The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up their first preseason game against the Jaguars, and while there are still a lot of things that need to be sorted out before the regular season, some roster battles are already finished. This first game was a huge aid in cementing some early roster spots.
We have seen some surprise names jump up the depth chart. DeMarvin Leal has shown a lot of growth, while undrafted rookie Max Hurleman has been a Swiss army knife on offense. While they are competing for a roster spot still, they haven’t officially locked up a spot yet.
These three players, on the other hand, have.
We went into training camp not knowing for sure if any of these three would stick. One was a rookie, and while fans assumed he would make it, there was no guarantee. The other two both had roster experience but faced stiff competition.
Now, after only one preseason game, it seems like we can safely add these players names to the expected final roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers new roster locks after the first preseason game
James Pierre, CB
The name that I am least confident in on this list, but it seems hard to deny him at this point. While James Pierre’s hopes of being an every-down starter should be dashed at this point, he is a proven commodity on special teams and can come in as an injury replacement in a pinch. He didn't do much of anything in the Jaguars game, but his limitations are something the team is already well aware of.
He has made some notable plays in camp and looks like a savvy veteran. Don’t get me wrong, he is making this team for his special teams ability, which is valuable, but even his defensive play looks better than in years past. That leaves potentially one spot left for Cory Trice or Beanie Bishop to fight over.
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Mark Robinson, LB
The Steelers have one of the deeper linebacker rooms in the NFL, and it only got more competitive when the team drafted Carson Bruener. He profiles as the perfect fifth linebacker for a team with great special teams ability. This seemed like a blow to Mark Robinson.
However, it seems like Robinson won’t go down swinging. He has been on fire at camp and is flashing his versatility with some offensive snaps. Even if that doesn’t materialize further, it seems like Robinson has staked his claim as a depth player on this roster.
Yahya Black, DL
A fifth-round pick is far from a roster lock, and Yahya Black entered a deep defensive line room this offseason. Worse yet, the Steelers were playing him out of his seemingly more natural position of nose tackle. That said, he has risen to the occasion.
He quickly worked his way up the depth chart and could now be viewed as one of the top backup defensive linemen. He still needs work, but it seems like Black is a safe roster bet. The question should now be how high up he can go on the depth chart.