The Steelers have wrapped up the preseason and now they are cutting players to put together their 53 man roster. Here’s who I want to make the team.
We will know who makes the Steelers team by Saturday so in the meantime let’s take a look at who should make the team. We already know of some cuts but none of them are on this list.
The Steelers got a lot of production from their linebackers this preseason and so I think they should be a little heavier at that position to start the season. They also have injuries at the linebacker position, so it is necessary.
The backup offensive line did not look good against Carolina and so I can only justify carrying eight offensive linemen. Zach Banner and Jerald Hawkins were competing for that fourth tackle job, but neither deserves to make the team. I would rather those guys stay in free agency and if the Steelers need them, the Steelers can sign them back. Let’s hope it does not come to that.
Quarterback
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Mason Rudolph
- Devlin Hodges
I think the Steelers should try to trade Josh Dobbs. If they can’t get a seventh-round pick for him, then they should keep him. I think they will get a pick for him. Devlin Hodges has more upside as a rookie.
Running Back
- James Conner
- Jaylen Samuels
- Benny Snell Jr.
James Conner is coming off a Pro Bowl year and Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell are both capable backs who can contribute on special teams. The Steelers like to keep three running backs unless the fourth can really help on special teams.
Fullback
- Roosevelt Nix
Nix should be on the team as long as he is a good special teams player. I think he should pan out to be successful on special teams.
Wide Receiver
- Juju Smith-Schuster
- Donte Moncrief
- James Washington
- Ryan Switzer
- Johnny Holton
- Diontae Johnson
The Steelers have seven capable wide receivers. It will be hard to lose Eli Rogers, but Switzer and Holton are more valuable on special teams. Diontae Johnson is a lock as a third-round pick and he has flashed as a receiver. Eli Rogers is probably worth a draft pick in a trade as well.
Tight End
- Vance McDonald
- Xavier Grimble
- Zach Gentry
A lot of people think Zack Gentry deserves to be cut or replaced but I like the potential I saw this preseason. I think if they add a player, it should be at safety.
Offensive Line
- Alejandro Villanueva
- Ramon Foster
- Maurkice Pouncey
- David Decastro
- Matt Feiler
- BJ Finney
- Chuks Okorafor
- Fred Johnson
I wanted to keep nine offensive linemen but Zach Banner disappointed me in that last preseason game. I want to carry extra players at other positions; so, Banner gets cut as the 54th man. Fred Johnson has some flexibility as a guard and right tackle so I kept him on as the 8th offensive lineman.
Defensive Line
- Cameron Heyward
- Stephon Tuitt
- Javon Hargrave
- Tyson Alualu
- Dan McCullers
- Isaiah Buggs
This group is pretty well set. I like the preseason Buggs had and I think he adds some position flexibility to a strong group.
Outside Linebacker
- TJ Watt
- Bud Dupree
- Anthony Chickillo
- Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
- Tuzar Skipper
Skipper had too good of a preseason to be kept off this roster. Especially with Adeniyi and Chickillo having injury problems, Skipper could get on the field against the Patriots. He also played special teams in the fourth game and had a tackle.
Inside Linebacker
- Devin Bush
- Vince Williams
- Mark Barron
- Tyler Matakevich
- Ulysses Gilbert III
I know ten linebackers is a lot, but a lot of guys deserve to be on the team. Steelers also have some injuries at this position; so, some depth could help early in the season. Gilbert deserves to make this team with his special teams ability and coverage skills.
Cornerback
- Joe Haden
- Steven Nelson
- Mike Hilton
- Cameron Sutton
- Artie Burns
- Justin Layne
This group is easy to predict as the top four will be getting on the field often. Sutton is the dime back. Artie Burns had a good preseason and he can add something on special teams. Justin Layne is a lock to make the roster as a third-round pick.
Safety
- Sean Davis
- Terrell Edmunds
- Kameron Kelly
- Jordan Dangerfield
Jordan Dangerfield deserves to make this team. It will be a travesty if he does not. Kameron Kelly is the best option for the fourth safety but I would like to see the Steelers acquire a safety after cut downs.
Specialists
- Chris Boswell
- Jordan Berry
- Kameron Canaday
Chris Boswell deserves this job as he did well in the preseason. Matthew Wright missed a kick in the fourth game and so I question his reliability. Jordan Berry deserves the job after holding off Ian Berryman.
Conclusion
I want to make this clear that this who I think should make the roster. This probably won’t be who is kept. The cut downs are going on now and by Saturday we should know who is on the team.