Continuing with part 77 of our 90ish-part series — assuming the roster does not change before we are complete — which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man (now 80-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.

Let’s take a look at one of the most polarizing members of the roster:

Ryan Switzer

Position: WR
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 182 lbs
College: North Carolina
Draft: 4th round, 133rd overall In 2017

2019 Stats

9 Games played
8 Receptions
27 Receiving yards
0 Touchdowns

Contract remaining

Expires in 2021
$825,000 salary cap number (.4% of total cap)
$0 Dead money
$825,000 Savings if cut

Likelihood of making the roster

50/50. Ryan Switzer is one of those players where I have absolutely no idea whether he has a chance of making this team or not. On one hand he’s sure handed, doesn't turn the ball over, and he’s Ben Roethlisberger’s little buddy. On the other hand he doesn't make defenders miss, isn't particularly quick, and refuses to return the ball when he’s the return man.

This one will go down to the wire, and if nobody emerges behind him then Switzer might just make the team by default.

2020 projection

In my projections, I have Switzer sneaking onto this team as the sixth and final receiver on the team. Honestly, I think he will elevate his production level to that of his 2018 season. The Steelers just didn't use Switzer well in 2019 throwing him swing routes behind the line of scrimmage isn't his game. He’s a guy the runs short routes picks up 3-8 yards and goes down, and in 2nd/3rd in short scenarios that's perfect. If he makes this team, its up to the Steelers coaching staff to put him in better situations to succeed.

Projected stats:

16 Games played
30 Receptions
200 Receiving yards
1 Touchdown
4 Rushing attempts
12 Rushing yards

Summary

The Steelers have a solid and youthful receiving corps. I actually believe it’s a unit that will surprise the national media when it’s more successful than they are expecting. I further believe that there is a spot for Switzer on this team and he can carve himself out a niche where he finds success.

His time spent working out with Ben Roethlisberger this offseason should hopefully prove to be fruitful for the fourth-year pro. He has a chance to change fan perception of him in 2020, however he’s also riding the line of even playing in the NFL. This training camp is huge for Switz, I'm excited to see what he can do with the opportunity.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett -Cut
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush
Deon Cain
Kam Canaday
Chase Claypool
Josiah Coatney -Cut
James Conner
Anthony Coyle
Jordan Dangerfield
Amara Darboh
Carlos Davis
David DeCastro
Christian DiLauro
Kevin Dotson
Bud Dupree
Eric Ebron
Terrell Edmunds
Trey Edmunds
Matt Feiler
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Zach Gentry
Ulysees Gilbert III
Derwin Gray
Joe Haden
J.C. Hassenauer
Quadree Henderson -Cut
Dewayne Hendrix -Cut
Cam Heyward
Alex Highsmith
Mike Hilton
Devlin Hodges
John Houston -Cut
Anthony Johnson
Diontae Johnson
Jarron Jones
John Keenoy
Tyree Kinnel -Cut
Christian Kuntz -Cut
Justin Layne
Leo Lewis
James Lockhart
Paxton Lynch
Dan McCullers
Vance McDonald
Anthony McFarland Jr.
Henry Mondeaux
Christian Montano -Cut
Alexander Myres
Steven Nelson
Spencer Nigh
Chuks Okorafor
James Pierre
Maurkice Pouncey
Kevin Rader
Dax Raymond
Ben Roethlisberger
Mason Rudolph
Jaylen Samuels
Tuzar Skipper
Wendall Smallwood
Juju Smith-Schuster
Benny Snell Jr.
Robert Spillane
Cameron Sutton