Early predictions for the Steelers 2021 53-man roster
By Shayne Kubas
The Edge Rushers: TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Quincy Roche, Cassius Marsh
As strong as the duo of Watt and Highsmith can be, the lack of depth is concerning. I loved the pick of Quincy Roche, and he should be a great speed rusher from day 1. Cassius Marsh gets the nod as the 4th rusher, but I would not be surprised if they add competition for that spot in training camp.
Marsh didn’t show much at all last year for any of the teams he was on, so I doubt the Steelers are comfortable with him being an injury away from major playing time. Luckily, there are plenty of free agents available to add before the season.
The Linebackers: Devin Bush, Vince Williams, Robert Spillane, Marcus Allen, Buddy Johnson
Devin Bush is the clear top linebacker for the Steelers, and they will benefit greatly from his return after a torn ACL ended his 2020 season. Who his running mate will be is unclear, but I expect all of these guys to have a shot at the role. Vince Williams could continue to play his blitzing/run defense role while one of Spillane, Allen, or rookie Buddy Johnson plays on passing downs. My guess is Allen and Spillane fight for that role while Johnson plays special teams while developing as defender.