With training camp starting to gear towards the heat of the preseason, there are plenty of jobs still up for grabs on the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster. Some have situated themselves nicely, while others are hanging on for their football lives. Between the end of training camp and the conclusion of the preseason process, the Steelers must chop their current 90-man roster down to 53 players.
There are some crystal-clear choices that appear locked for a spot on the depth chart, while others have work to do.
The players' best outcome is to jump over their roster bubble battle, or at the very least, make Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan's decisions as difficult as possible. Those on Pittsburgh's roster have time to prove their worth, but it is fleeting.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster projection could witness bold decisions
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
The team is not expected to make any changes to its quarterback group. Will Howard missing most, if not all, of the preseason is a major setback. It would have been fantastic to see what he could do in a game environment. Realistically, he is likely to be a career backup who could serve as a bridge quarterback.
Unless a lengthy injury occurs, these will be the Steelers' quarterbacks.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
After they let go of Cordarrelle Patterson earlier in training camp, the running back group is set. Unless DJ Thomas-Jones rebounds from missed time due to injury, this will be their depth chart. Watch out for Kaleb Johnson as the rookie tailback could become a preseason star. Kenneth Gainwell has been used as a receiver, and that could be exposed during their exhibition games.
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, Roc Taylor
One of the biggest surprises at training camp has been undrafted rookie Roc Taylor. He doesn't have a roster spot cemented, but he is on a quality path. Roman Wilson has caught fire recently, and it appears the Steelers will be comfortable with him as DK Metcalf's running mate. It's an improved receiving corps compared to last season if Wilson and company can prove their worth.
READ MORE: Steelers’ WR fix might be on the roster (and flying under everyone's radar)
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, JJ Galbreath
Here is where the first "shocker" happens as Connor Heyward fails to make the cut in favor of JJ Galbreath. The undrafted rookie has continued to make plays at training camp, and he should gain plenty of targets throughout the preseason. Pittsburgh would prefer to have more blocking tight ends, but with some receivers having that ability, they might accept more receiver options.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Andrus Peat, Dylan Cook
In this scenario, Pittsburgh prioritizes position flexibility and overlooks the center position.
Andrus Peat was just signed, and he can play guard or tackle, which should increase his chances of sticking around. They keep three offensive tackles and Spencer Anderson, who they hope can play center if needed. If Anderson can become a reliable depth player across the interior, his roster spot is guaranteed.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk
With Dean Lowry out with a season-ending injury, the defensive line has become clearer. They keep six players rather than seven. The Steelers have a stronger group than last season, which should help address the late-season struggles they faced last year. Expect both rookies, Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, to have significant roles on defense this upcoming campaign.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Unless a significant injury occurs to this position, this will be their opening day depth chart.
It will be interesting to see how the Steelers utilize their outside linebackers this year. They have been working on moving T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith around at training camp. That experiment will only work if the coaches don't give up on it as soon as adversity hits this team.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
All signs point to the Steelers keeping five inside linebackers on their 53-man roster, but that shouldn't be a lock. They could get away with only keeping four at the position and storing a depth player on their practice squad. Mark Robinson makes the team because he is someone they're familiar with, and his small chunk of snaps at the fullback position could get him over the hump.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice Jr.
Brandin Echols has produced a fantastic training camp, and he should be a solid depth piece. Cory Trice has missed a lot of camp and needs to return healthy and have a terrific preseason if he wants a roster spot. Beanie Bishop hasn't been great, but his competition, Donte Kent, has been out for a while.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew
The additions of Chuck Clark and Juan Thornhill won't replace Minkah Fitzpatrick, but they could stabilize the position. Expect Jalen Ramsey to get a significant number of snaps in this area, too. DeShon Elliott should have a fantastic season, and expect Miles Killebrew to do his thing on special teams. Unless Sebastain Castro has an elite preseason, he won't make the 53-man roster.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Chris Boswell is seeking a new contract from the Steelers, and the two sides are expected to reach an agreement before Week 1 of the regular season.
Cameron Johnston is in a battle with Corliss Waitman for the starting job, but it would be shocking to see Johnston fail to retain his spot. Christian Kuntz has no competition and will be the long snapper for the 53-man roster this season.