The Steelers just wrapped up the OTA portion of their offseason as they are gearing toward the preseason process. Fans are interested in what this team could look like when the regular season opens.
There are plenty of starting spots up for grabs and roster spots that will need to be won. The 53-man roster for Pittsburgh will be completely different from last year.
Steelers 53-man roster prediction makes a couple surprising moves
Quarterback (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Nothing shocking here as John Rhys Plumlee has a shot at making the practice squad unless something wild happens. The Steelers will roll with Russell Wilson as their starter unless he falls apart. They will then turn their attention towards Justin Fields at that time. Kyle Allen is a solid third option to have at the position, but probably won't wow anyone as Mason Rudolph did.
Running back (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Again, nothing too shocking here as the Steelers will go with three running backs on the final roster. They could always have a fourth guy on the depth chart who is more of a textbook running back rather than what Cordarrelle Patterson brings to the team. We will see if anyone currently on the roster emerges as a front runner, otherwise, Pittsburgh might need to add someone from the outside.
Wide receiver (6): George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller
Receiver is where things could get interesting as the black and gold will have to decide how many bodies to keep on the 53-man roster. They have continued a trend of quantity over quality this offseason, so they stick with six guys here. All the "bubble" guys make the team here as none will separate themselves too far from the pack. Probably best if the Steelers add a waiver pickup before the regular season starts.
Tight end (3): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Who knows where the black and gold envision Connor Heyward playing? He has done a lot of different things in Pittsburgh. In this case, he remains at tight end as another receiving option. MyCole Pruitt has a good chance of making this team, but in this scenario, he reverts to the practice squad. There is some talent at the bottom of the roster at tight end, but the three here are pretty obvious right now.
Offensive line (9): Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson
The starting five will be figured out during training camp, but there are plenty of roster spots open in the trenches for Pittsburgh. In this case, the Steelers keep nine offensive linemen, including Dylan Cook and Spencer Anderson rounding out the group. Dan Moore Jr. will become the backup left tackle at some point, and Cook will be the backup right tackle. Nate Herbig is the shocker here, but Mason McCormick has an opportunity to show he can play all three interior positions.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Logan Lee
Nothing too shocking here as the Steelers kind of roll with a similar group from last season. Hopefully, the defensive line can find more health this time around. Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal are the most shocking left off this 53-man roster. Neither have gotten better and their spots are up for grabs this preseason. Logan Lee and Dean Lowry beat them out to make the team.
Outside linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
It would still make a lot of sense for Pittsburgh to bring back Markus Golden if he was willing to return. Both T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are the starters, but it's a big year for Nick Herbig. He will hold the third spot, which is important at this position. Jeremiah Moon rounds out this group, but he could potentially see time at inside linebacker too.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb (IR), Mark Robinson, Jacoby Windmon
Cole Holcomb is listed, but he will probably be placed on injured reserve. The last one or two spots on the roster are open at this position. Mark Robinson makes the roster from his experience around the team, and Jacoby Windmon is an interesting undrafted free agent to push for a spot. It could always make sense to bring back Kwon Alexander for added depth if he would like to.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Darius Rush, Anthony Averett, Cory Trice Jr., Ryan Watts
It seems like the starting two outside cornerbacks are set in stone, but if Donte Jackson struggles then don't be shocked if the Steelers provide competition. Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. are the top outside corner backups. Anthony Averett and Ryan Watts both make the team as they could play special teams and play both inside and outside at cornerback.
Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Trenton Thompson, Miles Killebrew
Both starters are situated already at safety. Those behind them seem pretty cut and dry to make the 53-man roster for Pittsburgh. Unless something surprising happens, expect Damontae Kazee, Trenton Thompson, and Miles Killebrew to fill out the remaining room at safety. Each of them has starting experience and some have played significant snaps on special teams.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell. Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
We finally reached the specialist's portion of the Steeler's 53-man roster prediction. No shockers here as these will be the three making the team no matter if some competition is brought in. Only an injury could alter this room. Chris Boswell remains one of the best kickers. Cameron Johnston just inked a significant contract with the Steelers. Christian Kuntz does a solid job at long snapper, plus he's a local product.