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The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 roster should take full shape by the end of the weekend. With the Steelers receiving an international exemption, 91 players can be carried into training camp. With Ryan Shazier not yet on the PUP list, the Steelers have 16 spots available going into 2019 NFL draft. Here is a breakdown of the Steelers roster by position with the number of players kept (in parentheses) on their initial 53-man roster in 2018.
Offense
Quarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph, Brogan Roback
Analysis: This position group is not likely change through training camp, and keeping three for the regular season has been the Steelers standard.
Running Back (3): James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Trey Edmunds, Ralph Webb, Malik Williams
Analysis: It would be no surprise if the Steelers added another player to this position group either via the draft or unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Fullback (1): Roosevelt Nix
Analysis: This position group should hold steady at one throughout the off-season and into the regular season.
Wide Receiver (7): JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Donte Moncrief, Eli Rogers, Ryan Switzer, Trey Griffey, Ka’Raun White, Tevin Jones, Diontae Spencer
Analysis: The Steelers carried an extra wide receiver most of last season, but may not have the luxury in 2019. Regardless, they will still add one or two players in either the draft or as an UFA.
Tight End (3): Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble, Kevin Rader, Christian Scotland-Williamson**
Analysis: Depending on how much the Steelers are happy with Grimble will determine how high they have to prioritize adding one or more tight ends.
Offensive Line (9): Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okafor, Jerald Hawkins, B.J. Finney, Zach Banner, R.J. Prince, Patrick Morris, J.C. Hassenauer
Analysis: The Steelers are quite deep on the offensive line, but this does not mean they won’t add more players if they feel the right ones are available during or after the draft. If not, they already have at least nine quality players who could make the roster.
Defense
Defensive Line (6) : Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, Daniel McCullers, Lavon Hooks, Conor Sheehy, Winston Craig, Casey Sayles
Analysis: The Steelers are in a position to either keep the same group going into training camp, or attempt to upgrade their depth with the right player.
Outside Linebacker (3): T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Ola Adeniyi, Keion Adams, J.T. Jones
Analysis: I still can’t believe the Steelers made it most of the 2018 season with only three outside linebackers. This is a position the Steelers could draft at any point, as well as adding UFA’s.
Inside Linebacker (5): Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Jon Bostic, Tyler Matakevich, Robert Spillane, Tegray Scales, Ryan Shazier^
Analysis: I may be in the minority, but I find Mark Barron not being assigned a number an indication his position could fluctuate based on the Steelers draft. Regardless, there will be additions made to this group.
Cornerback (5): Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton*, Artie Burns, Cameron Sutton, Brian Allen, Herb Waters, Marcelis Branch, Kam Kelly^^, Jack Tocho
Analysis: The bottom few names on this list could possibly play safety. The room is crowded, and it will most likely gain a couple more by the end of the weekend. The Steelers need to increase their quality, not just quantity.
Safety (5): Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Jordan Dangerfield, Marcus Allen
Analysis: When there aren’t as many players on the depth chart as what the Steelers kept in 2018, it’s obvious this position will be addressed at some point.
Specialists
Placekicker (1): Chris Boswell, Matt McCrane
Punter (1): Jordan Berry
Long Snapper (1): Kameron Canaday
Analysis: Don’t be surprised if the Steelers add another specialist or two, hopefully as UFA’s.
*Yet to sign tender
**Roster exemption through international program
^Expected to be placed on PUP
^^Listed as a defensive back
Offense: 35
Defense: 36
Specialists: 4
Total: 75