An early Steelers 53-man roster prediction before training camp

S (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Arthur Maulet, Miles Killebrew, Antoine Brooks Jr.

The two starters are easily set as both should be trying to improve upon good 2020 seasons. Behind them are a lot of question marks. Of all of the backup options, it seems like Antoine Brooks Jr. has the best path to the roster right now. He is a natural strong safety and the teams’ utilization of him in the slot on occasion makes me think he could see an expanded role in 2021.

The Steelers would still need a free safety capably player behind Minkah Fitzpatrick through, and Brooks isn’t that. While Tre Norwood is a free safety-style player, he could use some time to develop on the practice squad. The recently signed Arthur Maulet is far more established as a player, and he should be the favorite to make the roster over Norwood at this point.

Lastly, Miles Killebrew is a hybrid linebacker/safety, but his best role will be as a special team’s option. The team will keep him on the roster as purely a special teams option only, where he has been one of the better players in the league in that role over the past few seasons. His defensive role should be minimal, but don’t be surprised if he is one of the most active special teams players in the league.