It's a long process to get through training camp and the preseason. Forming the 53-man roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers is no easy task, and it should prompt them to look outside their current team for upgrades. They have cap space to work with, and General Manager Omar Khan remains fixed on giving this roster the best chance to win a Super Bowl this season.
The start of training camp exposed that this team could use some help across multiple positions.
They could use an upgrade to their receiver group, whether that is a starter or someone who helps address their depth concerns. They could use some help in the offensive trenches and at the safety position. The ongoing saga at the receiver spot remains a top priority for Khan if Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin III can't prove themselves during the preseason process.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster taking shape as training camp intensifies
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback for this group, barring injury. Mason Rudolph remains a reliable backup, but he has been up and down to start training camp. That has opened the door for those who are hyping up Will Howard. The rookie hasn't done anything special, but he continues to show his understanding of the game.
It's unlikely, but he could work his way up the depth chart to become Rodgers' backup.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Jaylen Warren has stuck with the starting group for the Steelers, but his grasp on the top gig is slipping. Kaleb Johnson is a fantastic talent, and his early showing has caught the eyes of many spectators. Kenneth Gainwell has shown the ability to be a dependable runner and receiving threat. His ability to be a quality returner led to Cordarrelle Patterson getting cut.
Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek, Hunter Renfrow*
Both Wilson and Austin have made plays at training camp, but neither has shown to be a budding star. Expect Khan to monitor final roster cuts in search of a potential upgrade. Ideally, the Steelers could find a starter, but they go with Hunter Renfrow. He is a known commodity attempting an NFL comeback. He would be a good addition to their depth chart. It's a solid group, but nothing terrific.
READ MORE: Steelers veteran couldn't be having a worse training camp (and it's time to panic)
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
After adding Jonnu Smith, this might be one of the best tight end groups in recent memory for Pittsburgh. It's a deep talent pool at the position on the 53-man roster. With DJ Thomas-Jones out long term with injury, Connor Heyward's opportunity to make the team has grown. Rodgers should be thrilled with the talent level at this position going into the regular season.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Matt Pryor*
Alarm bells should be ringing around the offensive line with their struggles at training camp.
Broderick Jones looks like a bust, and Troy Fautanu is struggling in his comeback from last season's injury. Expect the Steelers to find outside additions to this group in search of veteran depth. Matt Pryor is someone who has connections to the front office and position flexibility.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Pittsburgh has a loaded group along the defensive line this preseason. They might not have plenty of quality, but they have a lot of players to sift through. The Steelers keep a mix of veterans and younger options in this 53-man roster installation. Training camp has seen the young guys really take a step forward.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
There appears to be little chance for another edge rusher to make the team this year.
It's a strong group and probably rivals the tight end position for deepest at a single position. The Steelers should be thrilled with this group, and hopefully, everyone can stay healthy. Each player has produced a strong outing at training camp and should be on their way to a fantastic season.
Inside linebacker (4): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb
It would be surprising to see the Steelers roll with only four inside linebackers on the 53-man roster, but it's possible. That is how the numbers game shook out this time around, and they could store a depth option on the practice squad to call up if they need one. This is another strong group that provides experience and depth to the position.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Cory Trice, Beanie Bishop, Brandin Echols
Pittsburgh has had a strong start to training camp at the cornerback position.
They have made plays early and often, which will make the final cuts across the depth chart difficult. This iteration of the roster projection appears safe regarding the realistic outcome of these position battles. It blends experience with potential in its depth players.
Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew
This is another area of concern for the Steelers since they traded Minkah Fitzpatrick. While they added Chuck Clark, they should still aim for a stronger upgrade when final roster cuts hit. It seems like DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill will be the starters, but that's not ideal. The safety position continues to be a work in progress as training camp isn't calming any concerns.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Chrisitan Kuntz (LS)
Everything remains at the status quo for the specialists of the Steelers. Training camp has brought some competition to the group, but nothing that will knock them off their perch. Chris Boswell is a top kicker in the NFL, and he's not going anywhere. Cameron Johnston has been booming punts at practice and looks terrific. Christian Kuntz isn't going anywhere this year.