Early 53-man roster predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers

Off-ball linebackers (4):

Steelers roster prediction: Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson, Elandon Roberts, Tanner Muse

The Steelers go light at linebackers this season, but like edge rusher, there aren’t a lot of quality names on the depth chart. The team has shown some interest in adding another veteran, but nothing has materialized.

Cole Holcomb is the Steelers flavor of the season, as he figures to be the next free-agent linebacker to try and fill the gap left by Ryan Shazier. Like the others before, there is plenty to like about Holcomb's tape, but he lacks the upside to be a truly elite linebacker.

Joining him is fellow free agent Elandon Roberts. Roberts profiles as a run-down linebacker that can blitz up the middle and make plays in the backfield. He was a former Brian Flores protegee, but he comes to the team this season looking to help bridge the gap for the rest of the linebacker room.

Frankly, I hope Roberts is put into more of a reserve role, as I want to see what Mark Robinson can do as the running mate to Holcomb. He is a similar player to Roberts, and I would prefer to see him be given the chance to shine given his youth.

Rounding out the group is Tanner Muse, the safety turned linebacker that this team loved during the predraft process. He isn’t much of a defender, but he has a lot of experience on special teams. He figures to be a core player there in 2023.

While this depth chart is a bit light, there are other players seemingly set to be used in a linebacker role. Herbig sticks out as a potential transfer there, while safety Keeanu Neal will also see some time in the box. This isn’t a great unit by any means, but ideally, they offer more than the group from last year.