Steeler Nation's Latest Steelers 2023 53-Man Roster Prediction Post-OTAs

OTAs are already complete for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a session in which contact is nonexistent, it's difficult to truly evaluate the progress of some guys on the roster. Still, it's the only legitimate football that we will get until training camp in Latrobe. With that, it's time to make an updated 53-man roster prediction with what we know. Without further ado:

Quarterbacks (3): Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph

This group seems to be pretty set in stone. Pickett is the franchise guy, and he will start barring injury. Trubisky was signed to an extension a few weeks ago, and Rudolph was brought back shortly thereafter. Rookie undrafted free agent Tanner Morgan is the only name to watch, but Rudolph's experience with the team should win him the No. 3 job.

Running Backs (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Alfonzo Graham

Warren was one of the biggest winners of OTAs, as he showed up looking noticeably bigger. He looked pretty good too, which will only help Harris in his third NFL season. While veteran Anthony McFarland Jr. could still make the team as the third running back, undrafted free agent Alfonzo Graham impressed at OTAs. On Thursday, he boldly challenged safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a one-on-one drill. While he didn't win the rep, it showed coaches his fearlessness.

Wide Receivers (6): Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin, Hakeem Butler

The top four here are locks to make the Week 1 roster, and Austin made the most noise at OTAs. After that, it comes down to whether the team prefers to carry five or six wide receivers. Boykin was re-signed late in the offseason, and his special teams impact is hard to let go of. Butler is the beneficiary of the team carry six wideouts here, as his size/speed combination is quite intriguing for a guy this low on the depth chart.

Tight Ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Zach Gentry

There really isn't much debate here, as Heyward is listed as a TE here rather than a fullback. He will likely see time between both positions, but he may play more tight end than people think due to Washington's gradual learning process in his first season. Despite an impressive appearance in OTAs, Rodney Williams is the most notable odd man out here. With that being said, he's a likely practice squad candidate.

Offensive Line (8): Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Nate Herbig, Isaac Seumalo, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor, Kendrick Green

The trenches are the hardest positions to project on this team, as the backup roles are mostly up in the air. Even if Dan Moore Jr. loses the left tackle job to Jones, he can be an exceptional swing tackle for depth. Kendrick Green was seen as an obvious cut candidate not too long ago, but he recently moved back to center. With the team's lack of depth and experience there, Green could actually be the team's best option to back up Cole. If you're wondering about Kevin Dotson, a trade seems like the best scenario for both sides.

Defensive Line (7): Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Armon Watts, DeMarvin Leal, Breiden Fehoko, Isaiahh Loudermilk

This one gets a bit tricky to figure out, especially after the main four of Heyward, Ogunjobi, Benton, and Leal. Leal may go back and forth between the defensive line and outside linebacker, but he's listed with this group for now. Montravius Adams has given the Steelers some experience when needed, but he's expendable with the additions made in free agency.

Linebackers (9): Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse, TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Markus Golden, Quincy Roche, Nick Herbig

Nick Herbig allows some flexibility here, as he's expected to see time on the edge and on the inside. He then serves as the fifth guy in each position, making for a total of nine linebackers on the roster. This room seems pretty much set, and Roche makes the 53-man squad in his second stint with the franchise.

Cornerbacks (5): Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice Jr., Chandon Sullivan

Goodbye James Pierre. The writing is pretty much on the wall for the three-year cornerback, who has appeared in 51 games for the Steelers. Chandon Sullivan makes it over him due to his experience in the slot. Pierre's 667 career special teams snaps will be missed, but they have plenty of other guys for that role throughout the roster. Trice enjoyed a stellar summer session, and suddenly, he'll be expected to contribute right away in his rookie year as a seventh-rounder.

Safeties (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tre Norwood, Miles Killebrew, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal

There is a ton of versatility from this group. Neal can play some inside linebacker in addition to safety. Norwood can slide over into the slot corner position when needed. Killebrew remains a valuable special teams piece, something the team needs after losing a few key members this offseason. Fitzpatrick should have another elite season with Kazee by his side this season as opposed to Terrell Edmunds.

Special Teams (3): Chris Boswell, Braden Mann, Christian Kuntz

The punter job will be another position to watch as the summer goes on. Heading into his third season, time is running out for Pressley Harvin III. The team signed veteran Braden Mann to compete with Harvin, and his stats the past few years have been better. Until Harvin finds some consistency, it's hard to pick him over Mann in this competition.

Notable omissions: Kevin Dotson, Pressley Harvin III, Anthony McFarland Jr., Anthony Miller, Spencer Anderson, Montravius Adams, Gunner Olszewski

10-man Steelers practice squad projection

OL Spencer Anderson, WR Dez Fitzpatrick, LB David Perales, DB Luq Barcoo, DB Elijah Riley, TE Rodney Williams, OL Ryan McCollum, DL Manny Jones, LB Toby Ndukwe, RB Anthony McFarland Jr.

What are your thoughts on this post-OTAs 53-man roster prediction? What changes would you make to this projection? Who is an under-the-radar player that you think has a legit shot at making the roster? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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