Everybody is psyched after the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason. That’s because the Steelers gave everyone a reason to get psyched. Quarterback, Kenny Pickett has been efficiently leading the team down the field for touchdowns. Many rookies have shown promise and veterans have performed well. It doesn't count and a lot of the action was with second and third-teamers but they won every game
The final Steelers roster is coming into focus, and every NFL team must cut their rosters down to 53 players by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday. A few notable players may not make it this year. Here's my projection for who is in and who will be out.
Steelers roster predictions: Quarterback, running back, and fullback
Quarterback (3) - Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph
Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph both shined in the preseason opener. Mitch Trubisky, not so much. But he redeemed himself against the Bills. This is one of the best and deepest QB rooms in the NFL.
Rudolph’s re-signing pretty much ended undrafted free agent Tanner Morgan’s chances of making the roster or the practice squad. He never really had much of a chance, anyway.
Running Backs (3) - Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Anthony McFarland Jr.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are the returning RB duo. Harris has mostly been kept out of games and Warren has been filling the void. He broke off a huge run against the Bills. Both should have a big year now that they’ve got a real starting quality NFL offensive line in front of them. We should see a return to Steelers football.
Anthony McFarland has been on fire this preseason. He played great against the Bucs and did well against the Bills and Falcons. He had a rushing TD and another big run that got called back by Kendrick Green’s holding penalty. He’s been dealing with injury since he was a senior and looks like he may be healthy for the first time in years. McFarland is finally looking like the change of pace back the Steelers hoped he would be.
The recent signing of Xazavian ‘Axe’ Valladay could make things interesting. I thought Valladay was worth a late-round pick. He has all the makings of a good RB3. He’s a good runner and receiver and has extensive special teams experience. Hopefully, he’ll at least stick on the practice squad.
Full Back (1) – Connor Heywood
Connor Heyward had great games against Tampa, Buffalo and Atlanta. He’s been looking good in training camp. Heyward’s listed as the only full back on the Steelers official depth chart so that’s a good indication of where he’ll be going. Putting Heyward in as FB means the Steelers can keep Zach Gentry as TE3.