With two preseason games now in the books, it’s time to update my Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster projection. There are a couple of changes from my pre-training camp version, some of which have been impacted due to injuries. At this stage in the game, the vast majority of the roster spots have been claimed but we still have a little bit of time to sort out who will stand out and grab those final few helmets.
Here’s how I see the Steelers 53-man roster projection playing out as of today.
Quarterbacks (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Analysis: No surprise here. The only decision left is whether or not it will be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center when the Steelers enter week one of the regular season.
Running Backs (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Analysis: The decision to give Cordarrelle Patterson a two-year contract signals that his RB3 status is pretty secure even if he’s missed a lot of time this summer due to an injury. Jonathan Ward, who is also now coincidently banged up, would be someone that I would like to see Pittsburgh target for a practice squad spot.
Wide Receivers (5): George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller
Analysis: Pittsburgh’s front office is still searching for another playmaker on the perimeter and even factoring in a surprisingly strong summer from Van Jefferson, there needs to be a heightened sense of urgency to add someone from outside the organization.
Tight Ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
Analysis: MyCole Pruitt has mostly aligned in-line but his history playing in two-back sets under Arthur Smith make me think that they’d prefer to keep him in the fold this fall.
Offensive Tackle (4): Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Dylan Cook
Analysis: We’ll have to wait and see about the health of Fautanu and Jones when week one rolls around but the other two tackles have been serviceable in pass protection, at least.
Interior Offensive Line (5): Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick
Analysis: This is a change from my first projection, inserting Spencer Anderson making the cut. He’s been rock solid on the interior this summer and even provided some stability on the perimeter when they desperately needed it on Saturday night. Making the numbers work is tough, but I just have a really hard time leaving him off the 53-man roster.
RELATED: Bell: Steelers Rookie Zach Frazier Ready to Start Day One (+)
Defensive Line (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal
Analysis: DeMarvin Leal has shown legitimate signs of life lately which was well overdue. His competitiveness and hustle have jumped off the film and he looks like a more confident player than the one we watched last year, so he’s trending upwards at the moment.
Outside Linebackers (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Kyron Johnson
Analysis: Nick Herbig’s preseason dominance has continued but Kyron Johnson has been someone that has caught my eye plenty over the last month. His ability get off the rock and bend the corner are traits that the Steelers typically covet at this position, even if he is a little lighter.
Inside Linebackers (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson
Analysis: Mark Robinson bounced back with a strong performance against the Bills, one in which he did a little bit of everything: helped force an interception, slow down the run and contribute on special teams. That’s how he got back on this 53-man roster list.
Cornerback (5): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Corey Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop, Thomas Graham
Analysis: This room has been hit by injuries lately and the depth was already pretty murky to begin with. Thomas Graham is making a late push given his opportunistic play in the slot but the organization should be browsing the market for additional depth, particularly with gunner experience.
Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Deshon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Ryan Watts, Miles Killebrew,
Analysis: Ryan Watts transition to safety has been a smooth one thus far, with Tomlin crediting his communication skills for that. His size and tackling ability make him an intriguing developmental piece for the future.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Analysis: These three spots seem like a foregone conclusion.
RELATED: Bell: Pre-Training Camp Steelers 53-Man Roster Projection