Steel City Blitz
I’m actually a bit grateful that the NFL just has the one cutdown period now. In years past, it was one or even two before the actual roster was set. However, even the “final” 53-man roster that will need to be in place on August 26th at 4pmET won’t be the actual roster. There will be injury issues and certainly there will be some guys cut from other teams that the Steelers will show interest in. So therefore, this projection is already going to have some incorrect selections but that’s OK. It’s all about the entertainment value isn’t it?
NOTE: Several players have already been cut but none were up for roster consideration anyway.
Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
The Steelers will stick with their traditions and keep the guy they drafted rather than the guy who played pretty darn well in the preseason. Because of his broken pinky, Howard didn’t get any chances under center in the preseason. Meanwhile, Thompson took full advantage. With QB depth a huge issue in places like Las Vegas, the LA Rams and Detroit, I’m still predicting Thompson will either get traded fore round pick. Otherwise, if the Steelers try to hide him on the Practice Squad, forget it. He’ll be claimed before he gets there.
Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell,
Lew Nichols and Trey Sermon both did a lot of really good things. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either make the roster should Mike Tomlin choose to go with four.
PS: Nichols, Sermon, Max Hurleman
D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek
Keep an eye on Austin because of his abdominal issue. He’ll still make the roster but if it worse than we’ve been told he could be a candidate for the one of those “Designated for Return” Spots. Skowronek has also been slowed by a toe injury but his value on Special Teams and as a blocker keep him on the roster.
PS: Brandon Johnson, Ke’Shawn Williams
Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward
Aaron Rodgers really likes Connor Heyward. So does Special Teams Coach Danny Smith. He’s making the roster whether the fans think he’s deserving or not.
PS: JJ Galbreath
Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Andrus Peat
I fully expect to see the Steelers look for another team’s castoff at this position. More specifically, I think it will be a tackle-type but we shall see. The other concern I have is McCollum. He did a nice job last year when called on but his preseason performances have been a struggle.
PS: Dylan Cook, Aiden Williams, Steven Jones
Cam Heyward, Keannu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk
I originally had six here until Derrick Harmon went down...
