As training camp is in full swing, the Pittsburgh Steelers are witnessing some uncomfortable truths coming to light. Although some position battles along the depth chart are taking shape, players have plenty of time to turn their 53-man roster chances around. They still have weeks to work their way back into the roster conversation during the remainder of training camp and the preseason.
The start to training camp has been more beneficial to some than others.
It will be interesting to see how the Steelers perceive that success holds merit as the process plays out. Those who are experiencing strong starts must continue that trend, while those who are currently on the outside looking in must flip their misfortunes.
Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster projection features massive cuts after training camp
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Drew Allar
Notable roster cut: Will Howard
He still has the upper hand to make the team, but Will Howard must perform better in practices at training camp. The second-year quarterback has shown some solid outings, but he has also made consistent mistakes. Howard must earn his roster spot over Mason Rudolph. Both Aaron Rodgers and Drew Allar are locks, and the likelihood of them keeping four quarterbacks is low.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson
Notable roster cut: Eli Heidenreich
You could list Eli Heidenreich as a running back or wide receiver, but his chances of making the roster are low for now.
He has the ability to produce on special teams, but his opportunities at training camp to show his worth has been almost nonexistent. Expect the preseason to be the time for Heidenreich to get a legit shot at showing his worth, even though he probably won't make the 53-man roster.
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson, Kaden Wetjen, Ben Skowronek
No surprises in the wide receiver room, as the group is fairly clear. Roman Wilson is quickly becoming one of Aaron Rodgers' top targets at training camp, so his roster spot is pretty much locked up. Beyond that, it will be up to the rest of the players to situate themselves on the depth chart. It's a solid position group with varying degrees of talent and depth going into the season.
Tight end/Full back (3): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Riley Nowakowski
Notable roster cut: Robert Tonyan
Leaving Robert Tonyan off this 53-man roster projection can be seen as bold. He has been the only depth tight end who makes sense to keep around, unless they decide to roll with Riley Nowakowski as the third option, as they do here. Not only can Nowakowski be their third tight end, but they will use him as their fullback. That versatility shoves Tonyan off the roster and onto the practice squad.
Offensive line (9): Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, Broderick Jones, Brock Hoffman, Gennings Dunker
Notable roster cut: Ryan McCollum
Here is another group on the roster that appears fairly straightforward when it comes to who will make the team and who won't. The offensive line has plenty of talent, and unless a trade involving Broderick Jones happens, this will be their group in the trenches. Ryan McCollum is a known veteran for the Steelers, but due to his lack of position flexibility, he will struggle to hold his job.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Yahya Black, Esezi Otomewo, Free Agent
Notable roster cuts: Dean Lowry, Logan Lee, Gabriel Rubio
Keep an eye on this position group potentially adding an outside upgrade when final roster cuts happen. The defensive line has talent across the depth chart, but Dean Lowry, Logan Lee, and Gabriel Rubio haven't done much of note at training camp. It could put all three into a tough spot to make the team.
Searching for an upgrade on the outside as the final defensive lineman might be best for business.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Perhaps the clearest position group when it comes to who makes the 53-man roster at outside linebacker. These edge rushers are talented and continue to become more seasoned by the day. Some of them have shown signs of tough competition against the offensive line, but that is a positive as their teammates continue to improve on the other side of the football.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Payton Wilson, Carson Bruener, Free Agent
Notable roster cuts: Jamin Davis & Malik Harrison
Not much to write home about when it comes to the current batch of inside linebackers at training camp. You'd like to see one emerge from the shadows, but that lackluster group will probably force a trade or last-minute pickup to help boost that unit. Malik Harrison makes too much money and hasn't produced. Jamin Davis has a shot, but the chances of him being an upgrade are low.
Secondary (10): Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Daylen Everette, Asante Samuel Jr., Rayshawn Jenkins, Robert Spears-Jennings, Brandin Echols
Notable roster cut: Sebastian Castro
This could be another area where the Steelers add an outside hire when the 53-man roster gets settled.
Robert Spears-Jennings has been given plenty of elevated opportunities at training camp but hasn't made much progress in that role. Unless he or Sebastian Castro win the final spot, they could get cut for someone not currently on the team. Spears-Jennings barely hangs onto a roster spot in this projection.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (P), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Here is another group that is all locks to make the roster, barring some sort of freak injuries. Chris Boswell has been on fire during practices at training camp. Cameron Johnston has been stacking solid performances. Perhaps the team should've given Johnston someone to compete with, but he is doing well enough. Christian Kuntz is an effective long snapper and won't be going anywhere.
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