The preseason is over and the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to reflect on. So, who’s making the 53-man roster?
The final preseason game against the Panthers is a matter of formality. All that is left now is for head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert to begin shaping the final 53-man roster.
In one week the 2018 regular season gets underway. Before we get to games that actually mean something, here are my final preseason thoughts and final roster projection:
Think the Steelers are glad they didn’t sign Mychal Kendricks?
Nice to see Marcus Allen make an appearance last week. Where has he been all pre-season?
Vince Williams is the clear leader of the defense, and a bona fide Pro Bowler. Possibly a potential All-Pro. He is special.
Jon Bostic and Tyler Matakevich are going to be very shaky. Matthew Thomas will certainly make the team. I wouldn’t be shocked if he isn’t lining up next to Williams by the end of the season.
Terrell Edmunds reminds me a lot of Bob Sanders. That’s good and bad.
With the injuries at tight end, don’t be surprised to see Jaylen Samuels line up at an H-Back/TE set.
Landry Jones gets dealt. Personally, I’d hold onto him and deal Dobbs.
I know fans have lofty expectations for the secondary. Approach with caution. Last year, Artie Burns regressed, Sean Davis was average and Morgan Burnett was nagged by injuries. If healthy, they can be good, but they need to drastically improve in takeaways.
The offensive line depth is, well, concerning.
I liked Ryan Switzer in college. Obviously, he will handle the return duties which will take pressure off Antonio Brown. My only question is why both Dallas and Oakland were so willing to trade him.
Final Roster Projection
QB – Ben Roethlisberger, Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph.
RB – Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Rosie Nix
TE – Jesse James, Bucky Hodges (will look to add one or two more after final cuts unless Vance McDonald is healthy)
WR – Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Ryan Switzer, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter
OL – Maurkice Pouncey, David Decastro, Ramoun Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Alejandro Villanueva, B.J. Finney, Matt Feiler (will add one more after cut down. Maybe one and put Feiler on practice squad)
DL – Cameron Heyward, Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, Daniel McCullers, L.T. Walton, Tyson Alualu
LB – T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Vince Williams, Matthew Thomas, Jon Bostic, Tyler Matakevich, Keion Adams (potential to add one more)
DB – Artie Burns, Joe Haden, Mike Hilton, Coty Sensabaugh, Morgan Burnett, Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Cameron Sutton, Nat Berhe
ST – Chris Boswell, Kameron Canady (will cut Berry and add punter)
Practice Squad – Chuk Okorafor, Marcus Allen, Brian Allen, Joshua Frazier, Casey Sayles, Farrington Hugenin, Lavon Hooks, Trey Griffey (two more to be determined)
I have left about six slots open for the team to add a few pieces after the cuts. I think they’ll look to add an interior offensive lineman who can kick out to tackle if needed as well as a tight end, even if McDonald can go.
They’ll add a punter for sure, unless Berry has worked some sort of voodoo magic and makes the team. They might look at a veteran inside linebacker and potentially an outside backer and send Adams to the practice squad. They may also opt to place Marcus Allen and Josh Frazier on the 53-man roster as well.