Now that the NFL draft is behind us, and free agency has run its course, it’s time for our first Steelers 53 man roster prediction. I still anticipate several players being added between now, and the start of the regular season. This is a good exercise in how the roster currently stacks up however. With that in mind let’s get right too it:
Offense (24)
Quarterbacks (3):
Russell Wilson, Justin Feilds, Kyle Allen
This group is pretty set in stone. The only question is who will be the starter come week one. The Steelers have gone out of their way to let us know that Russell Wilson will begin the process as the guy. Justin Fields is talented enough to give him a run for his money however. There doesn’t seem to be anyone on the roster to challenge Kyle Allen for the third spot.
Runnin Backs (3):
Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris, Cordarrelle Patterson
Another position group that is pretty much locked in. The only question here is do the Steelers view Cordarrelle Patterson as a receiver/returner, opening up another spot at running back. Keep your eyes on undrafted free agent Daijun Edwards. His tape from his Georgia days is quite impressive.
Wide Receivers (5):
George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Denzel Mims, TBD
This might be the most volatile group of the entire roster. No one here is a lock to make this roster except for George Pickens. There are two things I think I’m sure of with this group. One is the Steelers will add significant reciever before the offseason is over, and Calvin Austin III will not make the final 53 man roster. Steelers wide receiver room: The worst in the Mike Tomlin era
There’s been no shortage of rumors on the possibility of adding another wideout lately. Names like DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Terry McClaurin are just a few names we have heard. https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/analyst-predicts-wild-pittsburgh-steelers-trade-dk-metcalf
The second being Calvin Austin’s days are numbered with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team drafted a bigger, and better blocking version of him in Roman Wilson. With Patterson brought in for the returning duties, there is no role for Austin on this team.
Tight Ends (4):
Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Conner Heyward, Mycole Pruitt
It is here where we begin to see the affects of an Arthur Smith offense. I’m predicting the Steelers carry an extra tight end, and one less receiver than usual on the roster. The first three are locks, and now we can add Mycole Pruitt to the list. He played for Smith in Atlanta, and is just the type of blocking tight end Smith likes.
Fullback (1):
Jack Colletto
The true fullback is back on the Steelers roster after a one year absence. Colletto is the only one on the roster as of today, so he’s the choice for now.
Offensive Line (8):
Dan Moore, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seamalo, Zack Frazier, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick
This is the deepest position group on the roster thanks to the amount of draft capital this team has used on it the last two years. How the starting tackle situation plays out is the only real question fro this group. It is expected that Broderick Jones will move back to his natural left tackle spot at some point. When that will happen is anyone’s guess. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Dylan Cook also makes this roster. Pittsburgh kept him around all last season, and seems to hold him in high regard.
Defense (26):
Defensive Line (6):
Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Logan Lee
The fact that the Steelers did not address this position early in the draft has me concerned. Cam Heyward just turned 35, and is coming off offseason surgery. Keeanu Benton is a rising star, but after him things become very shaky. Even though Larry Ogunjobi flashes from time to time, his inconsistency is a concern. Behind these three there isn’t much to speak of. The battle for the 6th and final spot will be fascinating to watch during training camp. It appears Logan Lee was drafted as a more athletic replacement for the disappointing DeMarvin Leal. Don’t count out Isaiahh Loudermilk either. He always seems able to claw his way into a roster spot.
Inside Linebacker (5):
Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Marc Robinson
Patrick Queen was the big money free agent addition of the offseason. He and Elandon Roberts should be an excellent veteran duo for this team. The X-factor is third round pick Payton Wilson. This is rare athlete for the position, especially this late in the draft. The reason he dropped so far is the multitude of injuries he suffered in his college career. Many believe this is a one contract player. No one is quite sure what the time table is for Cole Holcomb. Pittsburgh has been quite vague on his exact injury, and where he is in his recovery. If and when he returns to full health, the Steelers will have an extremely deep group of linebackers.
Outside Linebackers (4):
TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
The Steelers have arguably the best tandem of pass rushers in the entire league. The fun part this offseason will be watching their backups in Nick Herbig, and Jeremiah Moon. Both these players have reasonable upside, and should be able to keep the starters from being overused as they have been in the past.
Corners (6):
Joey Porter Jr., Dante Jackson, Darius Rush, Cory Trice, Ryan Watts, TBD
This is the second most questionable position group behind receiver on our Steelers 53 man roster prediction piece. In theory, they are improved at the starting spot opposite Joey Porter Jr. Pretty much anyone would be an improvement over the Patrick Peterson/Levi Wallace duo from last season. The Steelers have a lot riding on Donte Jackson having traded away Diontae Johnson for him. Behind them is exactly 39 snaps of NFL experience between all the backups. This is another position where I expect at least one addition, probably two.
Safety (5):
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliot, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killabrew, Trenton Thompson
The addition of DeShon Elliot should be a significant improvement for this group. It pushes Kazee back to his preferable third safety role. Trenton Thompson showed some flashes when pressed into duty last season. He’s someone to watch during the offseason.
Specialists (3);
Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
It only took three miserable seasons for the Steelers to realize Pressley Harvin was not a good punter. They compensated this realization by spending significant money on free agent punter Cameron Johnston. Hopefully their judgment at this position has improved because now they have dedicated real money to the position. Boswell remains one of the best kickers in the league, so the kicking game overall should be solid.