With the Steelers first preseason game in the books, it is a good time to look at the roster situation. How the players were used, and which groupings they came out with in the preseason matters for a lot of players roster standing. Things will change and this is a fluid situation, but as of now, this is how the Steelers 53-man roster should look.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterback (3)
Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Joshua Dobbs
The quarterback position is essentially set in stone. Dobbs showed on Friday that he has work to do to catch Landry Jones as a backup. However, he also showed he is leaps and bounds better than Bart Houston and has a firm lock on his job.
Running back (3)
Le’Veon Bell, James Connor, Knile Davis
Bell has not shown up to camp, but he will, likely after the second or third preseason game. Fitzgerald Toussaint started over Knile Davis. However, it can be argued that Davis was the better runner. Davis started over Toussaint on special teams, and proved valuable as a lead blocker. Toussaint holds a slim lead as of now, but it should begin to fall into the hands of Davis. The competition will be worth watching.
Fullback (1)
Nix is an easy lock after a strong performance last season.
Wide Receiver (6)
Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Eli Rogers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Sammie Coates
The first four players are absolute locks to make it. Heyward-Bey and Coates are on the fringe. However, none of the lower receivers did much to make a case over these two. Justin Hunter had been making noise in camp, but could not get healthy enough to play in the preseason. Demarcus Ayers best chance to make the team was returning punts. However, the team did not give him a chance in that area in the first game. Cobi Hamilton had a strong game, but likely still sits around eight or nine on the depth chart.
Tight End (3)
Jesse James, Xavier Grimble, David Johnson
This position should be pretty set in stone. Phazahn Odom saw some snaps in the first preseason game, but he is still far away and a likely candidate for the practice squad.
Offensive Line (8)
Alejandro Villanueva, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Chris Hubbard, B.J. Finney, Jerald Hawkins
There is little competition at this spot either. The five starters, plus Hubbard and Finney are locked into their spots and roles. Hawkins will be competing with Matt Feiler and Brian Mihalik for the last spot. None of the three were strong in the preseason, but Feiler may have stood out the most. However, given that a draft pick was invested in Hawkins, he does get the edge.
Defensive Line (6)
Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, Leterrius Walton, Johnny Maxey
The three starters and Alualu are set in stone. Walton spent some time shifting between end and nose tackle in the preseason game, and his versatility and experience on the unit should ensure his spot. With Walton being able to slide into the middle at times, it gives the Steelers a true debate between Maxey and Daniel McCullers. Maxey has shown more on the field and has had more time with the number twos than McCullers giving him the edge.
Edge Rushers (5)
James Harrison, Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Anthony Chickillo, Arthur Moats
Moats had a strong preseason performance that could solidify his roster spot. He may have entered camp in a battle with rookie Keion Adams. Unfortunately, Adams has missed time with some injury issues. This provided Moats will all of the snaps he needed to show his value as a veteran performer. Adams should be able to slide into the practice squad.
Linebackers (5)
Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams, Tyler Matakevich, Steven Johnson, L.J. Fort
These five should be all locked in as well. Johnson, Fort, and Matakevich all provide strong special teams value. Williams will no longer play special teams with his promotion to starter, so the need for all three is there.
Cornerback (6)
Artie Burns, Ross Cockrell, William Gay, Coty Sensabaugh, Cameron Sutton, Mike Hilton
Hilton is the new name on the roster. He is the backup slot corner, and started on special teams as a gunner, making the first tackle of the preseason game. Hilton is stepping into the role that many carved out for Senquez Golson. Brian Allen has not shown enough and likely can find his way onto the practice squad.
Safety (4)
Mike Mitchell, Sean Davis, Jordan Dangerfield, Robert Golden
These four are locked in. There should be no shuffling and all four should feel safe.
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell, Jordan Berry, Colin Holba
Practice Squad
1. Keion Adams
2. Brian Allen
3. Demarcus Ayers
4. Matt Feiler
5. Phazahn Odom
6. Ethan Cooper
7. Terrell Watson
8. Matt Galambos
9. Jacob Hagen
10. Lavon Hooks
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