Steelers 53-man roster prediction: Several big changes ahead of second preseason game
By Tommy Jaggi
In less than two weeks, NFL teams will be forced to reduce their rosters from 90 players all the way down to just 53. All at once, there will be a flood of talented young football players hitting the waiver wire. Like every other team, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have some very challenging decisions to make.
Since my last roster prediction ahead of Pittsburgh's preseason opener against the Buccaneers, a lot has already changed. Some players have really come alive in recent practices while others seem to have disappeared. Even their performances in the first preseason game may have altered the outlook at certain positions.
I recently made three changes to my previous Steelers 53-man roster prediction. With less than two weeks remaining, here's who I have making the squad in 2023.
Steelers 53-man roster prediction:
Quarterback (3):
- Kenny Pickett
- Mitch Trubisky
- Mason Rudolph
Running back (3):
- Najee Harris
- Jaylen Warren
- Anthony McFarland
Wide receiver (6):
- Diontae Johnson
- George Pickens
- Allen Robinson II
- Calvin Austin III
- Myles Boykin
- Gunnar Olszewski
Tight end (4):
- Pat Freiermuth
- Darnell Washington
- Connor Heyward (FB/HB)
- Zach Gentry
Offensive tackle (3):
- Broderick Jones
- Chukwuma Okorafor
- Dan Moore Jr.
Interior offensive line (6):
- Isaac Seumalo
- James Daniels
- Mason Cole (C)
- Nate Herbig
- Kevin Dotson
- Spencer Anderson
Interior defensive line (6):
- Cameron Heyward
- Larry Ogunjobi
- Keeanu Benton
- DeMarvin Leal
- Armon Watts
- Isaiahh Loudermilk
Edge defender (4):
- T.J. Watt
- Alex Highsmith
- Markus Golden
- Nick Herbig
Linebacker (5):
- Cole Holcomb
- Elandon Roberts
- Kwon Alexander
- Mark Robinson
- Tanner Muse
Cornerback (5):
- Patrick Peterson
- Joey Porter Jr.
- Levi Wallace
- James Pierre
- Elijah Riley
- Chandon Sullivan
Safety (5):
- Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Damontae Kazee
- Keanu Neal
- Miles Killebrew
Specialists (3):
- Chris Boswell (K)
- Presley Harvin III (P)
- Christian Kuntz (LS)
In my previous prediction, I did leave DL Isaiahh Loudermilk off my list as one of the players who narrowly missed the roster. This time around, I put Loudermilk back on the roster and removed fellow defensive lineman, Breiden Fehoko.
Loudermilk and Fehoko are very different football players and assume different roles along the defensive line, but Loudermilk has been the better player in recent practices and the preseason. I initially thought either Loudermilk or Armon Watts would be an odd man out as they offer similar things, but I think it's possible Fehoko and Montravius Adams could narrowly miss the mark on cut-down day.
In addition to this swap near the bottom of the roster, I also have the Steelers keeping CB Chandon Sullivan this time around. In his place, I have removed an additional safety -- a spot that previously belonged to Kenny Robinson.
Robinson can still make the team yet, but that's if the Steelers are willing to keep a fifth safety on the roster. Instead, I had them adding a bit more depth at slot cornerback. Currently, I have both Sullivan and Elijah Riley making the squad. But a lot can change over the final two preseason games.
The only other change I made from my previous roster is exchanging Kendrick Green for rookie Spencer Anderson. Anderson has been mostly an offensive tackle at training camp but has played all over the offensive line so far -- including center. Anderson has been solid in recent practices, while Green continues to underwhelm as a center. Perhaps the rookie can make the squad as the final offensive lineman this year -- possibly making Green the odd man out.
Next. 5 players who have gone missing at Steelers training camp. 5 players who have gone missing at Steelers training camp. dark
There are sure to be a few more changes to my Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction next week, but for now, here's how I see things playing out for 2023.