PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – You want tough decisions, if means you have good depth in camp and have options. Given the roster during the final preseason game, a look at the players they will keep on the final 53-man.
Actually, we project the roster to 51 with a battle for the final two roster spots between a number of players mentioned at the end of the story.
Quarterback (3)
Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Things have changed with the Steelers, still believe they like the three-quarterback setup and they used three starting QBs last year.
Running backs (3)
RB-Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
(La'Mical Perine, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin)
Jaylen Warren's status is unknown although he hasn't been ruled out for Week One, Perine and Ward have shown a few things. Shampklin has gotten a number of preseason reps. There is also the possibility of finding a waiver claim.
Wide Receiver (5)
WR-George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson
(Quez Watkins)
This is a group that could stretch to six, but they don't have the all-around special teams ace like Miles Boykin the last two seasons, who could do both. Another area where you would expect at least a look at a player or players who miss other rosters.
Tight end (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
(MyCole Pruitt, Rodney Williams)
Pruitt is someone who knows Arthur Smith's offense, yet Rodney Williams can play special teams and has shown abilities at TE in practice. One will get a job.
Offensive line (9)
Dan Moore, Isaac Seumalu, Zach Frazier, James Daniels, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum
(tackle Dylan Cook)
Cook is someone the team really likes but is dealing with a foot injury. McCollum is the only true center in the group although Spencer Anderson got a number of reps in practice last year at the position. Former Steelers back-up center JC Hassenauer was released by Washington and there will be others available on the waiver wire.
Defensive line (6)
Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry
(Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee)
Lowry was on to the scene late due to an injury, but is an effective depth player who seems to have fit in quickly. Loudermilk has improved, but would they keep him over Lowry? If the Steelers keep seven, it's likely Loudermilk with Lee signed to the practice squad.
Outside linebacker (4)
TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
(Jeremiah Moon, Jacoby Windmon, Kyron Johnson)
It makes sense to keep four here, especially because that player would be a regular on special teams. Windmon faced a number of obstacles in college & has shown up at practice. Whoever the fourth is would be the best on kick units. There is a chance they could use Leal as a pass rusher or on the edge in an emergency or again, look outside.
Inside linebacker (4)
Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb
(Mark Robinson, Tyler Matakevich)
You would think four here, if Holcomb is on injured reserve that opens a spot there. LB coach Aaron Curry said Mark Robinson has made big strides this camp & plays all of the special teams and it's on teams where Matakevich has made a living.
Cornerback (4)
Joey Porter, Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Thomas Graham
(Darius Rush)
Rush has such a nice frame at 6'2" and they like his potential. Graham (5'11") has had nearly a handful of interceptions in camp & has played 11 NFL games and is also in a battle to win time at the nickel position.
Nickel (2)
Beanie Bishop, Cameron Sutton
Sutton is out the first eight weeks, Bishop and Graham have battled with no clear-cut winner. It's absolutely a position where they could seek outside help.
Safety (4)
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew
(Ryan Watts)
The tough one here is Watts, at 6'3" he has played safety in college, but there is the skill set there to play corner. If you expose Watts to the practice squad, you could lose him and he's good on special teams. There is also the potential that Watts starts on IR. Killebrew was a special teams captain last year.
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell, Christian Kuntz, Cameron Johnston
No competitions here, Steelers are set with their kicker, long-snapper and punter.
This roster sets up for 51 players, two more will be added from the current or outside the current roster. They could add a player at several positions, here are the internal battles-Loudermilk, Watts, Robinson/Matakevich, Pruitt/Williams and Rush for a final spot. Injured reserve for any players impacts it, but interesting decisions by Tuesday at 4p.
