Steelers final 53-man roster projection before training camp starts
Defense (26)
Defensive Line (6); Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, Chris Wormley, Isiah Loudermilk, and Henry Mondeaux
This group has been one of the most dominant as a unit when compared to the other 31 in the league. Loudermilk will make the team and that last spot is open for competition. Mondeaux seems like a favorite since he had some playing time last season but there is a battle between about three or four players.
Outside Linebacker (5): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Quincy Roche, Cassius Marsh, and outside free agent/trade player
Normally the team sticks with just four players at this position but with the lack of depth, the Steelers might have to go quantity over quality. It just seems like they’re primed for adding a veteran option after final cuts come through or via trade. This does not seem to be a finished product at this position.
Inside Linebacker (5): Devin Bush, Robert Spillane, Vince Williams, Buddy Johnson, and Marcus Allen
This group seems like they will be set even when training camp starts up. The only question is where these players will fall in their roles and on the depth chart when the pre-season concludes.
Cornerback (6): Joe Haden, Cam Sutton, James Pierre, Justin Layne, outside free agent/trade option, and Shakur Brown
Pittsburgh keeps a good number of cornerbacks here as the group is in flux. There has been a lot of turnover in the secondary since the end of last season. An outside veteran option still seems like a good choice for this team instead of holding onto someone that doesn’t provide much with an undrafted free agent.
Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Miles Killebrew, and Antoine Brooks Jr.
Tre Norwood failed to make this 53 man roster but he would come back on the practice squad. He is a swiss-army-knife that could be useful down the line but that is a project player. The others in the depth department for this position will have to show flexibility and special teams prowess.