The Spring OTAs are over. We are now roughly five weeks away from the Pittsburgh Steelers reporting to Training Camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. Our one goal – our hope is probably a better word – is that the news on our Steelers is boring. We hope it is free from poor decisions, injuries and ‘hot takes.’ While we wade through those waters, it’s time to take a look at where the roster stands prior to the start of Camp.
Offense (24)
Quarterbacks (3)
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Thoughts: Wilson is the starter and only injury or a massive decline in his play will change that. Allen makes the most sense as the emergency QB given his experience.
Running Backs (3)
Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Thoughts: There’s a possibility here for a fourth running back and much of that will be based on what they do with the tight ends. Connor Heyward isn’t a proto-typical NFL fullback but he’s serviceable there if needed.
Tight Ends (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt, Connor Heyward
Thoughts: Rodney Williams showed a lot of potential last season in limited action but I don’t think he offers enough to supplant anyone else. Freiermuth had a terrific Spring and Arthur Smith loves his tight ends so I think four is the right number here.
Wide Receivers (5)
George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins
Thoughts: While Wilson has come in and done everything you can ask of a rookie, there is still work to be had. I also expect a trade or acquisition of a true number two receiver prior to the season starting. This would likely mean Watkins would be the odd man out.
Offensive Line (9)
Tackles – Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore, Broderick Jones
Guards – James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick
Center – Nate Herbig, Zach Frazier
Thoughts: Herbig can play both center and guard but we’ll list him at center for the time being. Anderson has position flexibility in that he can play anywhere across the line.
Defense (26)
Defensive Line (7)
Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Montravious Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal
Thoughts: The need for seven at this position is simply because of Ogunjobi and Heyward. Injuries and age cannot be ignored.
Linebackers (9)
OLB(4)- T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, David Perales
ILB (5)- Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson, Cole Holcomb
Thoughts: From what we’re hearing, Holcomb will be available at Camp but I’m going to assume he will be brought along slowly. Perales is here simply because I believe the Steelers will find a free agent with some experience during Camp.
Defensive Backs (10)
Cornerbacks (6)- Joey Porter, Jr, Donte Jackson, Darius Rush, Cam Sutton, Beanie Bishop, Anthony Averett
Safety (4) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miles Killabrew, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee
Thoughts: Sutton made an immediate impact upon returning to the Steelers this Spring. He will likely face suspension for his arrest this offseason and that’s why I’m keeping Bishop around. Cory Trice, Jr isn’t on this list but if he’s healthy and plays to his ability he can easily make it.
Specialists (3)
PK – Chris Boswell
P – Cameron Johnson
LS – Christian Kuntz
Thoughts: The Steelers finally made the correct call in letting Pressley Harvin III go on his way. Johnson has been really good in OTAs so far both in hang time and in his accuracy.
Practice Squad Headliners
TE Rodney Williams, QB John Rhys Plumlee, G Joey Fisher, DL Logan Lee, CB Cory Trice, Jr, C Ryan McCollum
