Now that the NFL draft is over, the Steelers 90-man roster is likely set until training camp. With that comes the long wait and the speculation of depth chart spots, and who will be battling for jobs and roster spots in training camp. We will try to highlight the positions to watch for with the first Steelers 53-man roster projection. If the NFL season were to start next week, these are the 53 guys that the Steelers should carry. The names will be listed alphabetically by position.<\/p>\n
The Steelers immediately cut Zach Mettenberger<\/a> following the NFL draft. The three who are making the team is clear as day, and the question in camp will be whether or not Dobbs can push Jones for the backup job.<\/p>\n Conner is a power back and Davis is a faster, pass catching type. Davis can also return kicks which makes Fitzgerald Toussaint<\/a> very expendable.<\/p>\n Nix deserves his spot as a solid fullback and special teams performer.<\/p>\n The Steelers will hope to sneak DeMarcus Ayers on the practice squad one more time. However, he could make the team over Coates or Heyward-Bey. Justin Hunter<\/a> will have to beat out Coates for a shot and Cobi Hamilton<\/a> is as good as cut.<\/p>\n This will be a tough decision as to whether or not to keep three or four tight ends. However, in drafting a receiver over tight end they have to feel a little more comfortable in Green\u2019s future than Bryant\u2019s. Xavier Grimble<\/a> could sneak onto the roster but he will have to beat out one of the wide receiver, cornerback or linebacker options.<\/p>\n Jerald Hawkins is back from a wasted season due to injury, and the Steelers will hope to get him on the roster this year. If healthy, he should be able to beat out Brian Mihalik<\/a> or Matt Feiler<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jon Maxey, Lavon Hooks, and Roy Philon are practice squad options, but it would be an upset to see any of them beat out McCullers or Walton for a roster spot.<\/p>\n Fort and Johnson are definitely on the bubble, but both bring so much to the table in special teams value that they will both get chances.<\/p>\n The question in training camp will be Chickillo vs. Moats and Keion Adams<\/a>. Adams is the recent draft pick, but he is raw, and likely could find himself being on the practice squad with a chance to make the 2018 team.<\/p>\n The question here will be about Brian Allen<\/a>. He is very raw, but they may not be able to sneak him onto the practice squad without being claimed. Senquez Golson<\/a> has missed two full seasons and in signing one cornerback and drafting two it is a good sign that they do not expect much from him moving forward.<\/p>\n The Steelers could be able to sneak an extra cornerback on by cutting Dangerfield and sliding Gay into a safety spot. However, Dangerfield was great on special teams and fared well in a start last season. Golden is the reigning special teams captain so both should feel their jobs are relatively safe.<\/p>\n If the Steelers are going to use a sixth-round pick on a player he better make the active roster.<\/p>\n Main Photo:<\/p>\nRunning backs (3): Le\u2019Veon Bell<\/a>, James Conner<\/a>, Knile Davis<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Fullbacks (1): Roosevelt Nix<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Wide Receivers (6): Antonio Brown<\/a>, Martavis Bryant<\/a>, Sammie Coates<\/a>, Darrius Heyward-Bey<\/a> Eli Rogers<\/a>, JuJu Smith-Schuster<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tight Ends (3): Ladarius Green<\/a>, Jesse James<\/a>, David Johnson<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Offensive Line (8): David DeCastro<\/a>, Marcus Gilbert<\/a>, B.J. Finney<\/a>, Ramon Foster<\/a>, Jerald Hawkins, Chris Hubbard<\/a>, Maurkice Pouncey<\/a>, Alejandro Villanueva<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Defensive Line (6): Tyson Alualu<\/a>, Javon Hargrave<\/a>, Cameron Heyward<\/a>, Daniel McCullers<\/a>, Stephon Tuitt<\/a>, L.T. Walton<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Linebackers (5): L.J. Fort<\/a>, Steven Johnson<\/a>, Tyler Matakevich<\/a>, Ryan Shazier<\/a>, Vince Williams<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Edge rushers (5): Bud Dupree<\/a>, Anthony Chickillo<\/a>, James Harrison<\/a>, Arthur Moats<\/a>, T.J. Watt<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cornerbacks (6): Brian Allen<\/a>, Artie Burns<\/a>, Ross Cockrell<\/a>, William Gay<\/a>, Coty Sensabaugh<\/a>, Cameron Sutton<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Safety (4): Jordan Dangerfield<\/a>, Sean Davis<\/a>, Robert Golden<\/a>, Mike Mitchell<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell<\/a>, Jordan Berry<\/a>, Colin Holba<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n