Saunders: Surprising Cuts Highlight Mid-Camp Steelers 53-Man Roster Projection

We’ve learned a lot about the Pittsburgh Steelers through the first two weeks of training camp at St. Vincent College, and while the preseason — which starts this Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars — will play an even bigger role in who does and does not make the team’s initial 53-man roster than the first two weeks of camp, we can certainly update our priors when it comes to who is currently in a strong position to make the squad.

There have been some significant changes to this projection, including a pair of veterans that might be considered surprise cuts being left off the squad.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS MID-TRAINING CAMP 53-MAN ROSTER PROJECTION

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

No changes here. Will Howard has clearly passed Skylar Thompson as the third quarterback, and I don’t expect any more movement in the pecking order.

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

Trey Sermon is a distant fourth, and has looked fine running the ball, but I’m not sure the Steelers need more than these three at running back.

Tight Ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward

No changes here, and the only way there would be a change would be Arthur Smith finding a way to cram a fifth tight end into his offensive roster. DJ Thomas-Jones would probably be the next man up.

Wide Receivers (6): DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Outside Addition

Scotty Miller has been one of the best stories of training camp, taking advantage of Calvin Austin’s injury to have a fantastic second week. I still think there’s a good chance of an outside addition here, but even if there is, right now, I’d have vet Robert Woods on the chopping block, and not Miller — who also has more special teams value.

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

I only had three tackles on the previous version of this projection, but a shaky start for Broderick Jones and a soft-tissue injury that could linger and nag for Calvin Anderson has me leaning toward putting Dylan Cook on the 53-man roster. It doesn’t hurt that he’s looked great with all the extra reps he’s been getting.

Interior Offensive Line (5): Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum

With Cook on the roster, and the interior trio looking very solid throughout training camp, Max Scharping becomes the odd man out here.

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

No changes here, other than the cut getting a little bit easier with Dean Lowry’s season over after a knee injury. Logan Lee is still a very tough cut, and probably deserving of a roster spot, but I’m having a hard time finding how to fit him in.

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

Nothing changing...