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We are on to part 5 of our 90-part series— assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.
Today we’re featuring the most eligible tackle in the NFL:
Zach Banner
Position: OT
Height: 6’ 8”
Weight: 360 lbs
College: Southern California
Draft: 4th round, 137 overall in 2017 (Indianapolis)
2019 stats
14 Games played
1 Start
Contract remaining
Expires in 2020
$1,750,000 salary cap number (0.87% of total cap)
$0 dead money
$1,750,000 cap savings if cut
Likelihood of making the roster
Lock. Banner isn't going anywhere, in fact he’s going to be entrenched in one of the more interesting position battles of training camp. Not to mention Banner is one of the most beloved members on the Steelers roster, public outcry would be far-reaching if he were cut. Whether he’s the starting tackle or continues at swing tackle I fully believe Banner will be a member of the Steelers 2020 roster.
2020 projection
With the additions of guards Stefen Wisniewski and Kevin Dotson, it feels less likely Matt Feiler will slide into the guard spot which, in-turn, could open up a spot for Banner to start. The most likely scenario appears to be Wisniewski sliding around the interior line depending on injury, Chukwuma Okorafor being the primary tackle back-up and Banner playing the slide tackle.
Projected stats:
14 games played
2 starts
1 target
1 reception
35 yards (Completely wide open and untouched)
Summary
Zach Banner will hear cheers ring out not only when he’s being announced as eligible on the field, but when Ben Roethlisberger dumps off a pass to him in the flat and then rumbles for a big gain. I can’t be the only one who thinks this is an inevitably! Banner will also continue his growth as an NFL player, whether or not he gets the opportunity to start for the Steelers in 2020, he will get the opportunity in 2021 either in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.