Steelers 53-man roster prediction just days into training camp

Cornerbacks stay light on personnel and safety finds an emerging player

Cornerback (5): Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., Levi Wallace, James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan

It seems like coaches will be dipping Patrick Peterson's toes in the water of slot corner to start. He will likely see an expanded role there to see if he can be a quality answer there. Peterson, Levi Wallace, and Joey Porter Jr. will have their chances to shake out the starting roles on defense. Those three should be reliable guys at cornerback.

James Pierre sticks around as a special teamer that can play at corner if someone gets hurt. Ideally, he won't have to play at his position, but his play on special teams is too good to pass on right now. Chandon Sullivan does stick around with the number of snaps that he has played in the slot throughout his career. Don't be shocked if he gets beaten out this pre-season. but it will be tough.

Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Elijah Riley

All signs point to the two starting safeties being Minkah Fitzpatrick and Keanu Neal when the regular season starts. Neal could lose his job to Damontae Kazee, but even then, it could be a juggling act between the two. Either way, Neal and Kazee will have significant roles on defense. Miles Killebrew also sticks around as his special team’s prowess and leadership are too hard to overlook.

Elijah Riley is someone that could carve out a bigger role for himself on this team than many expect. He beats out Tre Norwood in this case because he has shown the ability to be flexible when it comes to his position. Riley will need to show quality special teams snaps and good ability in the slot if he wants the chance to make this prediction true.