We are just days away from the Steelers preseason finale.  Most of the roster is set, with a few spots still up for grabs.  Some of the fringe players will be playing for their NFL lives Thursday night.  With that in mind, here is our final Steelers 53 man roster prediction for 2025:

Offense: (25)

Quarterback (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skyler Thompson*

Rodgers, and Rudolph are of course locks for this team.  We thought all along that Will Howard was too.  After missing the entire preseason however, Howard looks like a prime candidate to go on IR.  The way Skyler Thompson has played in his absence makes this decision very easy for the Steelers. Steelers 53 man roster prediction 2.0: Training camp edition

Running Back (3) – Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

We had a theory since the NFL draft that Kaleb Johnson would win the starting job at running back as early as week one.  Well, not so fast.  After watching Johnson in preseason action he’s either not capable, or not ready to be RB1 on this team.  Warren will be that guy for most, if not all of the 2025 season.

Wide Receiver (5) – DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek

I have begun to give up hope that the Steelers will add a name to this position group before the season.  Now that Gabe Davis has left Pittsburgh without a contract, he is surely going to sign elsewhere.  Roman Wilson has had an excellent preseason so far, giving the Steelers even more of an excuse to stand pat.  Like it or not, this is the group that will take the field week one versus the Jets.  Ben Skowronek is a possible candidate for the IR as well, leaving the door open for a player like Brandon Johnson to make the team to start the season.

Tight End (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Conner Heyward

Every season I try to construct a roster without Conner Heyward, and every year Mike Tomlin proves me wrong.  This year is no different as it seems clear Heyward will once again make the team.  Why?  I have absolutely no idea.

Offensive Line (10) – Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook, Andrus Peat, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum

Pretty much the same group I’ve had all summer with the exception of newcomer Andres Peat.  Depth is probably better than it has been in sometime in Pittsburgh.

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6) – Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale

Probably the deepest position group on the team here.  The final spot on the line will come right down to the wire between Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale, and Isaiahh Loudermilk.

Inside Linebacker (5) – Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson

The only decision here is the battle between Mark Robinson, and Carson Bruener for the 5th linebacker/special teams ace spot.  Robinson gets the nod for being a veteran, and being a better run defender overall.

Outside Linebacker (4) – TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Saywer

Not much to add here.  This has been the four from day one.  This is the year the Steelers finally part ways with the DeMarvin Leal experiment.

Corner (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop, James Pierre

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Cory Trice is out with an injury.  It wouldn’t be all that shocking if the Steelers just decide to cut Trice outright.  Especially if they have to use their two designated to return IR spots elsewhere.  There’s loads of potential here, but this is a player who’s never been able to stay healthy in college or the pros.

Safety (4) – DeShon Elliot, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew

This is a solid, if not spectacular group.  The loss of Minkah Fitzpatrick will be felt early and often in 2025.  You could make the case of Sebastian Castro over Miles Killebrew, but the special teams play from Killebrew saves him again. This time next year Castro should easily take this spot on the Steelers 53 man roster.

Specialists (3) – Chris Boswell, Cam Johnston, Jake McQuaide*

The punting job is a lot closer than most people are aware of.  Corliss Waitman is having an excellent preseason, and he’s a legit NFL punter.  In the end, the money the Steelers have tied up in Johnston gives him the nod.  Looks almost certain that Christian Kuntz will start the season on the IR after it was announced he has a broken sternum.  Some reports say he might be ok for the opener however.  For now we go with McQuaide to start the season.

Practice Squad

These are players currently on the 90 man roster we expect the Steelers to sign to the practice squad

Brandon Johnson

Max Sharping

Gareth Warren

Trey Sermon

Lew Nichols

JJ Galbreath

Isaiahh Loudermilk

Eku Leota

Carson Bruner

Daryl Porter

Sebastian Castro

Donte Kent

Quindell Johnson

 

Don’ forget to check out the Steelers Sanctuary YouTube channel for our latest podcast where we deep dive into the Steelers 53 man roster here: https://www.youtube.com/live/u_UsUwdMU1s?si=g2mlrJIfzMS_tOD7