Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Another Free Agent Coming
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are one preseason game in and heading into the final few days of training camp, you have a pretty good feel about this team's 53-man roster.
Plenty of questions were answered in the 27-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but there is one looming spot to fill - and the Steelers don't have the player to fill it.
Pittsburgh's roster is all but one short heading into their second preseason game.
Quarterback (3)
- Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
Tanner Morgan did himself no favors in the Steelers preseason opener, and Mason Rudolph's 132 yards and a touchdown certainly didn't help the cause. Heading into Tampa Bay, there was some buzz about Morgan's recent play at training camp. That's gone after finishing his NFL debut with a 33.3 Passer Rating and an interception.
Running Back (3)
- Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland
Anthony McFarland finally put his strong summer on tape in live game action, and as he bounced to the outside for a 14-yard touchdown run, it felt as if he put a lock and seal on his roster spot.
It'll be tough for Darius Hagans, who's likely the closest competition, to catch him heading into the next two games.
Fullback (1)
- Connor Heyward
The Kendrick Green experiment was fun while it lasted, but zero reps in the backfield against the Buccaneers and a poor performance at center is a sign it's all but over. If Heyward could offer versatility, including dropped back to running back, he's an easy selection for the fullback spot.
Wide Receiver (6)
- Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski
The Steelers are trying to give Jordan Byrd an opportunity in the return game, and if he can bust one or two long returns before the end of the preseason, things can change. For now, though, Gunner Olszewski has the experience and has worked with Kenny Pickett all offseason. Miles Boykin is the team's best special teams receiver, so he's not leaving.
Tight End (3)
- Part Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Darnell Washington
Despite Rodney 'Hot Rod' Williams' performance as of late, the Steelers already know the three (four) tight ends they're keeping on the roster.
Offensive Tackle (4)
- Chukwuma Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Spencer Anderson
Spencer Anderson didn't have any pancake blocks or a real dominant performance against the Buccaneers, but he lined up at every position outside of center. The Steelers wanted to see that versatility, and Anderson didn't look bad moving around.
The team typically keeps four tackles, and Anderson's abilities across the line make him their best option.
Offensive Guard (4)
- James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Kevin Dotson, Nate Herbig
Trading Kevin Dotson still makes sense for the Steelers, but they'll likely keep him around unless they're getting at least decent value for him. Herbig will work as the backup center.
Center (1)
- Mason Cole
Kendrick Green or Ryan McCullum aren't pushing Mason Cole for a roster spot.
Nose Tackle (2)
- Keeanu Benton, Breiden Fehoko
Keeanu Benton's NFL debut has you quickly thinking this second-round rookie can be a game-changer for the Steelers. He put on a clinic on getting past offensive linemen and should be in line to start after his first game.
As for Fehoko, he showcased run-stuffing ability with the first team, which is exactly what the Steelers were looking for. Montraveius Adams didn't have the best showing, and if you picked a winner today, Fehoko earns the final roster spot.
Defensive Tackle (3)
- Cam Heyward, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts
Unfortunately, Adams is the only one of the eight defensive linemen that have had solid showings at training camp who will get cut. Watts and Loudermilk have looked consistently good, and Loudermilk's first preseason game gave you optimism he's ready to take on a bigger role this season.
Defensive End (2)
- Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal
DeMarvin Leal looks much more confident and comfortable playing strictly the defensive end position, and it should be where they keep him.
Outside Linebacker (4)
- T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Markus Golden
Nick Herbig stole the show in his preseason debut, and the question now becomes how big of an impact can he have on this defense as a rookie. Markus Golden didn't impress in the opener, but he still remains the top candidate in the mix of four.
Inside Linebacker (5)
- Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse
The Steelers might actually have four inside linebackers who can, and should, all contribute. Mark Robinson was all over the field against the Bucs, Kwon Alexander has fans buzzing, and Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts remain two pieces to feel confident in.
Tanner Muse made some nice plays as well, and he should round out the five.
Cornerback (4)
- Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Outside Signing
A great football mind once said, a cornerback who leads a team in tackles didn't play well. That was the unfortunate case for James Pierre in Tampa Bay, but his competition didn't help their chances much, either.
Luq Barcoo has been making noise during practice, but his performance was notably rough as well. Madre Harper or Isaiah Dunn didn't do much to boost their stock, and the Steelers have to be sitting around thinking they might have to go outside the roster for their final cornerback spot.
Once cuts are made, expect them to claim someone as their fourth outside man.
Nickelback (1)
- Elijah Riley
Chandon Sullivan held the advantage heading into Tampa Bay, but Elijah Riley walked out of the first preseason game as the winner at the nickel spot. His rush off the edge for a tackle for loss was exactly what makes him fit well at the position.
He needs to continue making plays, but he's shown consistency every step of the offseason, and it's going to be hard to cut him.
Safety (4)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew
The Steelers' best safety play came from Trenton Thompson, who secured an interception in the second half. Kenny Robinson didn't struggle, but overall, no one popped enough to take the lead on the competition.
Right now, it's hard to visualize them keeping anyone but Miles Killebrew because of his special teams.
Kicker (1)
- Chris Boswell
B.T. Potter is going to get tape in all three preseason games, but this isn't a real competition at kicker. Having a rookie allows Chris Boswell to keep his leg fresh and avoid injury before the regular season.
Punter (1)
- Pressley Harvin III
Breden Mann has come alive in the punting competition, but Pressley Harvin not playing against the Buccaneers kinda felt like a vote of confidence. He'll likely get the go against the Buffalo Bills, and as long as he puts on a solid performance, he should keep his job.
Long Snapper (1)
- Christian Kuntz
Christian Kuntz has held strong to the long snapper job all summer, and it doesn't feel like that's changing.
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