With the preseason drawing to a close, the Pittsburgh Steelers are focused on setting their 53-man roster. Although their initial approach will be to make decisions internally, don’t be surprised if they explore external options. Their roster could use some upgrades at key positions. Expect movement through the waiver wire, free agency, or potential trades.
It's going to be brutal at a couple of different spots.
The decisions won't be easy, but they could witness key role players from last season getting released. Pittsburgh has seen a tough training camp process, followed by a strong preseason battle. The outcomes of those position battles will determine how the Steelers approach those final roster decisions over the next couple of days.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster could see new faces enter and old faces leave
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
A tough break for Skylar Thompson, who produced a strong preseason campaign. The numbers aren't working in his favor with rookie quarterback Will Howard set to return. Unless something significant derails Howard's return, Thompson will either be traded or cut. Aaron Rodgers remains the starter, and Mason Rudolph will be the top backup for this season.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
No surprises at the running back position. The three making the team are all capable and will likely be significant contributors on offense. Kaleb Johnson hasn't done enough during the preseason to show he is ready for the top gig yet. Jaylen Warren will help ease his transition as a starter, but until then, it will be Warren's spot to lose.
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Gabe Davis-type*
The recent emergence of Roman Wilson has calmed many concerns around the receiver position. It still has plenty of question marks, especially with the amount of time Calvin Austin III has missed during the preseason process. Scotty Miller has earned a roster spot with his magnificent play, and Ben Skowronek plays a mean brand of football.
Although Wilson has emerged, the Steelers are still likely to pursue another receiver, possibly someone like Gabe Davis or similar.
READ MORE: Steelers 53-man roster prediction takes dramatic turn with trade
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
This remains one of the best position groups across the 53-man roster for Pittsburgh. They have two solid pass-catching tight ends with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Darnell Washington is a fantastic blocker and has sneaky good catching ability. Connor Heyward hasn't been terrific, but he is someone who can do anything that the coaches ask of him.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Andrus Peat, Spencer Anderson, Cole Strange-type*
Projecting the offensive line is crystal clear for the top seven spots. The final two roster openings are where things could get interesting. Improving the offensive line is something the Steelers could focus on ahead of the regular season. The need for an experienced veteran center is something the team must accomplish. If they fail to accomplish that task, it could hurt them.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee
The club could keep six or seven players along the defensive line on its final roster. In this version, the Steelers roll with seven. The outlier is Logan Lee, but he’s putting in significant effort this preseason to secure his spot on the roster. His ability to play long snapper in a pinch might get him over the hump.
The old saying goes, "the more you can do", and that is exactly why Lee makes the team.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Unless an injury carries into the regular season, this will be the outside linebackers. They have a strong group who could withstand some bumps and bruises along the way. T.J. Watt is already in midseason form, but the health of Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith will be vital. If neither is ready for the start of the season, it could create a massive learning curve for Jack Sawyer.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
Cole Holcomb had to earn his roster spot, but he not only accomplished that, but he should receive playing time on defense. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are prepared to make a jump as a strong duo in the middle. Mark Robinson was in a battle this preseason with rookie Carson Bruener, but Robinson has taken over the job and doesn't seem to be giving it up.
Cornerback (5): Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, James Pierre
Pittsburgh could roll with six cornerbacks, but in this roster projection, they only keep five.
Beanie Bishop is the surprise cut here as the second-year player hasn't done much to keep his job. With the coaching staff having key veterans mix into the slot during the preseason, it could be disastrous for Bishop, who hasn't been consistent enough in his second go-around.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew
Unless something shocking happens, this will be the Steelers' group of safeties this season. You would have loved to see them add some other upgrade to replace Minkah Fitzpatrick, but that's not realistic. They will stick with this group unless an unexpected player becomes available during final roster cuts. It's not a bad batch at the position, but it's a downgrade from last season.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Corliss Waitman (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Here is where the next surprise could happen on the Steelers' 53-man roster. Cameron Johnston and Corliss Waitman are in a tough battle for the punter job, but they could lean towards Waitman if he keeps it close. Johnston should receive value on the trade market, and they would save cap space with a move. Unless Christian Kuntz is out long-term, he will be their long snapper.