With the Steelers offseason in a lull following the draft, I wanted to take some time to provide an early prediction for what the team may do once they carry their roster into training camp. Roster predictions are a lot of fun. While everyone’s top names will be the same, the backend of the depth chart is a mystery as of now.
I’ve added some intriguing names to round out the bottom of my roster, as it adds some new names to talk about and discuss heading into the remainder of the offseason. While this is all for fun, this is the best way I would assemble this roster as of now.
Quarterbacks (3):
Steelers roster prediction: Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
Sorry to all of the Tanner Morgan truthers out there (all three of you), but the Steelers quarterback room suddenly became extremely set in stone. The first two were never up for debate, as the team had their starter and backup set. Kenny Pickett should, hopefully, take a big leap forward. Mitchell Tribusky is a good backup.
The third spot was up for debate, and while I liked the idea of adding Malik Willis on a cheap deal, Mason Rudolph seems poised to return. Given his familiarity with the system, this makes sense, and I find it hard to believe that Rudolph doesn’t ultimately make this roster now. This trio is set, and I don’t foresee it changing.
Running backs (3):
Steelers roster prediction: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland
I only have the Steelers keeping three running backs and no traditional fullback. While I like the idea of a throwback fullback like Monte Pottebaum serving as a lead blocker, he is too limited outside as a blocker, and I see the team going elsewhere with the position.
Like quarterback, the top two running backs are set in stone. Najee Harris hopes to prove me wrong in his third season. He has the best line in front of him to this point in his career and figures to be a main staple of this offense as this team shifts to a more ground and pound style of offense.
Jaylen Warren was a feel good story from training camp last year, as the undrafted free agent took the team by storm and did enough to earn the backup role out of training camp. He impressed when on the field and eventually became the third down back for this team.
The final running back is up in the air. I go a little out there and say Anthony McFarland earns the spot, as his speed is something that this offense is lacking. I’m hesitant given his lack of success so far and his inability to play special teams, but this team has a slew of special teams capable players. I like his speed, and I figure this team could use something a little different in the backfield.
Tight ends (4):
Steelers roster prediction: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Zach Gentry, Conner Heyward
The first two are pretty standard. Pat Freiermuth will resume his role as a top tight end, and the depth behind him has only improved. This should allow him to move around more and be more of a receiving threat out of the slot as opposed to just as a traditional tight end.
I do expect Darnell Washington to become the de facto number two tight end by the time camp is through. He is such a natural blocker that I think he quickly establishes himself as the second option. Even if he struggles as a receiver early on, he should see plenty of snaps due to his blocking ability.
Zach Gentry rounds out this group as a capable third option. He will likely be inactive for some weeks as the team schemes around opposing offensives. Injuries and a desire to run heavier sets will still allow him to get some snaps, but his role will likely be reduced. That said, I still think his roster spot is pretty safe.
Conner Heyward rounds out this group, and he should see an expanded role as an offensive weapon. He can line up as a traditional tight end and serve as a utility fullback. Because of his versatility and inability to be a true tight end at all times, the team keeps four here in anticipation of heavier sets. These guys can all wear different hats, so I like the team going heavier here.
Receivers (6):
Steelers roster prediction: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Miles Boykin, Hakeem Butler
The top three are set in stone, as this team figures to roll out Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson early on as their trio at receiver. All three have flashed at times, and while Pickens can still develop into something more, this group is a fine one for Pickett to utilize in the passing game.
While I won’t call him a lock just yet, Calvin Austin also figures to be an active member of the offense. The former fourth-round pick missed all of last season with an injury, but he profiles as an explosive target. He is undersized, but he runs sharp routes and has top-end athleticism that can make him a big-play option with the ball in his hands.
Miles Boykin also figures to be pretty safe. He has seemingly fallen off as a receiver, as his stats on offense have been lackluster for the past few seasons. What he offers you is an elite gunner on special teams. He has the size and athleticism to thrive there and was a great fit in that role in 2022.
I wanted to go in a different direction and take Hakeem Butler as the final receiver. Despite a limited NFL resume, Butler put on a clinic in the XFL. He has rare size and athleticism for the position and could potentially serve as an outside option or even work as a big slot.
My main issue is lacking a return man. Austin profiles well there, but he is unproven. Beyond that, a running back would be the next likely option. I could keep Gunner Olszewski, but he proved to be too mediocre to justify the cost.
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.
Defensive line (7):
Steelers roster prediction: Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Breiden Fehoko, Armon Watts, James Nyamwaya
The Steelers broke a long trend of only keeping six defensive linemen on the roster, and I think that continues. For starters, they have another deep group of names entering camp, and they clearly want to control the trenches.
They should be able to better do that this season. Larry Ogunjobi has a full offseason to prepare himself, and I expect a better output than last year. Keeanu Benton should be an instant upgrade in the middle of this line with the potential to wear a few different hats for this defense in due time.
The other reason to keep seven here is DeMarvin Leal’s position versatility. Given the weakness at edge rusher, Leal could serve as an oversized backup there on running downs while also being a backup end for this team. I’m skeptical of a position-versatile player, but the team seems to have clear plans for Leal.
Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts were both added on small deals and aren’t locks to make this team. Fehoko should be a good backup nose tackle though, and he costs less than Montravious Adams. Watts can play inside and outside as well.
I had some fun with the final player and went with UDFA James Nyamwaya. He was dominant at a small school and has the build this team wants in linemen. He can serve as the weekly inactive as he adjusts to the pro-level competition.
Edge rushers (4):
Steelers roster prediction: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Quincy Roche
This is a group that is extremely strong up top but has horrible depth. This has been a common trend for the defense in recent years. T.J. Watt should be back to his old self, and assuming he can stay healthy, he should be in line to make another run at the defensive player of the year.
Alex Highsmith is a great running mate, as he proved to be a player on the rise last season while Watt was out. No, he isn’t the generational player that Watt is, but he is still a great player. The only question is if he will have a new deal before the season starts (he absolutely has earned it).
Anyone that has followed my writing should know my thoughts on Nick Herbig. I can’t see him sticking at the edge given his lack of arm length. Personally, I would make him move to off-ball linebacker now so he can begin to learn the new role. That would also open a spot for a better overall third edge rusher to be added.
I also have them keeping Quincy Roche, but that is more due to the lack of other names. He could easily be bounced off the roster at some point, and he is far from a lock. That said, there aren’t a lot of names that stick out over Roche. He can hopefully kick in on special teams and gain back some value as a former sixth-round pick.
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.
Cornerbacks (6):
Steelers roster predictions: Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Duke Dawson, James Pierre, Corey Trice Jr.
The Steelers go heavy in the secondary to give them as many options as possible to fill in at other spots. The top three are pretty set in stone. The only name you could argue against is Levi Wallace, but he was a serviceable player last year and I’m fine with him returning to help stabilize this group.
One of my final names to make it on the roster is Corey Trice. While I am high on him as a prospect, he was only a seventh-round pick and has some flaws as a cornerback. He may have to switch positions long-term, and that is assuming he stays healthy. He will have to show up on special teams to make the roster.
James Pierre also sticks around. While he doesn’t have the highs of an Ahkello Witherspoon, I would argue that he is more consistent. On top of this, he is one of the better special teams players on this team, so he keeps his spot due to his value there and what he provides as depth.
I opt to let Duke Dawson be my slot cornerback. While Chandon Sullivan has seen more playing time, he has been rough as a player. I’ll take the devil I don’t know right now and hope that someone shows up in camp. I also fully expect Peterson to move around as a slot cornerback despite his lack of experience there.
Safties (5):
Steelers roster prediction: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killibrew, Tre Norwood
The only clear starter here is Minkah Fitzpatrick, as he figures to be a core playmaker in this defense as he has been in the past. There isn’t a clear strong safety and the depth could be made up in a variety of ways.
Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal figure to be co-starters at strong safety. Kazee is the better overall player, but he may see some slot work. Neal, meanwhile, can also serve as a box defender, so the two will work together and likely split time depending on the look the defense is going for.
Miles Killibrew sticks around as a core special teams player. I doubt the team wants to see him much on defense anymore, but he wears a lot of hats on coverage units and is worth the roster spot. This team values good special teams players, and Killibrew certainly fits that bill.
Tre Norwood sneaks onto the roster, but his spot is far from secure. He regressed in his second year, going from a versatile defender to someone that barely saw the field. He isn’t great on special teams either. That said, he can also figure into the slot competition while also backing up Fitzpatrick at free safety.
Special teams (3):
Steelers roster prediction: Chris Boswell, Pressley Harvin, Christian Kuntz
I go pretty chalk here. While I did believe that Chris Boswell could have been at risk given his contract and struggles last year, the undrafted kicker brought in doesn’t appear to be anything special. Retained with him is Christian Kuntz, who is seemingly lacking competition at long snapper.
Pressley Harvin has the toughest path to the roster, as the Steelers brought in Braden Mann off of waivers earlier in the offseason. The Jets reportedly were trying to trade Mann at first, and while that didn’t materialize, he has had success in the past.
That said, Harvin made some improvements last season, and I think he continues to grow. If he can get his consistency worked out, he could be a great punter given the strength of his leg. His spot is far from a lock, but I give him the early edge at punter.
And that is a wrap on my initial roster prediction. The starters and core backups are pretty chalk, but I tried to add a few new names and players I am personally intrigued by. For now, get ready for a small dry stretch before the Steelers arrive at training camp.