The Pittsburgh Steelers have started training camp, and now is the time to win jobs on the 53-man roster. A strong showing at camp could secure a roster spot for many currently in tough position battles across the depth chart. There will be ups and downs along the way, but don't be shocked if veteran players who carry noteworthy names lose their employment by the end of the preseason.
General Manager Omar Khan claims he is happy with his constructed roster, but expect that to change between now and Week 1 of the regular season.
He must find upgrades at several holes littering the roster. If Khan fails to accomplish that, it could be hard for the Steelers to recover from. The 53-man roster will look far different from the current options they have at training camp.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction could shift with training camp shakeup
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
There are no changes to the quarterback group in this team’s construction. Unless someone falls to injury during training camp or the preseason, this will be their top three. Ideally, Skylar Thompson will revert to the practice squad, but no one would be shocked if a team signed him to their roster.
It's a strong group that will be defined by the play of Aaron Rodgers as he continues to battle Father Time.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
It hasn't been a great start to training camp for Cordarrelle Patterson, which could lead to unemployment. Jaylen Warren is the starter, but Kaleb Johnson has shown a significant burst during his early showing. One would have to assume Johnson will steal some of Warren's snaps as camp progresses. Kenneth Gainwell has gotten looks at running back and receiver, with big plans ahead.
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, Gabe Davis*
Khan has put himself into an uncomfortable position and will count on Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III to prove themselves this preseason. If they fail, it makes too much sense not to add a veteran free agent like Gabe Davis. They remain in contact with the free agent receiver, and he would make sense if Wilson and Austin fail to show they are ready for an expanded role.
READ MORE: Possible Steelers training camp sleepers who could break out and turn heads
Tight end/fullback (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, DJ Thomas-Jones
Unless a trade occurs that affects the tight end position, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will demand four on the roster.
In this case, they keep two pass catchers and two blockers. DJ Thomas-Jones is a fullback, but he has a unique shot at making the team as an undrafted free agent. He must beat out Connor Heyward as a better blocker and someone who can make plays on special teams.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Max Scharping, Dylan Cook
Pittsburgh has aimed to add more flexibility to its offensive line as training camp begins.
The Steelers have their starting five ready, but early signs of struggle by Broderick Jones could have them flailing to find a left tackle. Max Scharping has taken some reps at center during camp, which could boost his chances of earning a depth role. Dylan Cook must win the backup tackle vacancy, which he appears prepared to accomplish.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee
The depth along the defensive line is improved compared to this point last year. They might not have a ton of quality yet, but they have upgraded as a whole. Dean Lowry is the notable cut in this 53-man roster iteration. He showed some good play last season, but it will be an uphill battle for him against younger competition. Logan Lee is the surprise player who barely squeaks onto the team.
Edge (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
No surprises here as the outside linebackers have a lot of quality pieces scheduled to hit the roster. T.J. Watt signed his contract extension, so that distraction has disappeared. Nick Herbig will be a big role player on defense, and Alex Highsmith will hopefully have a bounce-back year. Jack Sawyer will learn the ropes as a rookie and will gain snaps as the season progresses.
Inside linebacker (4): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb
Pittsburgh carrying only four inside linebackers on the roster is a bold move, but they should be able to stash Mark Robinson or Carson Bruener on the practice squad for added depth.
This is a solid group of linebackers who should create one of the better units in the NFL. Cole Holcomb is having a great start to training camp and hopes to gain the third linebacker role on defense by the end of the preseason.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Cory Trice, Beanie Bishop, James Pierre
The cornerback group got boosted since Jalen Ramsey entered the fold.
They have three cornerbacks who will be on the field at all times, and Rasmey appears to be moving to different spots. The depth positions will be up for grabs, and the Steelers will roll with a mix of youth and experience. James Pierre is the "shocker" as the veteran cornerback continues to wow on special teams.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Chuck Clark, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew
With Minkah Fitzpatrick gone from a blockbuster trade, everyone figured Khan would sign a veteran free agent. They added Chuck Clark, who has position flexibility and can start games for the team. The rest of the group is self-explanatory, but Sebastian Castro can work his way onto the 53-man roster if he produces a strong preseason.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
It would be unwise to assume the specialists for the Steelers will change throughout training camp. Chris Boswell remains a top kicker in the NFL and has no legitimate competition. Cameron Johnston has been booming punts during the early days of camp. Christian Kuntz is a fan favorite at his position. Unless an injury occurs, don't expect much change to happen to this unit.