The dust hasn't officially settled for the Steelers regarding the makeup of their final roster. They might have cut it down to 53 players on August 27, but they could still change things. For the most part, the roster presented the obvious which many expected to happen. Some surprise names made it past cut day.
One should assume that Pittsburgh will add a player or two through waivers and free agency between now and the start of the regular season. There are some interesting names out there who could provide an upgrade to the team.
For those who stumbled their way onto the roster, their names could be the first to get cut.
The Steelers could have kept others on their initial 53-man roster
Jalen Elliott
It was an amazing comeback for Jalen Elliott after he got cut during training camp just to get re-signed because of injury and work his way onto the roster. He is a depth safety and started to show some quality special teams play over the last couple of preseason games. Elliott finished strong to earn a spot, but he is better used on the practice squad.
Kyle Allen
Maybe not as much of a stumble as others on this list, but Kyle Allen didn't do too much to impress during the preseason. Perhaps if John Rhys Plumlee got more game action at quarterback, he could have pushed Allen for the third job. With the new emergency quarterback rule allowing them to be on the practice squad, maybe Allen's roster spot could become expendable.
Logan Lee
The biggest surprise of the Steeler's 53-man roster was keeping eight defensive linemen. Logan Lee didn't have a great preseason process, but the sixth-round pick of this past draft found his way on the team. They like his upside, but it doesn't seem like Lee will stick if the club adds some players to the roster between now and the regular season.
Ryan McCollum
Keeping Ryan McCollum just highlights how much the Nate Herbig injury decimates the depth at the center position for Pittsburgh. McCollum has some experience in the NFL, but he isn't someone you would want to start for you long-term if Zach Frazier suffered an injury. Hopefully, the team can find an upgrade at the position or either Mason McCormick or Spencer Anderson can fill that depth role.
Darius Rush
Many had high hopes that both Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. would take a step forward this year. It seems like only Trice accomplished that task. Rush is an ideal size for a cornerback, but he hasn't been able to show he deserves a roster spot based on his play. The Steelers should be searching for potential upgrades rather than banking on Rush's future.