I make no excuses about the fact that we are officially in the ‘dead period’ and any content is good content. Therefore, I present to you our 53-man roster projection. Granted, a lot of things are going to happen once Camp gets underway in Latrobe in late July, but this is what we see as of right now.
OFFENSE (25)
Quarterbacks (3)
Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
If Howard and Skyler Thompson are neck and neck then the nod will go to Howard simply because he was a draft pick. Is there a scenario where Howard catches Rudolph for the backup role? Sure there is but it isn’t happening.
Running Backs (4)
Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Cordarrelle Patterson
The Steelers released Jonathan Ward this week which means that Cordarrelle Patterson has to have incriminating evidence on someone in the organization right? I honestly don’t understand how he is still on the roster but here we are. The rotation among the top three guys will be something that gets worked out as Camp rolls on. Johnson’s time will be based a lot on how his pass blocking is progressing.
Wide Receivers (5)
D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
This is probably one of the more fluid positions simply because we know Omar Khan is looking for a ‘true WR2.’ For now, CAIII appears to be the guy. As much as Arthur Smith likes the 13 personnel (3TE, 1RB), the pursuit of Jonnu Smith may continue.
Tight Ends (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, JJ Galbreath, Connor Heyward
The Steelers (and Danny Smith) love Connor Heyward so I have him here for now. JJ Galbreath is a fascinating option to me strictly as a receiver but my guess is they will find a more veteran presence which will bump Galbreath to the Practice Squad.
Offensive Line (9)
Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Max Scharping
I’m as confident with this group as any other but I also know that injuries will occur. Last year was a prime example of that.
DEFENSE (25)
Defensive Line (6)
Cam Heyward, Keannu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee
There could be significant movement here. Does Isaiahh Loudermilk step up his game? Is Logan Lee ready to replace veteran Dean Lowry? Will Karl Dunbar be satisfied with Yahya Black’s ability to get off at the snap? Could be a lot of movement here.
Inside Linebackers (5)
Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
Holcomb is the first wild-card here. All reports are at this point that he’s moving well and seems to be recovered from his catastrophic knee injury. Mark Robinson is also a favorite of Danny Smith and likely makes it due to those contributions.
Outside Linebackers (4)
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Could Jeremiah Moon overtake Jack Sawyer? Sure, but it won’t happen.
Cornerbacks (6)
Joey Porter, Jr, Darius Slay, James Pierre, Cory Trice, Jr, Beanie Bishop, Brandin Echols
I don’t see the Steelers trading for Jalen Ramsey as many seem to believe is happening. Yes, he can play in the slot but Mike Tomlin wants tacklers there and Ramsey isn’t exactly known for that. Bishop produced during his rookie season but was subbed for Cam Sutton due to communication issues. If he can clean those up, he’s got a shot but that’s why they traded for Echols too.
Safety (4)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killabrew
Thornhill will allow Teryl Austin to deploy the ‘big safety’ look more often. Killabrew is one of the best Special Teams’ players in football that’s where his focus will remain. Could they keep five guys here? Sebastian Castro was one of the big UDFA signings and is well-liked as a backup and Special Teamer but as of now, he’s a PS guy.
Specialist (3)
Chris Boswell, Cam Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Johnston appears to be fully recovered from the injury that took away his season in week one last year. While Corliss Waitman did a great job in his absence, this is Johnston’s job. The other two guys here need no explanation.
