Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: New RB, CB Emerge
PITTSBURGH -- Welcome to Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Players are on their way to Saint Vincent College for four weeks of preparation before the kickoff of the 2023 season.
The Steelers have plenty of position battles to watch during camp, from RB3 to wide receiver positioning, cornerback, safety, and even some questions on the defensive line.
Latrobe always brings plenty of excitement, and with this year's roster looking pretty good on paper, the Steelers shouldn't disappoint at camp.
Looking ahead, when this team is packed up and headed back to the city for Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, their 53-man roster should look like this...
Quarterback (3)
- Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
Tanner Morgan would've been a nice story, but with the return of Mason Rudolph, the Steelers' quarterback room is all but settled.
Running Back (3)
- Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Alfonzo Graham
The running back three battle for the Steelers is going to be thrilling. Anthony McFarland likely holds the upper hand heading into camp, and possesses everything he needs to keep that job by the end. With undrafted rookies Alfonzo Graham and Darius Hagans breathing down his neck, though, it's going to be an exciting competition.
Fullback (0)
Even if Monte Patenbaum is technically the only fullback on the roster, Steelers will utilize Connor Heyward in this role.
Wide Receiver (5)
- Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski
The top four are set heading into training camp, but the fight for the final two spots is pretty deep. XFL star Hakeem Butler is looking to rejoin an NFL roster, while others like Ja'Marcus Bradley and Dez Fitzpatrick are hoping to stick in Pittsburgh this season. Add an electric UDFA in Jordan Byrd and this is as good of a battle as it gets.
At the end of the day, Boykins and Olszewski have the experience, special teams play and run blocking to hold onto their position.
Tight End (4)
- Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Zach Gentry
The Steelers have the easy decision to keep all four tight ends on their roster, but if one is going to be cut short, it's likely Zach Gentry. However, without other positions pushing for extra spots, Pittsburgh can utilize all of their tight ends this season.
Offensive Tackle (3)
- Chukwuma Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Le'Raven Clark
Whether it's Dan Moore Jr. or Broderick Jones, the Steelers will keep both and utilize one as a swing tackle. As for Le'Raven Clark, he beats out Dylan Cook and Jarrid Williams.
Offensive Guard (4)
- Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Spencer Anderson
The big question surrounding the Steelers' interior offensive line is what the team will do with Kevin Dotson. With Isaac Seumalo stepping in as the starter and Nick Herbig joining the group as a depth piece, it makes the most sense for Pittsburgh to trade their former fourth-round pick before the season. Benefitting from the move is seventh-round rookie Spencer Anderson, who can play center as well.
Center (1)
- Mason Cole
Kendrick Green is on the outside looking in, and unless a drastic improvement takes place, it's tough to see him on the active roster this season.
Defensive Tackle (4)
- Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Breiden Fehoko, Isaiahh Loudermilk
The Steelers beefed up the depth of their defensive line, signing Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts this offseason. Unfortunately, they can't keep everyone, and Fehoko's run-stuffing ability at the nose tackle gives him the advantage. Montravius Adams and Watts find themselves out.
Defensive End (2)
- Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal
Year two of DeMarvin Leal should offer some splash, but when it comes to competition, there really isn't any. The Steelers have their defensive ends.
Outside Linebacker (4)
- T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Markus Golden, Nick Herbig
The addition of Markus Golden shut down an opportunity for Quincy Roche - to a degree. Unless Nick Herbig proves unworthy of a roster spot, it seems easy to predict which four will stick around this season.
Inside Linebacker (5)
- Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse, Nick Kwiatkoski
The Steelers typically keep four inside linebacker to help on special teams, which gives Tanner Muse and Nick Kwiatkoski a pretty significant jump on the competition. Both are known for their work in that area, which will really be the only deciding factor for the bottom of the depth chart.
Cornerback (5)
Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice, Luq Barcoo
The Steelers cornerback depth competition is going to be one of the most thrilling pieces of training camp. Cory Trice has all the potential in the world, and Pittsburgh wants him to be an instant standout this summer. That's just the beginning, though. James Pierre will head into camp as the favorite to be the fifth cornerback, but Luq Barcoo made some plays in minicamp that put him on notice. The former XFL star could sneak his way in with the final spot.
Nickelback (1)
- Elijah Riley
Elijah Riley is a sleeper in the nickelback competition behind Chandon Sullivan, but his experience in the slot and time within the defense should give him the push he needs to earn his place. Don't be surprised if he starts to shine at camp.
Safety (4)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew
The Steelers have their big three at safety in Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee, but the battle between Miles Killebrew and Tre Norwood isn't going to be lopsided. Both have special teams experience and have made their impact on special teams coordinator Danny Smith. Judging from past play, though, Killebrew should walk away victorious.
Kicker (1)
- Chris Boswell
There's never really a true competition at kicker when Chris Boswell is around. The Steelers aren't moving on from their Pro Bowl kicker unless something drastic happens.
Punter (1)
- Pressley Harvin III
Braden Mann could put up a solid competition, but last time Pressley Harvin was in a punting battle, he came out shooting. Expect the same this summer.
Long Snapper (1)
- Christian Kuntz
The Steelers did add another long-snapper in Rex Sunahara, but Kuntz didn't show anything last season that would make you concerned of his roster spot. No need to replace a long-snapper unless you're forced to.
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