Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction:

Attack (24):

Quarterback (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

There will obviously be no changes from last time, as this has been set for ages. The Steelers even have John Rhys Plumlee catching kicks and running routes, so it’s safe to say he’s not their QB3.

Running back (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

Jonathan Ward tries to get into the discussion, but I can’t give him any room. Cordarrelle Patterson is finally back, even if it doesn’t sound like he wants to play in the preseason. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are that offense – or at least they are until…

Wide Receivers (5): George Pickens, Brandon Aiyuk, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III

The Steelers successfully completed a trade for Brandon Aiyuk. Yes, that’s my prediction, and at this point I don’t think it’s particularly bold. Unless, of course, something happens before the release that makes me look stupid. The rest of the roster is pretty easy to calculate after that. Austin, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins are similar players. Austin is the one with the most potential and the one they know. However, expect one or both of the others to resurface on the practice squad, as there is no market for them. And yes, Roman Wilson is on the roster.

Tight End (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt

I still don’t understand why the Steelers would give Arthur Smith fewer than four tight end-like players with only one variable. The top three are safe, but do they take Smith’s starter MyCole Pruitt or FB Jack Colletto? I’m rooting for Pruitt for now, but am watching Colletto, who played 11 special teams snaps with no tackles in the Steelers’ season opener.

Offensive Line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, James Daniels, Dan Moore Jr., Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson

I don’t see any changes here at the moment, but I still think the Steelers could trade someone. Dan Moore Jr. and Nate Herbig are the obvious candidates, with James Daniels also a possibility. All three are dependent on the progress of the rookie linemen, though. Troy Fautanu’s injury makes it much more difficult to part with Moore.

Defense (26):

Defensive Line (7): Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius ​​Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk

I still think the Steelers have seven players here, although I don’t think it’s necessary. DeMarvin Leal helped himself last game, and his versatility is the trump card. The Steelers reportedly use him more as an outside linebacker, which makes it easier to play less there. I’m curious to see if Logan Lee can make a late push for Loudermilk’s spot.

Inside Linebackers (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson, Tyler Matakevich

The Steelers’ move to restructure Cole Holcomb’s contract really makes it sound like he won’t be playing anytime soon. He’s now the only player on their injured list, and with him out, Mark Robinson is back in.

Fullbacks (3): TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig

I’m only stronger in this prediction because the Steelers are using Leal at outside linebacker. Between my first two roster predictions, Markus Golden signed and resigned. Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson, Jacoby Windmon and Julius Welschof are all vying for one chair after another that perhaps belongs in another room.

Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush, Grayland Arnold, Beanie Bishop Jr.

I made a change here, swapping Anthony Averett for Grayland Arnold. This will be a big week for Arnold, who is on the first team and likely to start next game. They took a long look at Beanie Bishop Jr. in the first game of preseason, but now want to see their other options. I’m also more confident now that both Rush and Trice will make it.

Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts has only earned a spot on the 53-man roster since training camp began. Unless the Steelers consider releasing Damontae Kazee, I think this group is a no-brainer. The Steelers would $3 million less the transfer would be saved if they actually fired him. As I write this, I’m telling myself I’m opening the door for him to be fired, so maybe he won’t make my final prediction.

Specialists (3):

Kicker: Chris Boswell

Matthew Wright missed an extra point in the season opener, so… yeah.

Punter: Cameron Johnston

Cameron Johnston’s debut with the Steelers didn’t blow me away, but he proved to be the reliable punter that he is. There isn’t even another punter, so there’s nothing to talk about.

Long snapper: Christian Kuntz

On the other hand, there is no other long snapper currently, but the Steelers are working on a few. Kuntz’s snaps have been a little shaky, which is not a new problem. They signed him for three years, but it was very cheap. If they think they can add to the long snapper, it wouldn’t hurt to release him. But they need to sign someone who can compete with him first.

Predicting the 53-man squad before training camp