Steelers 53-man roster prediction heading into preseason game vs Bills

An extra "tight end" makes the final roster as a veteran receiver misses out

Receiver (5): Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Calvin Austin III, Gunner Olszewski

Everyone knows who the top three starters are at receiver for the Steelers heading into the year. Those three spots are locked in and so is Calvin Austin III's spot as well. The real competition is for the final one of two spots available behind the four. It will depend on the quality of play at receiver to determine how many receivers stick on the 53-man roster.

The Steelers could keep Miles Boykin around as the sixth option with the type of special teams that he has shown in his past. It was hard to leave him off the team, but he has not done a great job of making a case for making the club as a receiver right now. Gunner Olszewski has shown some quality things both as a returner and as a receiver this preseason and is pushing for a spot.

Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward

No fullback makes the team, but four tight ends do end up making the club when it is all said and done. Pat Freiermuth is still the top dog even though there is a lot of talent that will be in this room. Zach Gentry is still a quality blocker that should have no issues with making it into the regular season. Trying to divide the snap counts will be a challenge for coaches.

Darnell Washington is really starting to figure things out and started to show glimpses during his limited targets against the Bucs. Connor Heyward is a do it all utility guy that has seen snaps at tight end, fullback, and running back during camp. He will be the fullback, but he will also have a lot of other responsibilities on this team going forward.