Early 53-man roster predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive line (8):

Steelers roster prediction: Broderick Jones, Issac Seumalo, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor, Dan Moore, Nate Herbig, Ryan McCollum

The Steelers have been sticking with eight or nine offensive linemen in recent years, and given the relative depth of the group and the practice squad expansions, I think they keep eight to start this season. Seven of those names are already accounted for.

The interior figures to be the strength of this group given the recent free-agent investments. The weakest link is Mason Cole, but he is a serviceable player that proved last year to be a consistent force along the interior. I really like the trio of players there.

Tackle has a new toy in Broderick Jones, and while he isn’t locked into the left tackle role quite yet, it seems like the team is going to focus on getting him snaps there early. Dan Moore should, and likely will, play a lot of right tackle this preseason. He may not do enough to start there, but he will provide fine depth if not.

Nate Herbig is a relatively expensive backup, but he can play either guard spot well and could kick in at center. Frankly, the backup center is the lone weak spot, as the team is lacking there. That made me keep Ryan McCollum, as he is the most experienced player in that position.

Kevin Dotson could and should be moved given his value and the team's strength along the interior. He should fetch a day three draft pick. I’m confident in the layout of this group minus another backup center. McCollum seems like the best fit now, but that could certainly change in time.