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Preseason Week 3 is in the books. With the starters getting their chance to shine, let’s re-visit our 53-man off-season 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: Since Devlin Hodges did not get a chance to take the field Sunday night, he couldn’t do anything to help his cause. On the other hand, Dobbs did not do himself any favors with his performance.
Running Back (3)
James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Benny Snell Jr.
Changes: None
Analysis: Even though Snell was held out this week, I still believe the Steelers keep him on the roster.
Fullback (1)
Roosevelt Nix
Changes: None
Analysis: Di Nix even get a snap on offense in Week 3?
Wide Receiver (6)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief, James Washington, Diontae Johnson, Eli Rogers, Ryan Switzer
Changes: None
Analysis: While many feel Diontae Spencer is still in the running, it is literally his “running” keeping him in the conversation as he did not catch a pass in Week 3. As for Johnny Holton, his lack of production as a receiver is making it harder to keep him on the roster for his special teams ability.
Tight End (3)
Vance McDonald, Xavier Grimble, Zach Gentry
Changes: None
Analysis: It’s the best they’ve got. For now.
Offensive Line (8)
Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okorafor, B.J. Finney, Zach Banner
Changes: Fred Johnson out
Analysis: To keep an extra linebacker to start the season, a cut had to made somewhere. Johnson slides on to the practice squad if the Steelers can get him there.
Total Offense: 24
Defense
Defensive Line (6)
Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, Isaiah Buggs, Daniel McCullers
Changes: none
Analysis: The biggest question mark is looking less like McCullers and more like Buggs. I think Buggs sticks but is inactive every week unless there’s an injury.
Outside Linebacker (5)
T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Olasunkanmi Adeniyi, Tuzar Skipper
Changes: None
Analysis: No, Adeniyi is not going on the IR to return later in the season unless he has complications with his rehab. Skipper has shown he belongs while Sutton Smith did not overly impress in his first action of the preseason.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Devin Bush, Ulysees Gilbert III, Tyler Matakevich
Changes: None
Analysis: Gilbert has shown too much to not make this squad.
Cornerback (6)
Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Justin Layne, Artie Burns
Changes: None
Analysis: It is becoming quite clear this will be the cornerback room for the Steelers. Anything different would be a big surprise.
Safety (4)
Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Jordan Dangerfield , Kam Kelly
Changes: Kelly in
Analysis: It was foolish to not include Kelly as he seems to be the next guy in after Davis and Edmunds. Yes, Davis left the game with an ankle, but it doesn’t appear to be too serious. The Steelers love Dangerfield on special teams, but Marcus Allen is making the push later in the preseason much like I predicted.
Total Defense: 26
Special Teams
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell, Kameron Canaday, Jordan Berry
Changes: Berry in
Analysis: Berry didn't do terrible this week, especially when he set the defense up for a safety. I guess he’s allowed one more week to stay.