Steelers 53-man roster prediction: Some notable names miss the cut

Steelers roster predictions: Defensive line

Defensive End (4) Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal and Armon Watts

Heyward and Ogunjobi are the cornerstones. DeMarvin Leal isn’t really a great fit for what the Steelers do. He’s more of a 4-3 DE than a 3-4 one but he’s a 3rd Rd pick from last year, so he’s a lock. He’s had some good moments in preseason.

Armon Watts is a solid sub who has the versatility to play DE, DT, and Nose Tackle. He’s also put up good production over his career and has value as a pass rusher. He looked disruptive and had a QB pressure against the Bucs.  

As for Isaiahh Loudermilk, I think he was Colbert’s guy. Khan probably doesn’t feel obligated to keep him. Also, it was the dumbest trade of Colbert’s long and illustrious career. You never give up a 4th Round pick for 5th Rounder, especially not for a player who had low college production and was projected as a UDFA. His tackle for loss against Tampa was due to Keeanu Benton blowing up the right side of the O-Line. Loudermilk just stepped into the void Benton had created. I think he’s headed for the practice squad.

Nose Tackle (2) -  Keeanu Benton and Montravius Adams.

Benton was big, strong, and disruptive in his debut at Nose Tackle. After his strong showing against the Bucs, his starting spot should be a lock. Adams knows the system and has position flexibility.  He’s not really great at any phase of the game but he’s a decent sub.

Breiden Fehoko has been getting some good reviews and would give the Steelers a true run-stuffing, space-eating nose tackle. He looked pretty good against Tampa. He didn’t have any tackles but he clogged up the middle of the line, drew double-teams almost every play, and was generally disruptive. Adams probably is a lock for the 53 but it’d be great if Fehoko could be stashed on the practice squad.