Steelers 53 man roster prediction 2.0: Still too early version

We now have a preseason game under our belt, to go along with lots of wide receiver trade rumors.  There has been plenty of roster manipulation in the last few weeks as well.  Perfect time for our Steelers 53 man roster prediction 2.0:

Offense (26)

Quarterbacks: (3) – Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Kyle Allen

The three players who will make up the quarterback room are not in question.  Who will be the starter between Justin Fields, and Russel Wilson is the big story with this position group.  The Steelers have maintained all along that Wilson is in the lead for the starting job, but Fields will keep the pressure on with his play.  Stay tuned to this potential quarterback controversy in the making.

Running backs: (4) – Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris, Cordarelle Patterson, Jonathan Ward

My gut feeling is Cordarrelle Patterson will be a “running back” in name only.  His main jobs will be kick returner, and possibly even slot receiver at times.  Having said that, this should open up a roster spot for another back.  The competition for this is quite fierce.  Jonathan Ward seems to give the Steelers a little more burst than some of his competitors.  He is an interesting third down back option for this team.  We had pegged Daijun Edwards for this spot in our first roster prediction here: Steelers 53 man roster prediction 1.0: The way too early version

Fullback: (1) – Jack Colletto

I am more convinced than ever that the Steelers will carry a true fullback on the roster.  Being that Jack Colletto is the only one in camp makers this an easy prediction.

Wide Receiver: (5) – George Pickens, Brandon Aiyuk, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller

At this point, I am convinced Brandon Aiyuk will be a Steeler until he isn’t.  There just seems to be an inevitability to this whole thing.  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/brandon-aiyuk-trade-rumors-steelers-have-potential-deal-in-place-for-49ers-receiver-per-report/

With Aiyuk on the roster, the need for Van Jefferson disappears.  I also now believe that there is a world where Scotty Miller is this team’s starting slot reciever.  The only sure things at this position are George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Roman Wilson.  The rest of the possible candidates is very much a fluid situation.

Tight End: (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Conner Heyward, Rodney Williams

It seems pretty clear this team will carry four tight ends in the Arthur Smith style offense.  Rodney Williams gets the nod for the fourth spot due to his special teams ability, and him being a much better athlete than Mycole Pruitt.

Offensive Line: (9) – Dan Moore, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Nate Herbig, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick,  Spencer Anderson

This group is pretty much set in stone with players one through eight.  The surprise here is how much burn Spencer Anderson has been getting in training camp.  The Steelers coaching staff is clearly taking a long look at this second year player.  Anderson’s flexibility in being able to play all five positions along the line give him a distinct advantage.

Defense (24)

Defensive line: (6) – Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams

DeMarvin Leal might be the most interesting/curious case on our entire Steelers 53 man roster prediction 2.0.  His resurgence during this training camp has been a big story all on its own.  But now where he plays has also extremely interesting.  Is he an outside linebacker? Is he a defensive end?  In the end, he probably does a little of both this season.

Inside Linebacker: (4) –  Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich

There is a real competition between Tyler Matakevich, and Mark Robinson for the final inside linebacker spot.  I suppose there is a world where the Steelers could keep both.  With so many other position battles going on however, it’s more likely the team only keeps four.  Matakevich’s elite special team’s play makes the difference here.

Outside Linebacker (4) – TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Kyron Johnson

The first three are absolute locks here, but that fourth spot has become quite the competition.  Now that Markus Golden has suddenly retired, the battle between Kyron Johnson and Jeremiah Moon has been the focus.  Both players have been impressive in training camp, and both had good games in the preseason opener.  This is one that could go right down to the wire to decide who makes the team.

Corner: (5) – Joey Porter Jr., Dante Jackson, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Grayland Arnold

Cory Trice is getting first team reps in place of the injured Dante Jackson.  That’s good news for him, and makes him a lock to make this roster.  There an intense battle going on for this team’s starting slot corner spot.  A week ago it seemed like Beanie Bishop was the favorite to be the starter.  Grayland Arnold has been fantastic in camp however, making this too close to call at this point.  My gut says Arnold might win this job, but there’s a lot of preseason left.

Safety (5) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Demontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Pretty chalk here, without any competition to speak of.  I feel like if there was, Demontae Kazee might be in trouble.  He hasn’t been very good since his first year in Pittsburgh.  Unfortunately there is no one currently on the roster to push him.

Specialists (3) – Chris Bosworth, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz

Nothing much to say here other than the Steelers finally got around to upgrading their punting situation.  Johnston should stick out as a huge improvement over Pressley Harvin.