We are a week away from players reporting to Steelers training camp in Latrobe.
Football is finally coming back and fans of the black and gold couldn't be more excited. There are plenty of positions across the roster that still need to be won before any final decisions are made. Training camp and the preseason games will be the determining factors for the outcomes of these competitions. Coaches will have a lot of difficult decisions to make.
Steelers 53-man roster prediction ahead of training camp
Quarterback (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Nothing will change at the quarterback position for Pittsburgh unless an unforeseen injury happens.
Russell Wilson will be the top quarterback heading into the regular season unless his play falls off a cliff. Justin Fields will be a backup, but it will be interesting to see if they try to carve out a role for him on offense during camp. Kyle Allen is reliable enough to remain the third quarterback this season for the Steelers. Don't expect John Rhys Plumlee to make the team.
Running back (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Could the team keep four running backs on the roster? That is the question right now.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will enter their final season as the running back tandem for the Steelers. Cordarrelle Patterson is a gadget player, who calls running back his home. He is mostly a special teamer right now. Pittsburgh could always keep a fourth guy if someone separates themselves at training camp. It would provide some extra depth.
Wide receiver (6): George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, Scotty Miller
Will the Steelers trade for a star receiver to play opposite George Pickens? Rumors remain circulating the internet, but it seems like the club is content with seeing how the players currently on the roster perform. If someone can find a way to show up, then most rumors will be put to bed. If no one can show they are the answer, then this problem at wide receiver will only inflate.
Quantity over quality is the name of the game for Pittsburgh heading into training camp.
Tight end (3): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
No surprises are expected here. The only real shocker could be MyCole Pruitt or Rodney Williams's push to make the 53-man roster. Pat Freiermuth should be in store for a big season. The hope is Darnell Washington can show he is more than a blocker in Arthur Smith's offense. Connor Heyward is versatile and provides quality snaps on special teams.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson
Everyone wants to know how the starting offensive line will shake out heading into training camp.
Beyond the depth chart, the offensive line has a bunch of capable players who could make the 53-man roster. They only have maybe one or two open spots on the roster left and a handful of players will be trying to secure that spot. Spencer Anderson makes the team here over Dylan Cook. The Steelers imagine he will be harder to keep around on the practice squad.
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee
Only one, maybe two spots are up for grabs on the defensive line for the Steelers heading into training camp.
The Starters are all squared away, but the rest will have to compete for snaps on defense and earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Both DeMarvin Leal and Logan Lee beat out the competition as they provide unique skill sets to the group. Leal is almost an edge type, and Lee can play end and at nose if needed. Isaiahh Loudermilk and Breiden Fehoko lose out.
Outside linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
Nothing to see here, but the lack of depth at outside linebackers should worry those who pay attention to Pittsburgh. If T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith miss any length of time this season, there could be issues. Nick Herbig should have a great second year in the NFL. Jeremiah Moon is the favorite to make the team as the last edge guy, but ideally, the Steelers should want someone better.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
The big question here will be whether Cole Holcomb will be ready by the start of the regular season or not.
The Steelers stated Holcomb will get work at training camp, so we will see. In this 53-man roster prediction, Holcomb is expected to be ready to play. The rest of the group is pretty straightforward. Hopefully, Mark Robinson can take a step forward and earn his roster spot. He is starting to run out of time in Pittsburgh, so he needs to have a good camp.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cam Sutton (suspended), Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop, Ryan Watts, Cory Trice Jr.
With Cam Sutton starting the first eight weeks of the season on the suspended list, Pittsburgh has another opening on the 53-man roster.
Slot cornerback will remain a problem for the Steelers while Sutton is away. They could always sign a free agent, but someone like Beanie Bishop or Ryan Watts might get a long look there. With Sutton out of the lineup, both Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. make the team. Many thought they would have to battle for a spot, but now everything has changed.
Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew
Only four safeties make the roster as many expect Watts to get looks at the position too. The two starters are locked into place, while Damontae Kazee will play a depth role. Miles Killebrew remains one of the best special team players in the NFL. Much stronger group overall for the Steelers at safety this season.
Specialist (3): Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Nothing will be changing at the specialist positions for the Steelers coming out of camp unless an injury happens.
Chris Boswell remains one of the top kickers in the NFL and has shown no signs of slowing down. Cameron Johnston was just signed to a big contract in free agency to hopefully solve the Steeler's long-standing issue at the punter position. Christian Kuntz will be the long snapper in Pittsburgh for this season, and most likely beyond.
Practice squad (16): John Rhys Plumlee, Dez Fitzpatrick, MyCole Pruitt, Daijan Edwards, Dylan Cook, Tyler Beach, Breiden Fehoko, Julius Welschof, Jalen Elliott, Grayland Arnold, Anthony Averett, Ryan McCollum, Jack Colletto, Marquez Callaway, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Jacoby Windmon
Everyone seems to love a 53-man roster prediction that includes a practice squad, so here you go!
Overall, Pittsburgh was able to keep a quality practice squad coming out of training camp in this scenario. Notable names to circle here are Plumlee, Loudermilk, Cook, and Anthony Averett. They mixed in veteran pieces who could be called up to the main roster to play if injuries start to pile up. The Steelers also have a ton of young players on this practice squad who could develop into a roster player next year.