Steelers 53-man roster projection

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their final preseason game in Carolina against the Panthers on Thursday. With that in mind, I figured making my second roster prediction would be timely.

I got bold with my first set of roster projections at the start of training camp last month – which you can read to compare and contrast. Let’s do it again:

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

I expect the Steelers to get a draft pick in exchange for Skylar Thompson.

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

Lew Nichols has made a great run at the roster, but there’s just no need for the Steelers to keep four backs. If and when there’s an injury, he’ll get called up.

Wide Receiver (6): DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin, Curtis Samuel, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek

Last month, my bold pick at receiver was Amari Cooper. He still remains a free agent, so I’d probably lean elsewhere. The Steelers brought in Gabe Davis for a second time, but he left without a contract for a second time. Davis also visited the Bills, which I think will end up being his ultimate destination, which would push Curtis Samuel out. Whether it be sending a 2027 Day Three pick to the Bills or signing him if he gets outright released, he’s a name I’ll circle that the Steelers could target.

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

This is probably the most set in stone group on the roster.

Offensive Line (8): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Andrus Peat

The progression of Broderick Jones should take away the need to carry an extra offensive tackle. Calvin Anderson gets the backup tackle spot, with Spencer Anderson and Andrus Peat being the backup interior linemen.

Defensive Line (7): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, Logan Lee

The Steelers’ defensive line is one of the best in the league, and could end up being one of the deepest in the NFL, as well.

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

Other than tight end, this group is the easiest to predict.

Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson

Cornerback (6): Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop, James Pierre

Cory Trice is an NFL-quality cornerback, but he’s never healthy. Pierre has had a good camp and is a quality special teamer. Echols and Bishop have both played very well in the preseason and will be the top depth pieces.

Safety (4): DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew

I originally predicted an outside signing would be the starter opposite Elliott, but Juan Thornhill has solidified that spot for himself. Clark will be the No. 3.

Special Teams (3): Chris Boswell, Cam Johnston, Christian Kuntz

Christian Kuntz has...