Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Surprise Cut Makes Room for Emerging CB
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are one preseason game away from the regular season, and right now, their roster is pretty set in stone.
With one free agent signing left to make, and a slight change to their offensive weapons, this is who they'll walk into the regular season with on their 53-man roster.
Quarterback (3)
- Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
Tanner Morgan hasn't earned a roster spot, and even with the drastic fall off from Mason Rudolph since his Tampa Bay performance, the Steelers would rather have three veterans on their roster than an undrafted rookie.
Running Back (3)
- Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland
The Jaylen Warren vs. Najee Harris debate can happen outside of the roster prediction, but it won't stop any of these three from finding a spot on the 53. McFarland continues to impress with the growth of his vision.
Fullback (1)
- Connor Heyward
The Kendrick Green project is dead. At this point, Connor Heyward is the fullback/tight end/slot receiver/wherever else they put him.
Wide Receiver (6)
- Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Gunner Olszewski, Miles Boykin
Miles Boykin was fighting for a spot with Cody White and Dez Fitzpatrick, but his special teams play is just too solid not to keep him. His tipped ball to keep a punt out of the endzone against Buffalo put the competition away.
Tight End (2)
- Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington
The Steelers have a tough decision to make as the emergence of another position should put them in a spot where they need to trim from their roster. Unfortunately, for Zach Gentry, having four tight ends makes little sense in the NFL. Connor Heyward and Darnell Washington are capable of backing up Pat Freiermuth.
Offensive Tackle (3)
- Dan Moore Jr., Chukwuma Okorafor, Broderick Jones
Dan Moore Jr. looked good against the Bills, which is a good sign for the Steelers as Broderick Jones progresses. Spencer Anderson will act as the fourth offensive tackle on the roster.
Offensive Guard (4)
- Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Kevin Dotson
Nate Herbig's injury will change things as he could miss a few weeks to start the season. The Steelers could put him on short-term IR and bring in another guard, but he'll still be part of the initial 53-man roster.
Center (2)
- Mason Cole, Spencer Anderson
Kendrick Green isn't holding onto a roster spot no matter how hard the Steelers try to give him one. Anderson is a better option at center and could play along the offensive line.
Nose Tackle (2)
- Keeanu Benton, Breiden Fehoko
The Steelers nose tackle tandem of Benton and Fehoko is the best they've had since Tyson Alualu was their starter and healthy. The rookie and the young veteran have everything the team is looking for in the middle.
Defensive Tackle (3)
- Cam Heyward, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts
It's so hard to say which defensive linemen are getting cut when guys like Jonothan Marshall are picking off passes in practice. Still, the best three will be Heyward, Loudermilk and Watts. Montraveius Adams is the odd man out, unfortunately.
Defensive End (2)
- Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal
The Steelers knew who their defensive ends would be coming into the summer, and it hasn't changed.
Outside Linebacker (4)
- T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Markus Golden
Nick Herbig is the most impressive player on the Steelers during the preseason, and this team has four outside linebackers that look dangerous on the field. How they split reps will be interesting once the season starts.
Inside Linebacker (5)
- Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse
Tanner Muse had a strong showing against the Buffalo Bills, and at this point, is pretty chalked into the final inside linebacker spot. Holcomb, Roberts, Alexander and Robinson aren't going anywhere.
Cornerback (4)
- Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Outside Signing
Another week has gone and it remains evident that the Steelers need to add a cornerback once roster cuts are made. It's hard to say who will be on the waiver once teams trim down to 53, but Pittsburgh will need to claim someone. James Pierre and Luq Barcoo are not getting the job done.
Nickelback (2)
- Elijah Riley, Chandon Sullivan
It's impossible to choose between Elijah Riley and Chandon Sullivan at this point, but if we're being honest, the Steelers should/probably will keep both. They've been two of their most impressive players all summer, and when one makes a play the other seemingly follows. Both guys make the roster.
Safety (4)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew
Miles Killebrew was giving Kenny Robinson every opportunity to make this team until his tipped punt against the Bills. Then, suddenly, you remembered just how valuable he is on special teams, and how you have to keep those players around if you're going to be successful at all three phases.
Kicker (1)
- Chris Boswell
There's no competition.
Punter (1)
- Pressley Harvin
Pressley Harvin is still dealing with inconsistencies, but he's looked like the better punter all summer. He's won the battle with Breden Mann.
Long Snapper (1)
- Christian Kuntz
Kuntz isn't leaving. The Steelers know who their long snapper is.
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