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Steelers 53-man roster projection: Derek Moye over Justin Brown in most recent prediction

In a tough battle for the Steelers' final wide receiver position, Dale Grdnic gives it to local production Derek Moye over sixth-round pick Justin Brown.

By Dale Grdnic
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
PITTSBURGH -- There will be no surprises at some positions, but with two veterans already whacked during the opening round of cuts one never knows. However, I'll give it a shot to name the Steelers final 53-man roster.

QUARTERBACK (3) -- Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones Comments: With John Parker Wilson already gone, none are needed. Jones out-performed Wilson in camp and also had an edge as a fourth-round draft pick.

RUNNING BACK (5) -- Le'Veon Bell, Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, LaRod Stephens-Howling, Will Johnson (FB) Comments: Redman and Stephens-Howling appear to be healthy now, and Dwyer has performed better than expected. Johnson is a lock as well. If the Steelers keep six, newcomer Felix Jones will be in ahead of Alvester Alexander, but Jones and Dwyer could be a toss-up at this point. The final preseason game could be the difference for them. Bell's status, whether it's a six-week injury or 2-4 weeks, could determine whether they keep five or six guys.

WIDE RECEIVER (5) -- Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery, Markus Wheaton, Derek Moye Comments: Moye, the local guy -- Rochester High School and Penn State -- edges Justin Brown for the final spot. If the Steelers keep the extra running back, both Moye and Brown will go on the practice squad. Kashif Moore and Reggie Dunn, lots of speed and no hands, are gone.

TIGHT END (3) -- Heath Miller, David Paulson, David Johnson Comments: Miller won't play for several weeks, likely returning after the bye week, but he has to be on the roster. Matt Spaeth likely will be placed on the IR-designated for return list. He will be back around midseason, and a roster move will need to be made then. What also could happen is that a tight end could be picked up when other teams make their final cuts. Jamie McCoy, Michael Palmer and Nathan Overbay won't stay.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9) -- Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, David DeCastro, Mike Adams, Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum, John Malecki, Chris Hubbard, Joe Long Comments: This is another position that could be enhanced after final cuts. Rookie Chris Hubbard and first-year player Joe Long edge veteran Guy Whimper and rookies Mike Golic Jr. and Joe Madsen.

DEFENSIVE LINE (7) -- Ziggy Hood, Steve McLendon, Brett Keisel, Cameron Heyward, Al Woods, Hebron Fangupo, Brian Arnfelt Comments: Rookie Arnfelt edges 2012 draft pick Alameda Ta'amu. Woods could be the backup nose tackle, as well as at end in the game-day rotation.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (4) -- LaMarr Woodley, Jarvis Jones, Jason Worilds, Alan Baxter Comments: Baxter has played well, better than Carter (and even Worilds), so that makes the third-year player expendable.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (4) -- Lawrence Timmons, Larry Foote, Vince Williams, Marshall McFadden, Comments: Rookie Williams and McFadden edge Kion Wilson and Brian Rolle.

CORNERBACK (6) -- Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay, Curtis Brown, Josh Victorian, Isaiah Green Comments: Green has been hurt, so Terry Hawthorne might squeeze into that final spot. Devin Green will be cut.

SAFETY (4) -- Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Shamarko Thomas, Robert Golden Comments: Not a lot of surprises here. Ross Ventrone and Damon Cromartie-Smith aren't athletic enough.

SPECIALIST (3) -- PK Shaun Suisham, P Brian Moorman, LS Greg Warren Comments: Since the Steelers haven't made the cut just yet, it means they weren't happy with Moorman's shank of a critical punt last week. In a close battle, he has had much better hang time than incumbent Drew Butler at punter and should still win the job unless he is extensively outplayed in the finale.

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