With training camp in 24 hours and the first practice the following day, it’s time to update my prediction for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53-man roster for 2024. My last prediction came right after the draft, and since then the team has made roster moves that have changed some of my predictions. Those will be reflected below.
My next roster prediction will come just before or after the Steelers’ first preseason game.
OFFENSE – 24
Quarterbacks (3) – Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Analysis: No changes here; the general theme of this updated prediction. Wilson and Fields can theoretically fight, but it will be a big upset if Fields wins. Allen brings experience and comfort as the team’s third player.
Running backs (3) – Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Analysis: I’ve started to question Patterson’s usefulness this season on offense or even in the return game. But he should still be on the roster as the primary kick returner. Harris and Warren will be the Steelers’ lead horses in an offense that could finish in the top five in rushing attempts.
Back (0) – None
Analysis: There’s no true fullback, but Connor Heyward could 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 offseason analysis, I considered Pruitt vs. Rodney Williams a coin flip. Williams is younger and a better athlete/specialist, but Pruitt knows the system and is a better inline blocker. An underrated but fun camp matchup. Heyward could see some time at fullback.
Wide Receivers (5) – George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Dez Fitzpatrick
Analysis: One change here. Put Fitzpatrick in place of Marquez Callaway. Callaway brings intriguing size/weight/speed, but Fitzpatrick’s calling card is special teams. That’s different from the other veteran receivers who are fighting for their spots. Austin got a lot of praise in the spring, which gave him an early leg up in the fall. Jefferson has size and versatility and knows Smith’s system.
Offensive Tackles (4) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dan Moore Jr., Dylan Cook
Analysis: Lots to watch here. How long will Moore play RT? Can Fautanu win the job? Can Cook continue his rise, and if so, will Moore become expendable? Overall, this is a talented and deep group.
Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick
Analysis: I would have liked to find a way to get Spencer Anderson into the game, but he’s still the tenth offensive lineman. Herbig will have to battle Frazier at center, but he’s at risk of losing his job.
Centers (1) – Zach Frazier
Analysis: Frazier, the only true center on this 53-man roster, may have to earn the right to start. But he should get it by the start of the season. It will be interesting to see if Anderson or McCormick can find work at center.
DEFENSE – 26
Defensive ends (4) – Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Analysis: Maybe the DeMarvin Leal hype is real. He’s in his best shape, the lights have come on, all that. But he has to play to make the roster and my roster prediction. If he does, Loudermilk’s spot could become unstable. Ogunjobi has to go through camp healthy, still hounded by a foot or toe issue.
Nose pads (2) – Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams
Analysis: Benton will start after joining the team last year as a backup. Adams signed a multi-year contract and is expected to stay. The Steelers will retain at least six defensive linemen.
The EDGE Rushers (4) – TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon
Analysis: David Perales has lost some weight and is in his second season, but I still prefer Moon over him. Moon is bigger, stronger and has proven himself on special teams. An intriguing name to watch in camp.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Tyler Matakevich
Analysis: There’s a change now that Matakevich has been signed. He replaces Mark Robinson on the Steelers roster for the “core special player” role. The question is whether Holcomb is healthy to start the year. We’ll see if he starts camp in active/PUP mode. If he doesn’t, that’ll be a huge sign. The position group here is strong.
Cornerbacks (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Darius Rush, Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop, Josiah Scott
Analysis: Cam Sutton will start the year on the suspended list and doesn’t need to start on the initial 53-man roster. He won’t play until Week 10. The battle for the cornerback job is wide open. Bishop was the team’s top UDFA addition, but they likely want a veteran ready in Scott, who was the Eagles’ starting cornerback in 2022. That position will likely be handled by committee.
The depth battles at outside corners shouldn’t be overlooked either. Rush and Trice have a lot to prove and will be pushed by Anthony Averett.
Securities (5) – Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts
Analysis: Lots of movement and shaking here. Trenton Thompson was released for reasons that still don’t make much sense. Jalen Elliott was also shown the door. That increases rookie Watts’ chances, though he’ll have to prove he can transition from corner. Earning a spot on special teams will also be key for him.
SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
Kicker (1) – Chris Boswell
Analysis: Boswell’s spot is secure, even if Matthew Wright will audition for other teams this summer. He’s a worthy roster choice, making it the most attractive kicker position, provided Boz stays healthy.
Gambler (1) – Cameron Johnston
Analysis: Johnston is the Steelers’ only punter, which is a testament to the team’s confidence in him. He’s been a key player in free agency, though Pittsburgh is expected to punt much less in 2024.
Long snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz
Analysis: Fresh off a three-year contract, Kuntz’s spot is secure.
Inactive on match day: Allen (emergency third QB), Jefferson, McCormick, Trice Jr., Watts
TRAINING TEAM (17)
QB: John Rhys Plumlee
RB: Daijun Edwards, Jonathan Ward
Facebook: Jack Necklace
D: Mark Callaway and Duece Watts
THE: Rodney Williams
AND: Anderson Hardy, Spencer Anderson
DL: Logan Lee, Breiden Fehoko
EDGE: Julius Welschof*, Kyron Johnson
HE B: Jacoby Windmon
CB: Thomas Graham, Anthony Averett
S: Nate Meadors
*Does not count towards practice squad total