The Pittsburgh Steelers just broke camp from Latrobe yesterday, that means it is time for the second installment of our Steelers 53 man roster prediction.  The competition for roster spots isn’t quite what we’re used to.  Having said that, there are still a few interesting battles to keep an eye on.  Let’s dive in:

Offense: (25)

Quarterback (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, Drew Allar:

I’ve spent all offseason believing that the Steelers would keep four quarterbacks.  After Will Howard’s performance in the Steelers first preseason game, that might not be the case.  Howard and Allar both shined versus the Packers.  If they continue to play well, Mason Rudolph will be pushed off this roster.

Runningback (3) – Rico Dowdle, Jaylen Warren, Travis Homer:

It’s sad how far former third round draft pick Kaleb Johnson has fallen in the running back pecking order.  He is now running sixth behind Travis Homer, Lew Nichols, and Eli Heidenreich.  Expect Travis Homer to win the third spot because of his special teams value.  Lew Nichols will end up on the practice squad, and Kaleb Johnson will find himself off the roster altogether once the dust settles. We had Eli Heidenriech making the team on our first Steelers 53 man roster prediction, but he too looks like a practice squad candidate. Five takeaways from the Steelers initial depth chart

Wide Receiver (6) – DK Metcalf, Micheal Pittman, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Kaden Wetjen:

Roman Wilson appears to have won himself the wide receiver three job if last week’s game is used any indicator.  He played with, and left with the starters.  Skowronek is a lock due to his special teams value, and Wetjen for his return capabilities.  Beyond these six, there isn’t much competition except for Max Hurleman who should be a candidate for the practice squad.

Tight End (3) – Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Robert Tonyan:

Muth and Washington were always locks to make the team.  Tonyan separated himself as the clear number three with his performance versus the Packers.  His ties to Rodgers, and McCarthy already had him in the drivers seat, and now Tonyan seems all but a lock to make the roster.

Fullback (1) – Riley Nowakowski:

Mike McCarthy wants a fullback in his offense, and Nowakowski is the only one on the roster.  Done and done.

Offensive Line (9) Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Broderick Jones, Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker:

These nine seem to be set in stone barring injury.  The real intrigue is at right tackle where it seems like Broderick Jones might win the job.  Dylan Cook looked shaky in his preseason debut, and rookie Max Iheanachor has missed to much time with an injury to push for a starting role.  It’s Broderick Jones’ job to lose going into the last two preseason games.

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (6) Cam Hayward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yayah Black, Sebastian Joseph Day, Gabriel Rubio:

Rubio is the big surprise here.  Most of us thought the Steelers were crazy using a draft pick on Gabriel Rubio.  As it turns out the Steelers may have knew what they were doing.  Rubio has shined in camp, and in preseason so far.  If he stays healthy, which has been a problem for him, Rubio has the sixth defensive line spot in his control.  Kyler Baugh has impressed and is a strong practice squad candidate.

Inside Linebacker (5) Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener, Elandon Roberts:

We didn’t have much faith Malik Harrison would make this roster, now that the Steelers have signed Elandon Roberts it is a foregone conclusion.  This is among the deepest position groups on the entire roster.

Outside Linebacker (4) TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig. Jack Sawyer:

Keep a very close eye on the fourth spot here.  Jamin Davis is a former first round pick who balled out in the Green Bay game to the tune of 4 tackles, and 2 sacks.  While he may not push Sawyer off the roster, Davis might just push the Steelers into keeping five outside linebackers.

Corner (6) Joey Porter Jr., Jamal Dean, Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, Asante Samuel Jr., Daylene Everette

This is the deepest corner room the Steelers have had in recent memory.  The depth could be put to the test with all the recent injuries, and a potential JPJ holdout.

Safety (4) Jaquan Brisker, Deshon Elliot, Robert Spears-Jennings, Rayshawn Jenkins

The Steelers have thrown a  lot of shit against the wall to add depth to this position.  Adding obscure names like Jenkins, Jack Henderson, and Israel Mukuama.  I still believe the team will add another veteran free safety as rosters get paired down.  This safety room simply isn’t good enough right now.

Specialists (3) Chris Boswell, Christian Kuntz, Cameron Johnston

Not much to add here as this group has been set in stone since day one.

 

We go into greater detail o this subject on the Steelers Sanctuary Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/G3hAtIKuugs?si=sa4bXKSX9GvjwbOV

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