The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up on the three-game preseason on Sunday with a victory over the Detroit Lions. That leaves just under two weeks left until the start of the regular season. While the team still has plenty of work to do, they must first finalize the roster on Tuesday. Rosters are cut down to 53 players, leaving a lot of transactions to take place over the next 48 hours.
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The defense in Pittsburgh has underwent a few key changes this off-season. After Joe Haden's departure, the team replaced him with Levi Wallace from the Buffalo Bills in the cornerback room. The team made several other key additions, so the defense is expected to be one of the best in football. Ahead of Tuesday's final cuts, here is a prediction for what the defense will look like:
Defensive line (7): Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Tyson Alualu, Chris Wormley, DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Like the tight end group, the defensive linemen room has been set for awhile now. The team usually carries six linemen, but there are seven legitimate guys in this year's group. The only thing to watch from this group is Montravius Adams and his injury.
The Davis brothers, Carlos and Khalil, along with Henry Mondeaux, miss out on this loaded group. Those three names will compete for a spot or two on the practice squad.
Outside linebackers (4): TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Derrek Tuszka, Hamilcar Rashed Jr.
This is another position that the Steelers need some more depth at. Beyond the starters, the depth is very minimal, as evidenced above. Since signing with the team, Rashed has shown some flashes. While he didn't do much against the Lions on Sunday, he offers a higher upside than Delontae Scott and even Tuszka.
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Inside linebackers (4): Myles Jack, Devin Bush, Robert Spillane, Mark Robinson
This group could go several ways, as Marcus Allen was injured the whole preseason and training camp, so he's cut in this prediction. Buddy Johnson may come as a bit of a surprising release considering he's entering just his second season. Robinson's emergence, coupled with Johnson's struggles in pass coverage, leave him as a potential practice squad option. It's still yet to be decided who starts alongside Jack, as neither Bush or Spillane separated themselves from the other.
Cornerbacks (5): Ahkello Witherspoon, Levi Wallace, Cam Sutton, Arthur Maulet, Justin Layne
The versatility of a guy like Tre Norwood, listed as a safety, allows the Steelers to carry five corners (and maybe even four) rather than six. The top three are set in stone, but it's Maulet, Layne, and James Pierre for the remaining spot(s). Layne gets one last chance in this prediction because of his special teams play.
Safeties (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds, Tre Norwood, Miles Killebrew, Elijah Riley
Off-season addition, Damontae Kazee was having a very good camp until his injury in Sunday's last preseason game. His injury is quite unfortunate, as he joins Karl Joseph as key backups at safety to get injured in the last month. Now, Kazee will likely head to the IR after making the 53-man roster. That would allow him to return later in the season if possible, as his injury was never officially announced as being season-ending.
Riley becomes an immediate beneficiary, although his inclusion is simply predicting based off what the Steelers have. The front office will likely add a safety via free agency, as guys like Jaquiski Tartt and Ashtyn Davis make sense as potential options.
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To the IR: Damontae Kazee
Potential IR names to watch: Montravius Adams, Arthur Maulet, Miles Killebrew
The injuries to those three above will have an impact on what the final 53-man roster looks like. If any of them end up on the IR, that will obviously open the door for other guys.
Do you guys agree with these predictions? Who was snubbed? What positions will the team add to? Share your opinions in the comment section below, as well as on our social media!
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