The 2022 NFL Draft has been over for close to a month, and the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp has come and gone as well. The next team activity will be their organized team activities (OTA's) that start this week. The 2022 off-season is just flying by.
As we look ahead to OTA's and then the Steelers' training camp, projecting who will end up making the team's 53-man roster will continue to evolve. Below is my current projections for the 53-man roster that the team will have at the beginning of the 2022 regular season for the offense and specialists groups.
Steelers' Quarterbacks (3)
Mitch Trubisky
Kenny Pickett
Chris Oladokun
Dropping a bomb in the first position group by not including Mason Rudolph in this list. I think there will be a mutual desire to part ways between the Steelers and Rudolph after selecting two quarterbacks in the draft. As long as Oladokun shows he belongs, I think Rudolph gets moved for a late round pick. The bigger question for this group is, who will be the starter for the majority of the season?
Steelers' Running Backs (3)
Najee Harris
Benny Snell
It is odd to see only three names here, but there could be just one name based on the team's usage last season keeping Harris on the field for virtually every snap. Odd man out here is Anthony McFarland, as it just seems like both the team ad McFarland could use a fresh start. Durant making the roster as an UDFA with good speed would be a solid addition to the team's running room. Connor Heyward could also fill in as a RB in a pinch, assuming he makes the roster, so that could give them extra motivation to keep one less running back.
Najee Harris At Steelers Practice. Credit: Steelers.com
Steelers' Fullbacks (1)
Derek Watt
Yes, Watt is making the final roster.
Steelers' Wide Receivers (6)
Diontae Johnson
Chase Claypool
George Pickens
Calvin Austin III
Gunner Olszewski
Miles Boykin
Considering this group is so young featuring two rookies, I see them keeping an extra wide receiver. That spot will likely be either Boykin or Anthony Miller, but I went with Boykin here due to him having much more experience contributing on special teams.
Steelers' Tight Ends (3)
Pat Freiermuth
Zach Gentry
Connor Heyward
There isn't much surprise here. Considering Heyward a tight end is a bit of a stretch, but after selecting him in the 6th round, they'll find a way to keep him on the roster. Labeling him a tight end is the best way to do that, but don't expect him to contribute on offense much this season.
Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry on Game Day. Credit: Getty Images
Steelers' Offensive Line (8)
Dan Moore Jr.
Kevin Dotson
Mason Cole
James Daniels
Chukwuma Okorafor
Joe Haeg
Kendrick Green
J.C. Hassenauer
Unfortunately, John Leglue misses the cut here, as he really impressed Steeler Nation at the end of last season. This is the position group most likely to get some sort of addition as they have very little offensive tackle depth currently, with Haeg as the only one with experience there.
Steelers' Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell
Pressley Harvin III
Christian Kuntz
Assuming Harvin III doesn't lose out to some competition this summer, no surprises likely to happen here. But, he will have to prove himself after a sub-par 2021.
Chris Boswell and Pressley Harvin III against the Tennessee Titans. Credit: AP Photo
Make sure to check back as next up we will be doing the defense! After taking up 27 spots with offense and specialists, that leaves 26 spots for defense.
Let us know who you think might've been left off this list by commenting below!
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