Saunders: Post-Minicamp Steelers 53-Man Roster Projection

PITTSBURGH — Three weeks of spring practices, two of OTAs and one of mandatory minicamp, are in the books, and while the major position battles remain for training camp, we’ve learned a lot about how the Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster will look this fall.

As we enter the break in the schedule, here’s our updated Steelers 53-man roster projections for 2025.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS POST-MINICAMP 53-MAN ROSTER PROJECTION

Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

Don’t count out Skylar Thompson, who gave Will Howard a pretty good battle for the No. 3 quarterback spot so far, but I expect the sixth-round rookie to eventually win this spot.

Running backs (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

It’s hard to see what more the Steelers could want from a running back room than what these three can provide, but Cordarrelle Patterson is still around if they think they need another.

Tight Ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, DJ Thomas-Jones

This is a prime spot for the team to make an addition this offseason, especially after the injury to Donald Parham. If they don’t undrafted rookie DJ Thomas-Jones is the most likely to take advantage.

Wide Receivers (5): DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Robert Woods

This is an obvious place for the team to be adding to its roster between now and the start of training camp, but it’s less clear how that will impact the 53-man roster. Do these five have roster spots locked up, or could a veteran like Robert Woods be at risk?

Offensive Tackle (4): Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook

There’s an awful lot riding on the top two tackles here, so it wouldn’t be crazy to see the Steelers make an addition, but they seem to like the chemistry of the group they have. I think I’m higher on Dylan Cook than they are. If only nine linemen make it, he could be the odd man out.

Interior Offensive Line (6): Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Max Scharping

This is a very solid unit. Three quality starters, including a potential star in Frazier, and three backups that have all played well at the NFL level. Spencer Anderson even has some nice guard-tackle versatility.

Interior Defensive Line (6): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Yahya Black

It’s really hard to leave a quality vet like Dean Lowry on the cutting room floor, but Isaiaihh Loudermilk has been ahead in the pecking order since the end of last season, and I just can’t find a seventh roster spot for a defensive lineman.

Outside Linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

Jeremiah Moon is a tough cut, but the top four are so good at outside linebacker that it’s hard to imagine him playing much there, and Malik Harrison can fill his role on special teams.