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

Steelers roster predictions: Defensive back

Cornerback (6) - Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan, Joey Porter Jr., Elijah Riley, and player not on the team

Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, and nickelback, Chandon Sullivan, should be starters for the beginning of the season. Joey Porter will see some action and possibly take Wallace’s snaps as the season goes on.

Elijah Riley had a great game in Tampa, getting a tackle for loss and a big tackle on special teams. He batted down a pass and got an interception on a deflected pass against the Bills. It looks like he might be splitting time between nickelback duties and Safety. Riley’s position flexibility is a big plus and he’s earned his spot on the roster.

Chandon Sullivan is the projected nickel starter and he had an incredible interception off his own pass deflection against Buffalo. The two may end up being co-nickels like the situation at strong safety.

The unfortunate, season-ending injury Cory Trice suffered opened the door for James Pierre to make the final 53, but his coverage has been horrible. He’s allowed completions on almost every pass thrown his way. The Steelers may find another CB around cut time, probably an outside corner.

Safety – (4) - Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damonte Kazee and Tre Norwood

Of course, Minkah’s a lock. The Steelers currently have Neal and Kazee as co-strong safeties. We’ll have to see how that works out.

Norwood is currently nursing a nagging leg injury. He finally got some playing time against the Falcons. Special teams standout, Miles Killebrew, is also in this competition but Norwood is one of Tomlin’s favorites. The final safety spot will probably be Norwood’s.