Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster projection 1.0

With the Pittsburgh Steelers set to report to training camp now is as good as any to set the first 53-man roster projection. For more in-depth coverage check out the links where a question is provided at each position entering training camp.

We also have the six biggest battles to follow as well. With that said, if cuts were to be made before training camp, how would the roster look?

Quarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to try to squeeze Josh Dobbs to the practice squad. There may not be enough snaps for him in the preseason to shine anyway.

How will Steelers handle QBs in the preseason?

Running back (4): Le’Veon Bell, Jaylen Samuels, James Conner, Roosevelt Nix

Fitzgerald Toussaint could make it with return man ability. However, these four should be close to locks heading into camp.

James Conner or Jaylen Samuels?

Wide Receiver (6): Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Marcus Tucker, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter (Eli Rogers on PUP)

The first three are locks and it gets interesting from there. One of these extra receiver spots could go to Ridley or Toussaint, but Tucker has return ability as well.

Can James Washington replace Martavis Bryant?

Tight End (3): Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble

With the injury to Jake McGee at OTAs, it seems pretty cut and dry at tight end.

Is Vance McDonald the answer at tight end?

Offensive Line (8): Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okorafor, B.J. Finney

This is another position that feels cut and dry. Jake Rodgers, Patrick Morris, and R.J. Prince are names to watch for on the practice squad.

Does Ramon Foster get a contract extension?

Defensive Line (6): Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, L.T. Walton, Joshua Frazier

The first four are locks. Walton is close to being a lock but will compete with Greg Gilmore and Daniel McCullers for the last two spots.

Are the Steelers prepared to run more 3-3-5?

Linebacker (9): T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Keion Adams, Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, Tyler Matakevich, Matthew Thomas. L.J. Fort

The Steelers lack a lot of depth at each of these positions, making it hard to justify keeping ten. They may even keep as low as eight with an extra defensive back.

Who has an answer at ILB?

Defensive back (11): Sean Davis, Morgan Burnett, Terrell Edmunds, Marcus Allen, Nat Berhe, Jordan Dangerfield, Artie Burns, Joe Haden, Cameron Sutton, Mike Hilton, Coty Sensabaugh

As mentioned, in the sub-package NFL, the Steelers may elect to carry 11 defensive backs to 9 linebackers. This gives them six safeties. Considering they added four this offseason, it is not too wild of a thought.

How much does Terrell Edmunds play?

Special Teams (3):

Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Kameron Canaday