Schultz: Latest Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction At Conclusion Of Training Camp

And just like that, training camp is over for the Pittsburgh Steelers. We are just days away from the team's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, which will feature all of the team's healthy starters. With the conclusion of the team's time in Latrobe, it's time for an updated prediction for the 53-man roster. There are just three weeks left before we find out the 53 players that will represent the 2023 Steelers, so, without further ado:

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

Not much to write about with this group. Rudolph has struggled in camp, while rookie undrafted free agent Tanner Morgan has been solid at times. Still, the Steelers will go with the experience for their third-string quarterback. 

Running Back (3): Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland Jr.

The front office may still dip into the free agent market once roster cuts start taking place. While McFarland has enjoyed a stellar summer, we’ve seen this movie before from him. Often times, it doesn’t translate to Sundays.

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

Steelers.com's Bob Labriola put it perfectly: "the best way to explain it would have been to write that there will be 7 players kept at the tight end and running back spots." Heyward can work as a tight end, fullback, and running back all in one. Despite the team adding a talented guy to this loaded room, Heyward may actually see more field time in 2023 than he did as a rookie. Gentry seems like the only possible cut here, but his blocking and leadership are important to this unit.

Wide Receiver (6): Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski

The first four are locks, and Boykin will likely make it due to his special teams impact. Unfortunately, other guys haven't stepped up as expected this summer. Hakeem Butler has struggled with too many drops in camp, which carried into the first preseason game. Cody White's minimal chances were all but eliminated in a poor performance as well in that opener. Based off Kenny Pickett's recent comments defending Olszewski, he suddenly seems like the probable No. 6 guy in this room.

Offensive Line (9): Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Kevin Dotson, Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor, Spencer Anderson

Barring a trade of a guy like Dotson, the top eight seem to be locks. That leaves the ninth and final spot wide open, whether it be a swing tackle or another interior lineman. Given the fact that Anderson has a ton versatility, he makes sense as that final pick. The team could very well opt for a guys like Le'Raven Clark or Dylan Cook instead, which would give them a true fourth tackle.

Should Steelers carry seven or eight defensive linemen?

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

Watts has started to pick up some buzz over the last week or so, as he's began to see some first-team reps. If the team only carries seven defensive linemen, the final two spots will come down to Watts, Fehoko, and Isaiahh Loudermilk. Loudermilk has seen some reps at outside linebacker during camp to try and expand his overall value. In a bit of a surprising move, the Steelers opt for the veteran presence over a guy that saw just 116 defensive snaps in 2022. The team could very well carry eight linemen here, which would obviously mean Loudermilk would be the one to stay.

Outside Linebacker (4): TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Markus Golden

Herbig has settled in nicely this summer, as the rookie took his impressive camp into the preseason. In the victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Herbig pressured the quarterback quite frequently. Quincy Roche's inability to establish himself this summer leads to his release, but he could stick around on the practice squad.

Inside Linebacker (5): Kwon Alexander, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Nick Kwiatkoski

The addition of Alexander helps this group's depth a ton, and he may already be the team's best off-ball linebacker. As a result of his addition, one of the special teams guys (Muse and Kwiatkoski) likely becomes expendable. That holds especially true because second-year linebacker Mark Robinson can play special teams as well. In this scenario, Kwiatkoski's experience on defense gives him the edge over Muse.

Cornerback (5): Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., Chandon Sullivan, Elijah Riley

Elijah Riley's emergence this summer is the notable takeaway from this group. The journeyman can play all over the field, which helps his chances of making the 53-man roster. His emergence comes at the expense of James Pierre, who allowed a touchdown in an overall poor performance against the Bucs. 

Safety (4): Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew

Tre Norwood is the notable omission here, as he's been unable to stay consistent in Latrobe due to injury. With plenty of other defensive backs making plays, the 2021 seventh-rounder is cut. Kenny Robinson made several of plays at camp, but he just barely misses out.

Special Teams (3): Pressley Harvin III, Chris Boswell, Christian Kuntz

Over the past few days, it seems like Harvin has started to take over the competition against Braden Mann. The depth chart listed Harvin as the starter, which has to bode well for him. 

Notable cuts: David Perales, Hakeem Butler, Kendrick Green, Luq Barcoo, Tre Norwood, Le'Raven Clark, Quincy Roche, Tanner Muse, Isaiahh Loudermilk, James Pierre, Cody White, Braden Mann, Dylan Cook

What are your thoughts on this roster prediction? What 10 players do you think will land on the team's practice squad? Will the front office add another player, such as a running back before Week 1? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

#SteelerNation