Back in late June, I published our first look at a possible 53-man roster for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that we have come through Training Camp in Latrobe and have just one preseason game remaining, here’s my latest look at who is making the team and who isn’t.
Quarterbacks (3) Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Chris Oladokun
Changes from June: NONE
He may have started slowly in Camp but Kenny Pickett has now proven he’s more than capable of running the offense should he need to do so. I still believe Mitchell Trubisky is the starter week one but Pickett has closed the gap. Mason Rudolph has played pretty well to be quite honest – well enough to be considered trade bait – if there’s a willing team and I tend to think there are several who could use upgrades at their number two spot.
Running Backs (4) Najee Harris, Benny Snell, Derek Watt, Jaylen Warren
Change from June: Add Warren, Cut McFarland
There’s still some talk that Derek Watt could be a cap casualty but I don’t understand why. Connor Heyward is not a fullback, at least not right now. Jaylen Warren has been really good save for a fumble in the opener. I find him more dynamic, a better pass blocker and a better pass catcher than Snell but Mike Tomlin loves Snell which makes the decision between Snell and McFarland difficult. McFarland has had a much better preseason than his prior seasons but Snell’s Special Teams’ prowess wins out.
Wide Receivers (5) Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Gunner Olszewski
Change from June: None
Austin’s current injury bears watching. He’s yet to play in preseason action and that has to be a concern. Steven Sims and Tyler Vaughns have both shown some ability and I can see either slipping in especially with Anthony Miller gone for the season.
Tight End (3) Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward
Change from June: None
Kevin Rader is perhaps the best blocker of the bunch and has improved as a pass catcher but he isn’t nearly as universal or dynamic as Heyward.
Offensive Line (10) Chuks Okorafor, Dan Moore, Kevin Dotson, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Joe Haeg, Kendrick Green, John LeGlue, J.C. Hassenauer,(New Player)
Changes from June: Free Agent addition or Trade, Add J.C. Hassenauer
If Kevin Colbert were still in charge, Green would be 100% safe. With Omar Khan running things I’m not so sure. Green has been brutal through two preseason games and I see no way they can go into the season with him as the starter at left guard. Dotson is much more suited but can he remain healthy? I am 100% convinced the Steelers will sign one or two guys who are cap casualties from other teams and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade either. The OL is that bad. Mason Cole has been adequate but they’ll need the steadying presence of Hassenauer as well.
Defensive Line (6) Cam Heyward, Tyson Alualu, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Demarvin Leal, Montravious Adams, Larry Ogunjobi
Change from June: Wormley is Out.
I’ve tried to find a place for Wormley but I can’t and it comes back directly to his inability to stop the run. Adams was a gem discovered on the New Orleans practice squad during the 2021 season and while he isn’t perfect, he’s more reliable against the run. I’m not sure I trust Wormley’s health either as he’s battled some leg injuries in recent years.
Inside Linebackers (5) Myles Jack, Devin Bush, Mark Robinson, Robert Spillane, Marcus Allen
Change from June: Johnson Out and Robinson In
Johnson in my opinion entered camp ahead of Robinson but through two preseason games Robinson has been much more noticeable and impactful. Personally, I wouldn’t keep Marcus Allen but Danny Smith usually gets to keep a handful of guy for Special Teams and he loves Allen. I’d much rather use Terrell Edmunds as that Dime backer.
Outside Linebackers (4) T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Genard Avery, (New Player)
Change from June: Skipper to IR, Add free Agent
Avery has surpassed Derek Tuszka as the top reserve and I honestly believe the Steelers can find a more suitable reserve on the waiver wire come September.
Safety (5) Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Miles Killabrew, Tre Norwood, Damontae Kazee
Change from June: Add Kazee
The addition of Kazee has been very nice. He’s capable against both the run and pass and can play Special Teams as well. I think Teryl Austin can find some things to do with him defensively in sub packages.
Cornerbacks (5) Levi Wallace, Cam Sutton, Ahkello Witherspoon, Arthur Maulet, Justin Layne
Changes from June: None
Layne may literally be the 53rd guy kept. I think he’s that close to being cut but his presence on Special Teams is huge. That’s what saves him. Would it surprise me to see Carlins Platel get this spot? No, it would not.
Specialists (3) Chris Boswell, Pressley Harvin III, Christian Kuntz
Boswell got his new deal and is among the highest paid kickers in football. Harvin already looks more consistent and capable than last year and his competition has already been cut. Kuntz goes unnoticed which is exactly what you want you’re long snapper to be.
