Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Beanie Out, FA Coming

The Pittsburgh Steelers final 53-man roster is almost here.

Aug 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ryan Watts (29) walks off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers roster is about to be set, and despite some tough decisions, they're just about ready to announce who will make the 53-man roster in 2024.

Wide receiver and cornerback headlined the summer, and while a Brandon Aiyuk trade hasn't been ruled out yet, things have quieted down. Meanwhile, Cory Trice may have earned himself a role on defense, but has Beanie Bishop or Darius Rush?

And with offensive line injuries stacking up, maybe the next move the Steelers make is for a blocker. We'll find out when the initial roster is released, but for now, this is what we should expect to happen at the roster deadline.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

No surprise here. John Rhys Plumlee is a lot of fun, and hopefully he makes the practice squad. And just for an a little something extra, Russell Wilson is named the starter.

Running Back: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

While Jonathan Ward and La'Mical Perine put up a good fight this summer, neither did enough at the end to make the roster. Pittsburgh is sticking with their big three of Harris, Warren and Patterson.

Tight End: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt

Jack Colletto and a fullback would've been fun, but the Steelers are going to stick with four tight ends instead. Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt should be able to fill the void in the backfield and add to the running back when needed.

Wide Receiver: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller

The Brandon Aiyuk dream isn't dead, but right now, it's tough to imagine it happening. Scotty Miller has impressed during the preseason, and sneaks his way onto the roster. Dez Fitzpatrick just misses it, and don't be surprised if he does make it if the team limits themselves at another position (like offensive line).

Offensive Guard: James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick

The loss of Nate Herbig isn't easy to bare, but the Steelers are sticking with the four guards they had in mind and going to make Spencer Anderson the backup center.

Center: Zach Frazier

Zach Frazier was on his way to the starting lineup at some point this season. Maybe it's earlier than anticipated, but at least the Steelers get to see what they've got in the second-round rookie.

Offensive Tackle: Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Outside Signing

With Dylan Cook missing several weeks with a foot injury, and Troy Fautanu still sidelined with an MCL injury, the Steelers will likely look at the free agency market or trade block for another option. They need a swing tackle for the time being, and there are still a few names out there.

Defensive Tackle: Cam Heyward, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry

The Steelers defensive line is stacked, and with Loudermilk growing and Lowry joining the group, they're even stronger.

Defensive End: Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee

Logan Lee was the closest name on the defensive line to get cut. The rookie has played well, but there are just limited spots to put him at on this depth chart. It's loaded, and he was probably on the outside looking in for a little while. He's done enough to stick around, though.

Nose Tackle: Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams

The dynamic duo in the middle looks better than ever. Expect Benton and Adams to be a force for this defense.

Outside Linebacker: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Kyron Johnson

Kyron Johnson versus Jeremiah Moon was the underappreciated battle of the summer, and while Moon had a lead coming into training camp, it's been hard to deny what Johnson has put on film. He's able to rush off the edge and brings very quality special teams play. With some experience from last season, he makes the team over Moon.

Inside Linebacker: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson

No surprises here. Cole Holcomb will start the season on Injured Reserve, leaving just four inside linebackers on the roster.

Cornerback: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush

Cory Trice has earned his place as the backup behind Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Darius Rush likely just squeezes by and makes this team. There's a fair chance Pittsburgh looks outside and tries to add another cornerback. If they do, it changes a lot, starting with Rush getting bumped.

For now, he's sticking around, and the Steelers will use him as a developmental piece who can play special teams.

Nickelback: Thomas Graham

Beanie Bishop lost the starting job and probably his roster spot. If the decision comes down to him versus Ryan Watts, the Steelers are going to stick with their draft pick over a UDFA. While Bishop showed plenty of splash during training camp, it was very apparent that Thomas Graham was the better option in live game action. Graham makes the team and Bishop falls out.

Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Mile Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts is the 53rd man on this roster, but his ability to play special teams and grow as a safety brings some excitement. The Steelers will want to see what they have in their seventh-round pick, and with another tall, physical defensive back, he fits right in. Watts makes it over Bishop this season.

Kicker: Chris Boswell

Punter: Cameron Johnston

Long Snapper: Christian Kuntz

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