Trying to decide who will make the 53-man roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers this early is no easy task. Training camp is just around the corner, and it could force some uneasy conversations about potential roster cuts when they are due later this summer. It's truly a year where jobs are up for grabs for different roles and roster spots as players must make their worth known to the team.
Going into training camp, the Steelers could go in a variety of directions when they finalize their 53-man roster.
They have some options to consider when it comes to how they will deploy their depth chart. Veterans and rookies alike will be battling for jobs this summer, and it won't be an easy task to keep their names in consideration. It should be a fun competition to watch unfold, and this prediction of how things may go features several surprise names making the cut.
Pittsburgh Steelers have some tough roster cuts to consider as training camp gets closer
Quarterback (4): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Drew Allar
Perhaps the biggest conundrum for the Steelers' 53-man roster will be whether they keep four quarterbacks or not. In this situation, they decide to roll with four as the veteran team hopes to compete this season, and hanging onto Mason Rudolph would be a wise choice. This would probably mean Will Howard failed to beat out Rudolph for the backup job at training camp, which would be disappointing.
Running back/fullback (4): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, Riley Nowakowski
No surprises here as the three running backs seem fairly straightforward unless the Steelers are eager to cut bait with Kaleb Johnson. The second year back must show signs of improvement at training camp regarding his all-around game, or he could be in serious trouble. Riley Nowakowski will be the fullback for the team this season and should provide a unique impact on offense.
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Eli Heidenreich, Kaden Wetjen, Ben Skowronek
Pittsburgh decides to go with several young bucks over some of the veteran options.
Eli Heidenreich makes the team as a wide receiver, but his position versatility and potential on special teams are what secured him a spot over Roman Wilson in this exercise. Despite an abundance of players at the position going into training camp, don't be shocked if Ben Skowronek hangs onto the final opening as a reliable player.
Tight end (3): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Jaheim Bell
Outside of the top two tight ends making the roster, this is an area where the team could get creative. Robert Tonyan, Jaheim Bell, and a couple of other lesser names will compete for the final vacancy. In this scenario, Bell, a known veteran around the league, hangs onto the roster spot. Don't be shocked if this positional need finds an upgrade on the waiver wire or via trade before the season begins.
Offensive line (8): Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Max Iheanchor, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker, Broderick Jones (PUP)
Rolling with eight offensive linemen would be a bold move by the Steelers.
It is one less than normal, and they could always keep ten without it being outlandish. The starting five appear clear, but Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook must fend off players gaining momentum behind them. Only going with three offensive tackles could be worrisome, but they could store someone on the practice squad while they wait for Broderick Jones to return from his neck injury.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Dean Lowry, Grabriel Rubio
Pittsburgh likes to keep a good chunk of players in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. Keeping seven defensive linemen is something that could happen as training camp comes to a close. It's clear where the starters and significant role players lie going into camp, and who must earn a job. In reality, there is probably one, maybe two roster spots available in a quantity-filled group up front.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
No change will happen at the outside linebacker position before, during, or after training camp, barring something crazy. The Steelers could always make a massive trade if something popped up, but that remains unlikely. One thing to consider is that T.J. Watt is getting older and could see his role alternate. That should open up more opportunities for Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer moving forward.
Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, Carson Bruener
Another group who must figure themselves out at training camp will be the inside linebackers.
The two starters are obvious, but those behind them on the depth chart will be interesting to monitor. In this 53-man roster, Cole Holcomb is the main backup with Jamin Davis and Carson Bruener rounding out the group. Davis is intriguing as he has draft pedigree and can play multiple positions.
Secondary (9): Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, DeShon Elliott, Daylen Everette, Brandin Echols, Darnell Savage, Asante Samuel Jr.
Going light at the safety position would be bold by Pittsburgh in their roster construction. That said, they could always slide Jalen Ramsey back over to either safety spot if injuries become a concern. The Steelers roll with more cornerbacks in this case, as they envision the younger players filling the roster as a strong suit. It could use more depth, but this is a much-improved secondary.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
You would like to see more competition added to the group of specialists compared to what they have now.
Cameron Johnston must be forced to battle for his roster spot at training camp, otherwise it could come back to bite them. Christian Kuntz is someone who shouldn't worry about his job security, but the Steelers would be wise to consider some options to potentially battle with the veteran.
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