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Training camp is officially here, and what better way to ring in the new season than re-visiting our 53-man offseason roster prediction. Did anything change? Who do we have projected to make the team, and who will be looking for employment in about a month?
As always, we welcome you to join the conversation in our comment section below this article. Let your voice be heard and join in the black-and-gold conversation!
Offense
Quarterback (3)
Ben Roethlisberger, Joshua Dobbs, Mason Rudolph
Changes: None
Analysis: Will the backup be Dobbs or Rudolph? Or can Devlin Hodges make some noise?
Running Back (3)
James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell Jr
Changes: None
Analysis: The only battle here will be for more carries.
Fullback (1)
Roosevelt Nix
Changes: None
Analysis: The 2017 Pro Bowler is pretty much a lock.
Wide Receiver (6)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief, James Washington, Diontae Johnson, Eli Rogers, Ryan Switzer
Changes: None (yet)
Analysis: Players like Johnny Holton, Diontae Spencer, and Trey Griffey could make a case for the 53. If so, a trade isn’t out of the question.
Tight End (3)
Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble, Zach Gentry
Changes: None
Analysis: Any challenge to this list would be greatly welcomed.
Offensive Line (9)
Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okorafor, Jerald Hawkins, B.J. Finney, Derwin Grey
Changes: Grey in, Banner out
Analysis: As much as I like Zach Banner, Grey’s position flexibility could land him on the team.
Total Offense: 25
Defense
Defensive Line (6)
Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, Isaiah Buggs, Lavon Hooks
Changes: Hooks in
Analysis: With Buggs on the squad, I’d much rather see Hooks than Daniel McCullers. Although they don’t dress more than five, the Steelers like to keep six.
Outside Linebacker (5)
T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Ola Adeniyi, Sutton Smith
Changes: None
Analysis: Smith’s versatility and special-teams play will force the Steelers to keep their extra linebacker on the outside.
Inside Linebacker (4)
Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Devin Bush, Ulysses Gilbert III
Changes: Matakevich out
Analysis: The Steelers are looking to get faster at the position. If Matakevich holds on, look for Gilbert on the practice squad.
Cornerback (6)
Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Justin Layne, Brian Allen
Changes: Allen in, Burns out
Analysis: Even if he bounces back, Artie Burns will be buried on the depth chart and could possibly draw a trade. Allen snags the last spot as either a corner or safety, so take your pick on where you place him.
Safety (4)
Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Marcus Allen, Jordan Dangerfield
Changes: Dangerfield in, Locke out
Analysis: After Davis and Edmunds, it’s really up for grabs to round out the roster.
Total Defense: 25
Special Teams
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Kameron Canaday
Changes: None
Analysis: They are the three front runners, but their leads are small.
Total Team: 53