The Pittsburgh Steelers head into their second preseason game flying high after an impressive first outing against the Jaguars. With the fallout of that game in the rearview mirror, the final roster is starting to take shape.
There are still a few spots up for grabs, but quite a few players locked up their spots after week one. However, some tough choices need to be made in order for this final roster to take shape.
For this purpose, I am projecting the final roster before the first regular-season game. This means that some names are shifted on and off the roster in order to move players to injured reserve. With that said, here is my latest crack at predicting the Steelers' final roster.
Fan favorite rookie misses this Pittsburgh Steelers roster in latest prediction.
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson
While everyone is enamored by Will Howard, he is just a sixth-round pick who essentially didn’t have a preseason to showcase his talents. Skylar Thompson, meanwhile, looked electric in his first game with the Steelers.
The team can carry all four and stash Howard on the injured reserve for the time being, just like they did with Logan Lee last year. They could also try to keep him on the practice squad. That said, if Thompson continues to play well, Howard can be retained in other ways.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
This group is chalk, and they also get the advantage of keeping a hybrid player at receiver (more on that soon). We have seen some positives from players like Lew Nichols and Trey Sermon, but they are practice-squad material at this point.
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Max Hurleman
I surprised myself by going heavy at receiver, but I think there is a really compelling argument to keep Max Hurelman as a sixth receiver. He has proven to be a valuable asset as a receiver, can take snaps as a running back, and can serve as a returner and coverage specialist on special teams. He is exactly what you want in a depth receiver.
Scotty Miller is the better receiver, which is why he also makes the team, although his spot could be taken by anyone, both on and off the roster. Robert Woods has looked pretty bad so far in practice and the one preseason game, so there is no sense in keeping him.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Unless the Steelers add a tight end at roster cutdowns (something I wouldn’t rule out), this room is set. Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington will be core contributors this year. Connor Heyward makes the team for now mostly for special teams, but his spot could be taken by a new face after rosters are trimmed.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Spencer Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Max Scharping, Dylan Cook
Given the injuries to this room so far and how weak the general depth is, the Steelers keep nine players here. I think Ryan McCollum is moving to injured reserve and is designated to return to get fully healthy. Max Scharping can be the backup center and also play guard or even tackle in a pinch.
Dylan Cook beats out veteran Andrus Peat for the final spot and the weekly inactive spot. Peat looked rough in his first game with the Steelers, and Cook has enough versatility to stick.
Defensive line (6): Cam Hewyard, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk
I’ve been an advocate of keeping seven defensive linemen for a while, but as camp has progressed, that no longer seems necessary. Yahya Black looks ready for a rotational role, while Daniel Ekuale is as advertised. Isaiahh Loudermilk is a safe final name. Logan Lee hasn’t looked like a valuable enough name to keep around.
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Edge rusher (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Chalk. The only question early on was if the team would justify keeping five edge rushers with DeMarvin Leal looking solid. His first preseason game was lackluster, and it’s hard to justify keeping him around. He could get dealt for a late pick at the end of summer.
Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson
Another chalk group. Mark Robinson has taken a commanding lead of the final spot after an impressive (and unique) camp and a notable special teams resume. Carson Bruner can be stashed on the practice spot with ease.
Cornerback (6): Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop Jr., James Pierre
I left fan-favorite Cory Trice Jr. off the roster in my last prediction, and that sentiment has only grown. Injuries have left him behind as the rest of the cornerback room has stepped up. If Trice does make this team, it is likely at the cost of Beanie Bishop’s spot, with Brandin Echols showing slot capability.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew
Chuck Clark isn’t a roster lock by any means, but this team will want to carry four safeties, and he is a safe depth player to rely on. No other names have stepped up, and unless the team carries seven cornerbacks, it feels like this group is set.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Chris Boswell and Christian Kuntz are locked into roster spots. It felt like the same could be said for punter, but Cameron Johnston and Corliss Waitman are in a true battle right now. Ideally, whoever loses can be flipped for a late-round draft pick.