With the Pittsburgh Steelers heading to St. Vincent college this week for the team’s training camp, it feels like the appropriate time to drop my 53-man roster projection. As always, things near the bottom of the roster will remain fluid as there are plenty of intriguing training camp battles that will heat up in Latrobe. There’s even a good chance that one, or potentially multiple players could be added from other rosters via cuts or even trades over the next six weeks. This is always an exciting article to write because it means that the season is just right around the corner. Thankfully, we’ll have some real football competition to hold us over until the regular season gets here.
Quarterbacks (3): Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Analysis: I’m giving Kyle Allen the nod here for the QB3 spot, simply because of his experience in multiple different offenses at the professional level but John Rhys Plumlee could surprise with his athleticism.
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, but his contributions on special teams could provide even more value.
Wide Receivers (5): George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Marquez Callaway
Analysis: While it won’t likely be the splash move that many fans are clamoring for, it would surprise me if the front office doesn’t add at least one receiver before opening weekend because this group as a whole is fairly underwhelming.
Tight Ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Mycole Pruitt
Analysis: Connor Heyward and Mycole Pruitt could both factor into the full back equation, which could potentially open up the door for Rodney Williams to claim one of the final spots on the initial roster as well.
Offensive Tackle (4): Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Dylan Cook
Analysis: Dan Moore’s experience will be nice to have off the bench but Dylan Cook is the intriguing name to watch here to see if he could potentially develop into a good enough swing tackle for the future.Interior Offensive Line (5): Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick
Analysis: After moving around quite a bit last preseason, it sounds like the Steelers want Spencer Anderson to focus on playing guard but there’s a logjam at the position that could force him onto the practice squad.
Defensive Line (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee
Analysis: Given how many question marks there are behind the starters, seven guys on the 53-man roster might be egregious but I’m rolling with Logan Lee over DeMarvin Leal for that last spot as of right now.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
Analysis: I’ve been a big proponent of more snaps for Nick Herbig and while Jeremiah Moon matches what the Steelers look for at the position, he’ll need a strong camp to avoid them adding a veteran in that role instead.
Inside Linebackers (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich
Analysis: Cole Holcomb’s health is a massive question mark especially considering his cap hit for 2024, but this is a relatively deep group that can hopefully withstand injury concerns.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cam Sutton, Corey Trice Jr., Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop
Analysis: With Cam Sutton suspended for half the season, I expect the Steelers to try a bunch of different body types in an effort to find a mix-and-match solution inside.
Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Deshon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew
Analysis: My current best guess is that Ryan Watts takes Sutton’s spot on the 53-man roster once he’s suspended and I think his best long-term position is at safety.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Analysis: These three spots seem like a foregone conclusion.
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