5 players on the roster bubble for the Steelers in 2019

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still a month out from the regular season, but here is an early look at five players on the the edge of making the roster this year.

The Steelers started training camp just over a week ago, but we are already beginning to see the fruits of their labor. While some players are shining, others are getting lost in the shadows.

With 91 players on the roster, Pittsburgh will be forced to cut down to just 53 before the start of the season. Here are 5 players who are right on the edge of making the roster in 2019:

Jerald Hawkins

Hawkins opened training camp as one the Steelers top backups along the offensive line, but he has not had a good camp so far. Ola Adeniyi humiliated him in one-on-ones, and the former 4th round pick is now on the outside looking in.

Sutton Smith

The Steelers are going to have some decisions to make when it comes to their linebackers. Do they want to go with youth or experience? Smith hasn’t jumped out at me during camp so far, but Pittsburgh is testing his versatility on both sides of the ball. He will need to be a stud on special teams this preseason.

Dan McCullers

Who would have thought the former 6th round draft choice would be entering his 6th season in a Steelers uniform. Dan has been on the roster bubble every year, and has found a way to stick. He looks stronger than ever, and seems to be having his best camp to date. He currently has the inside track on a roster spot, but nothing is guaranteed yet.

Zach Gentry

Gentry was a 5th round draft choice this season, but we have seen higher draft picks not make the team to start the year. The former Michigan tight end has done very little to set himself apart from the other undrafted backups. His draft status gives him an edge, but preseason will be a big test for the rookie tight end.

Ulysees Gilbert III

Gilbert and Sutton Smith are both in the same boat, and it would be very surprising if they found a way to keep both linebackers. With the Steelers adding Devin Bush and Mark Barron this offsesaon, there aren’t enough helmets to go around in this group. Tyler Matakevich looks better than the rookies so far in camp, but it will be up to the Steelers to decide where to go. Gilbert may be a long-shot.

There are certainly a lot of other players with NFL aspirations, but these five are right on the verge of making the roster. It will be interesting to see which direction the Steelers plan on going with each of these players this year.