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
The defensive line will pose a tough roster decision for Pittsburgh
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Breiden Fehoko, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi remain the two starting defensive tackles on defense that will see the bulk of snaps on defense. Keeanu Benton might not win the job at Nose tackle coming out of the preseason, but he should gain that role shortly. Expect him to also gain snaps at defensive tackle as his rookie season goes on.
DeMarvin Leal has shown some quality against the run-in camp and during the first two games. He should get a bigger role especially if Ogunjobi or Heyward misses any time this year. The last couple of spots in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball is where things could change. Will the Steelers keep six or seven defensive linemen?
That is the question and right now it looks like the final spot or two on the roster will come between Breiden Fehoko, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Armon Watts. Fehoko has been dominant as a run stuffer and seems to be locking up his roster spot. That would mean the final spot will probably come between Loudermilk and Adams.
Adams can play both nose and defensive tackle when his number is called upon. Loudermilk has enjoyed the better preseason process when you compare the two. This battle will come down to the wire and there is a situation where both make the team. That is if Pittsburgh decides to keep seven players for this defensive front.