Multiple 2024 draft picks end up looking for another job in Steelers' final 53-man roster prediction
The Pittsburgh Steelers offseason, and now preseason is officially over. The next time you see black, white, and gold on the field, it will be against the Atlanta Falcons in two short weeks. But that doesn't mean Pittsburgh is just resting, as one of the busiest times of year in the league is upon us. That […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers offseason, and now preseason is officially over.
The next time you see black, white, and gold on the field, it will be against the Atlanta Falcons in two short weeks.
But that doesn't mean Pittsburgh is just resting, as one of the busiest times of year in the league is upon us. That would be the roster cut deadline.
In the final 53-man roster piece of the year, we are no longer projecting, but instead predicting how things will look by Tuesday, August 27th at 4:00 p.m.
Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2024 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2024 undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (3)
In: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Out: John Rhys Plumlee**
The Skinny: The truth of the matter here is that while it has been labeled as a competition since the start of camp, this battle never really existed. Fields looked more dynamic against Buffalo as Wilson struggled in his debut, but Pittsburgh believes Wilson is just now getting up to speed and after leading a TD drive against the Detriot Lions on Saturday, he just might be.
As far as Plumlee, the multifaceted athlete was used more as a returner than a QB for all of camp and the preseason.
Running back (3)
In: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Out: LaMichael Perine, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin, Jack Colletto, Daijun Edwards**
The Skinny: Harris and Warren are back and looking to build off what has quietly become one of the better RB tandems in the league. Harris is certainly the lead dog and workhorse, especially with Jaylen Warren nursing a hamstring, but he will get in where he fits in, as will Patterson who beats out a field of camp backs.
Wide receiver (6)
In: George Pickens, Roman Wilson*, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Dez Fitzpatrick
Out: Duece Watts, Quez Watkins, Jaray Jenkins, Jacob Copeland, T.J. Luther
The Skinny: There's a chance this room looks very different in light of the Brandon Aiyuk saga, but for now, we are projecting what we have to work with. Pittsburgh could go any which way when it comes to the sixth and final spot but Fitzpatrick played a lot of gunner and had a great catch against the Lions in the preseason finale, suggesting he has a special teams spot locked up.
Tight end (4)
IN: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
Out: Rodney Williams, Matt Sokol
The Skinny: No real surprises here. Rodney "Hot Rod" Williams is a candidate for the practice squad.
Offensive line (9)
In: Broderick Jones (RT), James Daniels (RG), Zach Frazier* (C), Isaac Seumalo (LG), Troy Fautanu* (LT), (OT) Dan Moore Jr., (OG) Mason McCormick* (OT) Dylan Cook, (OG) Spencer Anderson
Out: (C) Ryan McCollum, (OT) Devery Hamilton, (OT) Tyler Beach, (C) Anderson Hardy, (OG) Joey Fisher, (OG) Tykeem Doss
The Skinny: Broderick Jones has had a rough start to 2024, with the game against the Bills being one he wants to forget, and fast. How the entire situation plays out between him, Troy Fautanu, and Dan Moore Jr. will be very interesting, but the team has their tackles.
The center position is also in flux following Nate Herbig's trip to I.R. leaving Frazier as the only true center on the roster in this prediction.
Defensive line – EDGE (11)
In: (ED) T.J. Watt, (DT) Cam Heyward, (NT) Keeanu Benton, (DE) Larry Ogunjobi, (ED) Alex Highsmith (ED) Nick Herbig, (DE) Dean Lowry, (DT) Isaiahh Loudermilk, (DT) DeMarvin Leal, (NT) Montravius Adams, (ED) Jeremiah Moon
Out: (DE) Logan Lee*, (DE) Spencer Marquiss, (ED) Markus Haynes, (NT) Jacob Slade, (DT) Willington Previlon (ED) Julius Welschof** (ED) Jacoby Windmon** (ED) Kyron Johnson
The Skinny: The first rookie to miss the cut, Logan Lee was drafted to be a heavy defensive end but instead, he's been playing as a way too small-nose tackle following injuries at that position. He also missed the finale in Detroit.
The last spot will likely come down to who wins the fourth edge rusher role, as Moon edges out Johnson for the final spot here.
Inside Linebacker (5)
In: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robinson
Out: Luquay Washington** Kyahva Tezino
The Skinny: Cole Holcomb is missing from the group as he has yet to participate all of camp and is still on the PUP list. Pittsburgh can opt to place him on I.R. on cutdown day if they believe he can play in 2024. If not they may have to make the surprising move of releasing a former plus starter.
Cornerback (5)
In: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., (NCB) Thomas Graham Jr. (NCB) Beanie Bishop**
Out: Darius Rush, Kalon Barnes, Kyler McMichael, Kiondre Thomas, Zyon Gilbert
The Skinny: Following a trip to the injured reserve for Grayland Arnold during the final week of practice in Latrobe, the slot CB role is in flux with Cam Sutton set to start the season on the suspended list. That means Pittsburgh opts to keep both Bishop and Graham here. Don't be surprised if they are active in the CB market come cut day.
Safety (4)
In: Minah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew,
Out: Jalen Elliott, Ryan Watts*
The Skinny: It's hard to leave Ryan Watts off the roster after his stellar camp and solid preseason, but the rookie sixth-rounder finds himself behind too many critical veterans, setting up for a job on another team in the coming days.
Specialists (3)
In: Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Out: Matthew Wright (K)
The Skinny: The easiest decision Pittsburgh will make all camp.
Injured/Suspended (3)
- LB Cole Holcomb
- C Nate Herbig
- DB Cam Sutton
