The Steelers are heading for their second preseason game. A lot has changed since the start of training camp, and this roster outlook is very different now than before. With this second game being so important, I wanted to take the time to offer up my second rendition of how I think the roster will end up.
Important to note, that Cam Sutton and Cole Holcomb will be left off this roster. Sutton will start the season suspended and will immediately move to that list once the regular season starts. Holcomb seems more than likely to start the year on PUP given how he restructured his contract. Beyond that, here is my updated 53-man roster before the week two preseason game. And in case you missed it, check out my first rendition here for references to any changes.
Steelers roster projections: Offense
QB (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
My previous roster only featured two quarterbacks, as I thought there was a good chance this team tried out the new practice squad rule with the third quarterback elevation. However, Kyle Allen's performance in week one convinced me to keep him and not risk another team poaching him. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields stick as the initial starter and backup, respectfully.
RB (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
I added a quarterback but dropped a running back. I had rookie undrafted free agent Daijun Edwards pushing for a spot in my initial roster but he hasn’t shown enough in camp. If anything, I would give the slight edge to Jonathan Ward, but I don’t think any reserve running back has done enough to warrant keeping. I almost gave the nod to Jack Colletto, but the Steelers can seemingly fill his role in the tight end room. The rest of the room is chalk at this point.
WR (5): George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Dez Fitzpatrick
My longshot call of Marquez Callaway making the roster was short-lived, as he was released quickly in camp. Replacing him is Dez Fitzpatrick, who looked ok as a receiver and is a good special teams asset. Any Roman Wilson fans may be disappointed, as he may have missed out on the moving train. If the Steelers only dress four receivers, he would be the healthy scratch right now.
TE (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
This group remains intact from the last rendition, with the first three being roster locks at this point. Pat Freiermuth should be the second receiving option for this offense while Darnell Washington is hoping for a better second season. Connor Heyward should see time as a hybrid fullback/tight end while MyCole Pruitt has a lot of experience with Arthur Smith and I haven’t seen enough out of Rodney Williams to justify keeping him.
OL (10): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore, Nate Herbig, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Mason McCormick
Going heavy along the offensive line, but it is hard not to. Your top five are just about set in stone, while Dan Moore and Nate Herbig should be your primary backups. I decided to keep both Dylan Cook (he didn’t make the roster last time) and Spencer Anderson this time around. Cook is valuable given the injuries at tackle and Anderson has looked good again this offseason. The Steelers have finally invested in their offensive line and I’m not going to lose out on a good player just to keep nine here instead.
Steelers roster projections: Defense
DL (7): Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal
I add another name here, and while DeMarvin Leal stays as a defensive lineman, his role seems more like backup edge rusher, subpackage interior rusher. He has done everything you could want to secure a spot. To beef up the depth, Isaiahh Loudermilk makes it over Logan Lee, who has failed to make a lot of noise this offseason.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
Another group that is pretty set in stone. While it looked like Markus Golden was going to play another year here, he decided to retire. Kyron Johnson has flashed some good play, but Jeremiah Moon seems to be consistently ahead of him and has the better body type to play the edge in Pittsburgh.
LB (4): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich
Four off-ball linebackers is light, but I really think this team doesn’t care for Mark Robinson at this point. New to the list is Tyler Matakevich who is less so a defender and more so a special teams ace. The idea will be to rotate through the top three names and have Holcomb as a reserve (when healthy).
CB (5): Joey Porter, Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Beanie Bishop, Grayland Arnold
It looks like the Steelers could have a strong trio at hand in Joey Porter, Donte Jackson, and Cory Trice. In the slot, Beanie Bishop and Grayland Arnold have been splitting reps and either could start. Darius Rush, who made my initial roster, misses this time. I would fully expect the team to look for another outside cornerback at cutdowns.
S (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliot, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts
No changes to this group, and the only question mark is Ryan Watts at this point. He has reportedly been a solid defender all over the defense in camp and looked good in the preseason. I’ll give him the nod, although he isn’t in pen and needs to get a more defined role on special teams to dress. The rest of the room is locked in.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
No changes here either, as this room has been set in stone since Cameron Johnston was signed. Unless an injury were to happen, expect these three to be around for the year.
There is still plenty of time and two more preseason games for the roster to shift this year. That said, following the first preseason game and training camp wrapping, this roster has a lot more clarity. That said, the next two games will be vital in determining the final 53-man roster this season.