Predicting the 10 Steelers who could be cut before training camp

The NFLPA is bargaining that roster size for the start of training camp should be limited to just 80 players. This means 10 unlucky members of each franchise’s roster may never get a chance to showcase their skills. With camp report dates still scheduled to be right around the corner, those roster cuts could be announced any day after the roster size has been made official.

Let’s take a look at the 10 Steelers that I think will get the snips before camp even begins along with some predictions from other BTSC writers.

Michael Beck’s List:

1. Arrion Springs, Defensive back

At least one corner won't make it through to training camp as the Steelers typically carry 6 during the season, but currently sit with 10. Either Springs, Breon Borders or, James Pierre will be chopped.

2. Christian Kuntz, Long snapper/Linebacker

Kuntz pushed Kameron Canaday a year ago for the starting long snapper job but ultimately lost out. Carrying an extra snapper would be foolish.

3. Corliss Waitman, Punter

There is no reason where the Steelers should cut an extra skill position player in order to carry two punters into camp. Waitman can easily be brought back if Jordan Berry struggles.

4. J.T. Barrett, Quarterback

The Steelers currently have five quarterbacks on the roster for a position where ultimately only one should be playing in a game. Cutting Barrett still lets Paxton Lynch battle Devlin Hodges for the final spot.

5. Ralph Webb, Running back

The Steelers will probably bring 4 running backs into the regular season, but currently sit at 7. You could justify the club releasing both Webb and Trey Edmunds as the only question left at the position is if the Steelers will carry Jaylen Samuels or Kerrith Whyte Jr.

6. John Battle, Safety

Yes, the Steelers are in need of safety depth however, they have 7 safeties to fill four or five spots. Not only that but the top back up’s will likely be corners. The two other safeties to make this roster will be asked to play big special team roles.

7. Kevin Rader, Tight End

Either newly acquired Dax Raymond or Rader will unfortunately not make this roster. I’m going with Rader because what was the point of making a roster spot for Raymond if our just going to cut him right away.

8. Quadree Henderson, Receiver/Kick Returner

The Steelers have a log jam of receivers that they'll have to figure out during training camp, guys like Henderson will struggle to land a place on this team, and the return man will be cut for the second time by the Steelers

9. Christian DiLauro, Tackle

The Steelers have six tackles for only three or four jobs. I’m picking former XFLer Anthony Coyle to win the spot at camp over the NFL journeyman.

10. Spencer Nigh, Fullback

The UDFA will find himself on the outs with big ticket fullback Derek Watt in the mix. In a position where teams may not even carry one true fullback I don’t think the Steelers can justify bringing two into training camp at the expense of another receiver or lineman.

Explanation: As you can probably noticed this list is almost exclusively made up by players that already have an NFL training camp under their belts. I think basically every rookie makes this team based on their potential being a unknown, and the coaching staff already knowing what they have in their veterans.

Flip Fisher’s List:

• QB Paxton Lynch
• C Christian Montano
• T Jarron Jones
• TE Dax Raymond
• WR Amara Darboh
• DE Dewayne Hendrix
• DT Cavon Walker
• LB Leo Lewis
• DB Breon Borders
• S Tyree Kinnel

Explanation: Undrafted rookie free agents will take the brunt of the cutdowns to 80 players. The notable exception is Paxton Lynch. The Steelers do not need another Camp arm and I believe the league has seen enough of his talent.

Dave Schofield’s List:

• P Corliss Waitman
• CB Alexander Myres
• DE Dewayne Hendrix
• FB Spencer Nigh
• LS/LB Christian Kuntz
• S Tyree Kinnel
• OL Jarron Jones
• QB J.T. Barrett
• TE Dax Raymond
• WR Anthony Johnson

Explanation: I think the Steelers will keep most of their rookies in order to get a better feel for what they can do. Known for finding some great players as UDFAs, if they cut most of them it will be tough to find a hidden gem. I think the majority of cuts will come from players who have been in a training camp before but didn’t stick. The bigger the chance to make the practice squad, the more likely a player makes the 80-man roster. This is the reason I cut the punter, long snapper, and fullback because they are low-priority positions. But don’t be shocked if the punter comes back for a few days when they actually get on the field to practice so they can see what he can do.

What do you think? Who are the ten players that won’t make it to training camp? Make sure you vote in the poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.