With training camp 24 hours away and first practice the day after, it’s time for my updated Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 53-man roster preview. My last statement came right after the draft, and since then, the team has made moves that have changed some of my predictions. Those will be shown below.
My next roster prediction will come either before or after the Steelers’ first preseason game.
WARNING – 24
Quarterbacks (3) – Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Analysis: There are no changes here; general title of this revised sentence. Wilson and Fields may have a fight, but it will be a huge upset if Fields wins. Allen brings experience and comfort as the team’s third baseman.
Running Backs (3) – Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Analysis: I’m starting to have my doubts about Patterson’s usefulness this season on offense or in the return game. But he should still make the roster as a kicker. Harris and Warren will be the leading workhorses of a Steelers offense that could finish fifth in rushing.
Total (0) – There is nothing
Analysis: No real newspaper though Connor Heyward can be used here. Keep an eye on Jack Colletto in training camp.
Tight ends (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
Analysis: In my analysis of the offseason, I left Pruitt against Rodney Williams on a real coin. Williams is young and a great athlete/special teamer but Pruitt knows the system and is a strong net blocker. The camp fight is low but fun. Heyward was able to save time on his return.
Most recipients (5) – George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Dez Fitzpatrick
Review: One change here. Replacing Fitzpatrick with Marquez Callaway. Callaway brings incredible height/weight/speed, but Fitzpatrick’s calling card is special teams. That’s different from other veterans fighting for their place. Austin received a lot of praise in the spring, giving him the first leg in the fall. Jefferson has size and versatility and is familiar with Smith’s system.
Offensive Attacks (4) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Dylan Cook
Analysis: Lots to watch here. How many plays does Moore get at RT? Can Fautanu win this job? Can Cook continue to rise, and if so, will Moore be effective? Overall, it’s a talented and deep team.
Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick
Analysis: I wanted to find a way to praise Spencer Anderson in here, but he’s still the top ten offensive lineman. Herbig will battle Frazier in the middle but will likely lose his job.
Centers (1) – Zach Frazier
Analysis: Frazier, the only true center in this 53-point lineup, may have to earn the right to start. But you have to win it when the season starts. I’m excited to see if Anderson or McCormick get a job at the center.
DEFENSE – 26
Security Effects (4) – Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Isaiah Loudermilk
Analysis: Maybe DeMarvin Leal’s hype is real. The best shape of his life, the light has appeared, all those good things. But you have to play on the list and my list preview. If he shows up, Loudermilk’s place may be shaken. Ogunjobi needs to get through camp healthy, always dealing with a foot or toe problem.
Nose (2) – Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams
Analysis: Benton will start after stepping in last year as a backup. Adams signed a multi-year contract and should stay. The Steelers will maintain a minimum of six defensive linemen.
EDGE Rushers (4) – TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
Analysis: David Perales has lost weight and is in his second season, but I still put the Moon on him. The moon is bigger, stronger, and more proven than the special teams. A fun name to watch on campus.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Tyler Matakevich
Analysis: The change here is now that Matakevich has been signed. He removes Mark Robinson from the Steelers’ roster for the role of “core special teamer.” The question is whether Holcomb is healthy to start the year. We’ll see if he starts camping in Active/PUP. If he avoids it, it will be a big show. The hierarchy here is strong.
Corners (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop, Josiah Scott
Analysis: Cam Sutton will start the year on the Restricted List and doesn’t need to start in the first 53. He won’t play until Week 10. The cornerback slot battle is wide open. Bishop was the team’s best UDFA player, but they may be looking for veteran veteran Scott, who served as the Eagles’ cornerback in 2022. This position will be worked out by committee.
Don’t overlook the deep corner battles on the outside, either. Rush and Trice have a lot to prove and will be pushed by Anthony Averett.
Security (5) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts
Analysis: Lots of movement and movement here. Trenton Thompson was released for reasons that remain unclear. Jalen Elliott is also shown at the door. It boosts rookie Watts’ chances, though he’ll have to prove he can turn the corner. Capturing a special teams spot will also be key for him.
SPECIAL GROUPS – 3
Kick (1) – Chris Boswell
Analysis: Boswell’s place is safe, although Matthew Wright will be scouting other clubs this summer. He’s draft-eligible, which makes him a very interesting point for a player, as long as Boz stays healthy.
Punter (1) – Cameron Johnston
Analysis: Johnston is the only player on the Steelers team, which speaks to the team’s level of confidence in him. It was a valuable center signing, though hopefully, Pittsburgh will do a lot less punting in 2024.
Long snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz
Analysis: Fresh off a three-year contract, Kuntz’s spot is safe.
Game Day Invalids: Allen (Third Emergency QB), Jefferson, McCormick, Trice Jr., Watts
PRACTICE SQUAD (17)
QB: John Rhys Plumlee
RB: Daijun Edwards, Jonathan Ward
FB: Jack Collar
WR: Marquez Callaway, Duece Watts
THE: Rodney Williams
AND: Anderson Hardy, Spencer Anderson
DL: Logan Lee, Breiden Fehoko
EDGE: Julius Welschof*, Kyron Johnson
ILB: Jacoby Windmon
CB: Thomas Graham, Anthony Averett
Q: Nate Meadors
*Compared to total exercise group
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