With almost all of coaching camp and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first preseason sport within the books, it’s time to supply an up to date Steelers 53-man roster prediction. As you’d count on, there are a number of modifications from my final projection created proper earlier than camp started.
Take into accout, as I’ll stress all through the submit, that that is my prediction for the preliminary roster when the Steelers reduce down from 91 to 53 on Aug. 27 at 4 PM/EST. Every thing after that’s fluid and topic to alter.
With that stated, my newest Steelers prediction.
Earlier Roster Predictions
Put up-Draft PredictionPre-Camp Prediction
OFFENSE – 25
Quarterbacks (3) – Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Evaluation: No modifications right here. Wilson continues to be the starter, Fields nonetheless the backup, Allen the No. 3. Pittsburgh may have a bundle of performs for Fields, rely on that, whereas the group likes having an skilled veteran in Allen function the third-stringer.
New NFL guidelines enable for observe squad flexibility with the emergency third quarterback however they arrive with restrictions, the QB counting as one of many two weekly elevations, and I don’t count on Pittsburgh to go that route.
Working Backs (3) – Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Evaluation: Patterson is wholesome after starting coaching camp on NFI attributable to a hamstring harm. He’ll solely have a minor position offensively however will function one of many group’s beginning kick returners. Jonathan Ward is having a powerful camp, however the observe squad is way extra reasonable.
Fullback (0) – None
Evaluation: This was shut for Jack Colletto, who has acquired loads of reps this summer season. However as a result of we haven’t seen sufficient out of him on particular groups and since Connor Heyward can align because the fullback in a pinch, Colletto goes to the observe squad. Pittsburgh may at all times elevate him in weeks the place there are accidents, or they intend on utilizing him quite a bit.
Tight Ends (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
Evaluation: Nonetheless a good race between Pruitt and Rodney Williams. Williams has battled a shoulder harm all through coaching camp and isn’t the blocker Pruitt is. Pruitt additionally has the good thing about taking part in for Arthur Smith, a very good man to have in your nook in these razor-thin choices.
Pruitt has had an uneventful camp, however I’ll give him the nod. Williams is a succesful particular teamer however Pittsburgh has different choices all through their roster.
Huge Receivers (5) – George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller
Evaluation: Van Jefferson is the Steelers’ present clear-cut No. 2 wideout. The potential of Brandon Aiyuk looms, however even when he’s traded for, Jefferson ought to nonetheless make the group. They see him as a extra athletic model of Allen Robinson II. Miller will get swapped in for Dez Fitzpatrick. Miller lacks the gunner worth Fitzpatrick has however could possibly be a kick return choice reverse Patterson. And Miller has merely had a stable camp, a very good route runner with velocity and flexibility.
Austin has worth as a punt returner, however even on this configuration with a wholesome Roman Wilson, I don’t see what he’s bringing to the desk past that.
Offensive Tackles (4) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Dylan Cook dinner
Evaluation: Identical 4 tackles right here. Cook dinner is much more helpful now that Fautanu is coping with an MCL sprain. It’s not a severe harm, however even lacking 2-3 weeks for a rookie is a setback. Jones and Moore look poised to start the yr as starters, Jones at proper sort out and Moore on the left. I’ll meet your hate replies within the feedback.
Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson
Evaluation: Going guard and offensive line heavy right here, preserving ten in whole. Pittsburgh has made heavy investments in drafting and signing free brokers to beef up their offensive line so it’s logical their roster would mirror it.
With Nate Herbig and James Daniels pending free brokers and Daniels all however assured to be taking part in elsewhere in 2025, the Steelers preserve an additional inside lineman in Anderson. He’s quietly had a very good camp and gotten loads of first-team reps with Isaac Seumalo’s frequent relaxation days. Is that man going to get reduce? Possibly, however I’ll stick my subsequent out and say he makes it.
Facilities (2) – Nate Herbig, Zach Frazier
Evaluation: Frazier’s inventory is on the rise for the beginning middle job after Herbig appeared to be holding him off the primary two weeks of camp. That’s why the entire course of is evaluated earlier than a choice is made. No determination has been made both, however Frazier may begin getting first-team middle reps all through the ultimate three camp practices.
DEFENSE – 25
Defensive Ends (5) – Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal
Evaluation: Becoming a member of Dave Bryan on the seven defensive linemen bandwagon, a configuration the group saved final yr. Leal is 275 kilos and shouldn’t be handled like a base defensive finish however a hybrid who can rush in sub-packages as a d-tackle and play a bit of out of doors linebacker when wanted. He’s had the summer season he’s wanted to stay.
Lowry has but to observe and Loudermilk has had simply a mean camp. However they’re base ends to play the run, in order that they keep.
Nostril Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams
Evaluation: Benton will begin at nostril sort out and will have an enormous sophomore season. Adams has had one of many prime preseasons of any Steeler and can function his backup.
EDGE Rushers (4) – T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
Evaluation: Loads of transferring and shaking for the fourth exterior linebacker job. Moon and Johnson have flashed and have additionally missed time with harm. Markus Golden spent every week with the group earlier than retiring. And Leal has gotten work as an out of doors linebacker, complicating who may see the spot all of the extra.
I’ll follow the place I’ve been for many of the offseason and go together with Moon for that spot, a developmental prospect with dimension and particular groups worth.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson
Evaluation: With Cole Holcomb’s reworked contract, it’s clear he’s starting the season on Reserve/PUP. That places Robinson on right here who will be part of Matakevich as core/multi-phase particular teamers. Robust top-three with Queen, Roberts, and Wilson. Roberts and Wilson ought to rotate snaps early on within the yr.
Cornerbacks (4) – Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop
Evaluation: Sure, 4 corners. Keep in mind, that is the preliminary 53 proper at cutdowns and doesn’t contemplate any post-cut additions. The backup exterior nook spots are up for grabs, and that is an space the place Pittsburgh may significantly commerce or declare/signal somebody off waivers. Trice has progressed all through camp however nonetheless hasn’t made many performs, and the group continues to be attending to know his sport. However there’s sufficient upside to maintain him round. Darius Rush began camp sturdy however has weakened since, although his gunner potential could possibly be his saving grace. Nonetheless, nobody has confirmed they’ve earned a job.
At slot, Bishop hasn’t been spectacular however has been given a gentle dose of first-team snaps and may make the group. Among the many pure cornerback group, there’s no backup listed, however SS DeShon Elliott has labored over the slot throughout camp and will fill in. Thomas Graham Jr. and Grayland Arnold have had their moments, however I can’t get to placing both on the 53 but.
On this situation, at the very least another nook can be added after cutdowns, however we’ve seen funky configurations proper on the cutdown date earlier than the roster totally settles in. After all, Cam Sutton will increase the group when he returns from suspension mid-season.
Safeties (5) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts
Evaluation: Sticking with the identical 5 right here. Watts is an intriguing participant with physicality and he’s been vocal in camp. The opposite 4 names are vets and settled into their spots and roles.
SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
Kicker (1) – Chris Boswell
Evaluation: Boz had some blips in camp, however I’m not involved.
Punter (1) – Cameron Johnston
Evaluation: Johnston has had a very good camp. It’s not been superb, however stable, and he’ll clearly make the group.
Lengthy Snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz
Evaluation: Kuntz had a poor snap that led to a missed further level however he’ll nonetheless make it as their snapper, inked to a three-year deal within the offseason.
Gameday Inactives: Allen (Emergency Third QB), Miller, Anderson, McCormick, Loudermilk
Injured/Suspended Lists – 2
Reserve/Suspended: CB Cam Sutton
Reserve/PUP: ILB Cole Holcomb
Evaluation: Sutton is suspended for the primary eight video games of the yr and gained’t be eligible to play till after the Steelers’ Week 9 bye. Holcomb will likely be lucky to make it again at any level this season and it’s unclear what position he’d have even when wholesome.
PRACTICE SQUAD (17)
QB: John Rhys PlumleeRB: Jonathan Ward, Aaron ShampklinFB: Jack CollettoWR: Jaray JenkinsTE: Rodney WilliamsOL: Devery Hamilton, Joey FisherDL: Logan Lee, Willington PrevilonILB: Jacoby WindmonEDGE: Kyron Johnson, Julius Welschof*CB: Darius Rush, Thomas Graham Jr., Grayland ArnoldS: Jalen Elliott
*Worldwide Exemption: doesn’t rely towards the group’s observe squad
Plumlee can supply some scout group seems to be towards cellular quarterbacks and has worn numerous hats on particular groups. Ward is a well-rounded participant, and Shampklin runs arduous. Jenkins has had his moments and brings dimension at receiver whereas Williams softly lands on the observe squad. Hamilton and Fisher supply o-line depth.
Lee is tremendous versatile whereas Previlon has flashed his athleticism and talent to defeat blocks. Windmon can play inside-out whereas Johnson is explosive off the ball. Can inform I’m simply throwing all of the cornerbacks on there to start the season and even Anthony Averett simply misses out making my record right here. Elliott is a veteran security who has bounced on and off the roster.
