Steelers 53-man roster prediction heading into Week 3 of the preseason
- Return specialists are looking good
- Steelers stock up on wide receivers and tight ends
- Expect Steelers to look outside for certain positions after roster cuts
Pittsburgh decides to keep numbers at Wide receiver and Tight end
Wide receiver (6): Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Calvin Austin III, Gunner Olszewski, Miles Boykin
The top three are locked in with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Allen Robinson II. Calvin Austin III has his spot locked in too for this roster and should garner some significant playing time in his first year playing in the NFL. After those four, there are one or two spots open to make this team and a couple of special teamers are the favorites.
Gunner Olszewski is mostly a returner with some skills as a receiver. He has done well during training camp but could show more during this last preseason game. Miles Boykin is a solid talent on special teams and that should land him on the roster. It might come down to keeping either Olszewski or Boykin, but they end up keeping both on this 53-man roster.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward (FB/TE/RB)
This tight end group is one of the best from starting players to depth roles that the Steelers have seen in years. pat Freiermuth should be getting ready for a big season and will remain the top guy at his position. Darnell Washington is starting to come into his own after a slow start to training camp. There might be some question marks beyond that.
Zach Gentry has been a lock to make the final roster this entire time, but Connor Heyward's position flexibility could put Gentry and other jobs in jeopardy. Gentry sticks still as his blocking is still something that the Steelers need. Heyward is going to be all over the field in different roles for this offense as he looks to expand his options.