Defensive Backs (10):
Steelers roster prediction: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew, Trenton Thompson, Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter, Levi Wallace, Elijah Riley, James Pierre
This and the defensive line proved to be the hardest groups to predict this year, and I did decide to add a twist to this group. The starters are set in stone and make up 60 percent of this group. None of them are at risk of being cut, and they all will play a key role in the defense this season.
I do have the team keeping Miles Killebrew, and he is as close to a lock as you can get. It isn’t for his value on defense, as he has very little there. That said, he is a core special teams player and one that the Steelers won’t want to lose.
My surprise name is Trenton Thompson. Added after camp began, he was quick to make an impact and flash his ability to snag interceptions. While Kenny Robinson made some noise for a while, he fell off over the last half of camp and the preseason. Thompson has continued to flash, thus giving him the nod as the fifth safety.
Elijah Riley is another close lock, as he seems poised to be the run-down slot cornerback. He can also play safety if need be. He has looked competent this offseason, and he has made an impact in his snaps during the preseason.
My last spot came down to James Pierre or Chandon Sullivan. Pierre has struggled with his defensive work once again, while Sullivan has looked competent in the slot. I gave the nod to Pierre for his special teams ability as well as his outside cornerback ability, but he certainly has caused some damage to his roster odds during the preseason.
Potential surprise cut: Pierre
Pierre could easily be cut for Sullivan or for another defensive back currently on a different roster. I was hoping to see him build off some strong games last year, but the inconsistencies have continued to plague him. Don’t write his name in pen quite yet.