will be the Steelers new punter in 2023.