Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff are going to be busy today finalizing their 53-man roster. Tomlin has some tough choices to make at three positions in particular, wide receiver, running back, and cornerback. The emergence of several rookies and prospects will make these cuts much tougher for Tomlin, but he doesn’t mind. This is his favorite time of the year. If Tomlin is feeling the pressure to supplement a roster that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl title, he isn’t showing it.
Mike Tomlin Has Tough Choices To Make For These Positional Cuts
Cornerback
Defense wins championships, which is where one of the best positional battles took place for the Steelers. The competition at cornerback was wide open until they signed free agent Joe Haden, whose addition eliminated someone from the competition. Ross Cockrell has been extremely disappointing in coverage this preseason, and could find himself the odd man out. His position on the roster has been made further vulnerable by the potential shown by rookies Mike Hilton, Brian Allen, and Cameron Sutton. Free agent Coty Sensabaugh has also outperformed Cockrell. Keep in mind that the Steelers really like Allen, and his rare combination of size and speed. It is possible, though unlikely, he would make it through waivers if he is cut. This could factor in a decision that put him on the roster.
Running back
Le’Veon Bell is the unquestioned starter at running back for the Steelers, for this year at least. The choices made for the spots behind him could be an indication of Bell’s long term status with the team. The best running backs this preseason have been James Conner and Terrell Watson. They have run with anger and purpose, taking full advantage of their size and surprising speed. Free agent Knile Davis and incumbent Fitzgerald Toussaint have had their moments, but have not been impressive. They definitely shouldn’t be considered keepers by any stretch of the imagination. If the Steelers believe Bell will be here long term, the depth chart could be Bell, Conner, and Davis. If the Steelers believe this could Be Bell’s final year with the team, then Bell, Conner, and Watson would make the most sense. Regardless, Watson has earned and deserves a roster spot.
Wide Receiver
The deepest position on the roster could look a little different in 24 hours. Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Sammie Coates, Eli Rogers and JuJu Smith-Schuster should be locks for the top five spots. Tomlin has tough choices to make between the remaining candidates for the final spot. The argument for Darrius Heyward-Bey is his leadership and special teams play, but others could fill those roles. Justin Hunter has shown speed and toughness, while Cobi Hamilton leads in big plays since week 11 of last season. Demarcus Ayers, Marcus Tucker, and Justin Thomas are practice squad candidates at best. Hunter’s liability is not being an ideal special teams candidate, while Hamilton likely fumbled his way off of the roster. Hunter should win the final spot based on production and need.
Another Candidate for the Final 53
Hagen’s Heros
Tomlin has tough choices to make that include grinders like Jacob Hagen, who has a nose for the football. Hagen is never out of position, has been steady in coverage, and has provided some of the preseason’s biggest hits. Hagen is versatile enough to play both safety spots and would give the Steelers more size and speed in the secondary. Replacing Robert Golden with Hagen makes sense and would the defense better. It’s also an opinion which illustrates that Tomlin has tough choices to make in the next 12 hours.
