5 bold predictions for the Steelers before the 2019 season

We still have a ways to go before the 2019 NFL season kicks off, but here are five bold predictions for the Steelers prior to the start of the season.

There isn’t a lot of new developments around the NFL right now, so what better time to throw out a few bold predictions for the Steelers in 2019.

While roster battles will eventually sort themselves out during training camp, some things remain up in the air. Here are 5 bold predictions for the 2019 NFL season for the Pittsburgh Steelers:

1. Roosevelt Nix will be cut

This isn’t something that I have seen thrown out there, but it could make sense for a couple of reasons. Though the Steelers have Nix locked up with the team through 2021, his cap number is cheap, and he can still be cut without a costly amount of dead cap space.

The Steelers have already tried out Sutton Smith at fullback, and with using the position so little in 2018, it would make sense to give one of the last roster spots to a more important position.

2. Switzer and Rogers will both make the roster

I will admit that this prediction isn’t overly bold. The Steelers had both receivers on the roster towards the end of the season last year. However, with the acquisitions of Donte Moncrief and Diontae Johnson, the Steelers will have to determine whether or not it is worth keeping two players who essentially provide the same thing for their offense.

3. An UDFA will win a roster spot at safety

This prediction has to do more with a lack of depth at the safety position than anything else. The Steelers are really hurting outside of Terrell Edmunds and Sean Davis. Behind them is Marcus Allen – a former 2018 5th round pick who is inexperienced.

After their top three, there is a spot is open for competition. Veteran Jordan Dangerfield could stick around for another season, but it is entirely possible they elect to go with an undrafted free agent like P.J. Locke, Kameron Kelly, or Dravon Askew-Henry.

4. 8 rookies will make the team

This seems like an absurdly large number, but let’s list them out. Devin Bush, Diontae Johnson, Justin Layne, and Benny Snell are locks to make the team. Zach Gentry should make the team due to a lack of depth, while Sutton Smith and Isiah Buggs should do the same.

So far, I have listed 7 players. That means just one more of Ulysees Gilbert, Derwin Gray, or one of the UDFA safeties could make the roster. It hardly ever works out this way, but it’s possible the Steelers could have 8 rookies on the roster in 2019.

5. Vance McDonald will miss significant time

Vance McDonald isn’t a player that can stay healthy very easily. Last year, however, he started 14 games and played in 15 for the Steelers.

However, history has shown that Vance has not been able to stay healthy for a long period of time. With Jesse James no longer part of the picture, Vance will be forced into more snaps and his body is going to wear down even faster. Sometimes injuries are fluky, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Vance Missed 6-8 games this season.

It’s possible that none of these prediction may ever come to fruition for the Steelers in 2019. While they are admittedly bold, each one of these predictions is a least possible to come true this season.