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Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster projection post OTAs

By Brandon Kring

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: Landry Jones #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 31: Landry Jones #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 31, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second half during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: Vince Williams #98 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second half during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field on September 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Linebackers (9)

  1. Vince Williams
  2. Jon Bostic
  3. Bud Dupree
  4. T.J. Watt
  5. Keion Adams
  6. Tyler Matakevich
  7. Anthony Chickillo
  8. Matthew Thomas
  9. L.J. Fort

The linebacker corps took a huge blow last season when Ryan Shazier went down with a scary injury. They signed Jon Bostic this offseason to help address the issue and he will battle for a starting spot.

Tyler Matakevich will be battling for a spot opposite Vince Williams when week one rolls around. He also was hurt in the same game as Shazier and did not have much impact the rest of the season.

Matthew Thomas has impressed the staff and is a surprise on this list. The inside linebacker spot is up for grabs and anyone can get it at this point. I see him making the roster as a depth player.

L.J. Fort makes the cut here as the 9th linebacker. He has been a quality special teams player and serves as positive depth.

The outside backers are the same as last year with one addition. Keion Adams was injured in camp last season and was placed on injured reserve.

Now healthy, Adams looks to be a key part of the outside rotation with Dupree, Watt and Chickillo. I am excited to see what he has and I think he will have a great preseason and crack the 53-man roster.

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