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Preseason Week 2 is in the books. Now that most most players have taken the field to show they are worthy of making the cut, let’s re-visit 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 a few weeks?
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, Mason Rudolph, Joshua Dobbs
Changes: None
Analysis: Many believe Rudolph’s consistency gives him the advantage over Dobbs. Even though Devlin Hodges continues to impress, I can’t make the jump to QB3 just yet. But I’m getting closer.
Running Back (3)
James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell Jr.
Changes: None
Analysis: Conner looked solid Saturday night in his first action, and I thought Samuels was looking great before he scored due to his blitz pickups. Snell is still fine as long as he keeps up the quality work on special teams.
Fullback (1)
Roosevelt Nix
Changes: None
Analysis: It’s the most secure position group on the team.
Wide Receiver (6)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief, James Washington, Diontae Johnson, Eli Rogers, Ryan Switzer
Changes: Switzer in, Johnny Holton out
Analysis: I think the top four are locks, and four main guys are fighting for two spots. Rogers and Switzer get the nod for now, but Diontae Spencer‘s return ability and Johnny Holton’s special teams versatility keep them in the mix. But they haven’t shown enough yet for me to feel confident in moving them onto the roster.
Tight End (3)
Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble, Zach Gentry
Changes: None
Analysis: If there was any position group who needed help via free agency or trade, it’s this one.
Offensive Line (9)
Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okorafor, B.J. Finney, Fred Johnson, Zach Banner
Changes: None
Analysis: It’s hard to let Jerald Hawkins go, but there just isn’t room for 10 guys.
Total Offense: 25
Defense
Defensive Line (6)
Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, Isaiah Buggs, Daniel McCullers
Changes: McCullers in, Lavon Hooks out
Analysis: It’s starting to feel like McCullers hangs around yet again. Someone has to take the spot, and I just haven’t seen it.
Outside Linebacker (5)
T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, Tuzar Skipper
Changes: Skipper in
Analysis: This is difficult with Ola having surgery this past Friday. If he’s only going to miss a week or two, they may try to get by with four. For now, Skipper gets the extra spot until the Adeniyi situation gets more clarity.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Devin Bush, Ulysees Gilbert III, Tyler Matakevich
Changes: None
Analysis: Gilbert is the better linebacker, but Matakevich has so much special teams value. That’s the only reason I’m keeping them both.
Cornerback (6)
Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Justin Layne, Artie Burns
Changes: None
Analysis: Burns showed on Saturday he’s still got some fight in him. Brian Allen seems to be the odd man out.
Safety (3)
Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Jordan Dangerfield
Changes: Kam Kelly out
Analysis: Needing an extra spot at linebacker for the time being, they could try to go with three for now since Hilton and Sutton could fill in if the situation arises. Look for Marcus Allen to make a push in the next coupe of weeks.
Total Defense: 25
Special Teams
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell, Kameron Canaday, Free Agent Signing
Changes: Unknown player in, Jordan Berry out
Analysis: Neither punter looks great. There will be better options on the open market after cut-downs.