The Pittsburgh Steelers finally put on the pads for the first time since last year following the NFL's mandated training camp ramp-up period. After four unpadded practices to begin camp, it's a full-go for most members of the 90-man roster.
Steelers training camp has taught us a lot in the early going. Though we need to be careful not to put too much stock into individual performances during practice, it's been clear to see which players are in the good graces of Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff and who has become an afterthought on the roster.
Before the start of the season, every team will be forced to cut roughly 40 percent of their roster as they dwindle down to just 53 players before the 2024 season. Based on everything we saw during the first week of training camp, here is my early Steelers 53-man roster prediction.
Steelers 53-man roster prediction
Quarterback (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Unless something bizarre happens, you can chisel these three names in stone as Pittsburgh's quarterbacks for the 2024 season. Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury, but he will pick up where he left off as the starting quarterback with Justin Fields backing him up. Meanwhile, Kyle Allen is running away from QB John Rhys Plumlee early in camp.
Running back/Fullback (4): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jack Colletto
Since the retirement of Derek Watt in 2022, rarely have I projected a true fullback to make the roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that could change this year. Thanks to Arthur Smith, there may be a role for Jack Colletto this season. The running back trio of Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson is a done deal.
Wide receiver (5): George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Dez Fitzpatrick
One of the big roster decisions the Steelers face each year is whether to keep five or six receivers on their 53-man roster. Because this is not a strong group, I have Pittsburgh using the extra roster spot elsewhere in 2024. George Pickens and Roman Wilson are locks to make the team, while Calvin Austin III is in the driver's seat for a prominent role. I have Van Jefferson and Dez Fitzpatrick rounding out the roster, but that could change at a moment's notice.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
The Steelers have kept four tight ends in the past, and I don't believe that will change under Arthur Smith -- even if they decide to roster a true fullback like Colletto. Pat Freiermuth will be a big piece of the offense in 2024 and Darnell Washington will be used as a blocker. Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt have similar skill sets as H-backs, but I have both making the roster.
Offensive line (8): Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Zach Frazier, Dan Moore Jr., Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick
Keeping nine offensive linemen certainly isn't out of the question, but I decided to cut back here. That means that OT Dylan Cook, who has been strong with the Steelers so far, will be released in hopes of landing back on the practice squad. The other eight names on this list are essentially locks, including impressive fourth-round rookie OG, Mason McCormick.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk
I contemplated going with just six interior defenders for the Steelers this year, but this team likes to have a lot of fresh bodies on the defensive line at their disposal. Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Larry Ogunjobi stand to see the lion's share of the action. I have Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, and Isaiahh Loudermilk backing them up. Rookie defensive lineman Logan Lee just missed the cut in this Steelers roster prediction.
Edge rusher (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
For some reason, the Steelers never consider keeping a fifth outside linebacker. The top three are set in stone with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. That leaves one spot up for grabs. I have this going to Jeremiah Moon.
Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Tyler Matakevich
After being decimated at the linebacker position in 2023, the Steelers are suddenly loaded with depth. Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Tyler Matakevich all joined the team in 2024. I have all three making the roster alongside Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb (who is working his way back from a knee injury. If Holcomb is good to go by the start of the season, this will spell the end of Mark Robinson on the 53-man roster.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cam Sutton (suspended), Beanie Bishop, Darius Rush, Kalon Barnes, Anthony Averett
So far, the Steelers are looking like they made a good decision with the Dionate Johnson trade, as Donte Jackson was the star of the first week of Steelers training camp. Pittsburgh is also pleasantly surprised by undrafted rookie CB Beanie Bishop Jr., who could be in line to start at slot cornerback. It pains me to not put Cory Trice on my 53-man roster prediction, but based on his playing time early at camp, I have him missing the mark and Anthony Averett making the team.
Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew
The Steelers have a little bit of everything at safety: a do-it-all star in Minkah Fitzpatrick, a downhill thumper in DeShon Elliott, a versatile sub-package safety in Damontae Kazee, and a special teams stud in Miles Killebrew. Unfortunately, this may not leave enough space for rookie defensive back, Ryan Watts. I think Watts lands on the practice squad.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Year after year, the specialists for the Steelers are always the easiest positional group to predict. There will be no real competition with Chris Boswell and Cameron Johnston for the kicker and punter job, respectively. Meanwhile, Christian Kuntz remains Pittsburgh's long-snapper