Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Two XFL Stars Make the Cut
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to training camp with the first two phases of their summer workouts behind them.
After four weeks of practice, the Steelers left plenty of headlines. Players made plays, new starters took the field, and for the first time this year, we got a feel for who will make Pittsburgh's roster in 2023.
Cutting the 90-man roster down to 53 is never easy, and there are always a few surprises. This year, there may be two big names who crack this list many weren't expecting to.
As we head into the final break of the offseason, here's the outlook for this season's team.
Offense
Quarterback (3)
Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
This one is a no-brainer. The Steelers will keep three quarterbacks and take advantage of the NFL's third-QB rule, allowing Mason Rudolph to dress on gamedays as well. The real question will be if Tanner Morgan gets Chris Oladokuned and only get 10 or so snaps during training camp.
Running Back (3)
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland
The RB3 battle is going to be fun to watch. Anthony McFarland Jr. holds the upper hand heading into training camp, but Alfonzo Graham has impressed, and Darius Hagans and Jason Huntley won't go down easy. Once the pads come on, it's about who's making the most of their limited opportunities. Until proven otherwise, though, the former fourth-round pick is going to take the job.
Wide Receiver (5)
Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Hakeem Butler
Hakeem Butler is a fan favorite heading into training camp, and standing 6-foot-5, it's no surprise people are ready to watch him make plays. So far, he's made one, going up over Cory Trice in minicamp. He said afterward, though, he wants to show he's more than a jump ball guy. He's going to need to do so and become a star on special teams if he's going to beat out Miles Boykin. Right now, we'll imagine he's got all the special teams ability needed to make this team.
Tight End (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington
The Steelers typically keep three tight ends, but Connor Heyward will likely play a little bit of everything in his second year. He'll line up at fullback, in the slot and on the line of scrimmage, and without keeping a fullback, the team can keep that extra roster spot open for Heyward.
Offensive Tackle (3)
Chuks Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones
The Steelers will decided their starting left tackle during training camp, but the three that they'll keep on the active roster are already in place. Barring injury, Chuks Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones are the three offensive tackles in Pittsburgh this season. Le'Raven Clark and Dylan Cook are viewed more as potential practice squad players.
Offensive Guard (4)
James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Kevin Dotson, Nate Herbig
The Steelers' interior linemen are stacked this offseason. James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo are the projected starters, with Kevin Dotson and Nate Herbig competing for reps as backups. Herbig's experience at center allows the Steelers to keep all four without worrying about a backup center. Don't rule a Kevin Dotson trade out just yet, though. Just a hunch.
Center (1)
Mason Cole
The Steelers aren't getting rid of Mason Cole.
Defense
Nose Tackle (2)
Keeanu Benton, Breiden Fehoko
The Steelers added a few nose tackle players this offseason. Unfortunately, that likely means Montrevius Adams' time in Pittsburgh is slowly coming to an end. It could land him a spot on the practice squad, but Breiden Fehoko's run-stuffing ability is going to give him an upper hand, and Keeanu Benton isn't going anywhere.
Defensive Tackle (3)
Cam Heyward, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts
Isaiahh Loudermilk didn't spend much time on the field last season, but the Steelers aren't going to give up on a fifth-round pick in the midst of his rookie contract. Until they have no choice but to cut him, they'll continue to hope he grows into a role on defense. As for the other slots, Cam Heyward is never leaving (until he decides to) and Armon Watts is another veteran with starting experience who can bolster the defensive line.
Defensive End (2)
Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal
To finish off the defensive line will be Larry Ogunjobi and DeMarvin Leal, who both enter their second seasons in Pittsburgh. Expect both to make more impact this season, but don't expect anyone to jump them for a roster spot.
Outside Linebacker (4)
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Markus Golden, Nick Herbig
Quincy Roche, unfortunately, gets the short end of the stick in Pittsburgh this summer. Prior to the signing of Markus Golden, he was expected to be the fourth outside linebacker, but the team isn't going to cut a veteran who's set to be their EDGE3, and Nick Herbig has been impressive during camps.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse, Chapelle Russell
The Steelers have two new starters in Cole Holcome and Elandon Roberts, and some new special teamers in Tanner Muse and Mark Robinson. It's a brand new inside linebacker room for Pittsburgh, and until they sign another player - which they likely will - the five on the roster will be the five they keep.
Cornerback (5)
Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice, Luq Barcoo
The surprising name here is Luq Barcoo, who becomes the second XFL player to make the 53-man roster. At 24 years old, Barcoo made plays almost every day at Steelers OTAs and minicamp, and carries some untapped potential at such a young age. He has to outplay James Pierre on special teams, but if he can during training camp, he has a strong opportunity to make an NFL roster.
Nickelback (1)
Elijah Riley
The competition between Chandon Sullivan, Duke Dawson and Elijah Riley is going to be exciting once the pads come on. Expect Patrick Peterson to start in the slot most of the time, but the Steelers will keep a backup to allow Peterson to roam around the field. Riley has experience in Pittsburgh and is a more natural nickelback than he is a safety. This could be his offseason.
Safety (5)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Tre Norwood, Miles Killebrew
No surprises here, the Steelers keep the same four they kept a year ago and swap out Terrell Edmunds for Keanue Neal. Kenny Robinson would be the one to sneak his way in, but expect him to be a practice squad player if they keep him.
Special Teams
Kicker (1)
Chris Boswell
B.T. Potter will take most of the kicks during training camp and the preseason, but there's no real kicking competition in Pittsburgh. They just sign rookies to lower the risk of injury to Boswell, and have a player get familiar with them incase they need to sign them during the season.
Punter (1)
Pressley Harvin III
Braden Mann and Pressley Harvin will most certainly battle it out during training camp, and if it's anything as exciting as his rookie year dueling it out with Jordan Berry, fans are in for a treat. Mike Tomlin never shies away from a good punting competition, but just like last time around, Harvin will prove he's capable of staying.
Long Snapper (1)
Christian Kuntz
If there's no competition, there's no explanation needed.
Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Steelers Set Up For Another Signing
False Narrative Being Created About George Pickens
Steelers Keep Winning Chase Claypool Trade: Bears Unhappy
Players Who Impressed at Steelers Minicamp
