The 2024 NFL preseason is almost over with just one preseason game remaining. With the Steelers now having two preseason games under their belts, it’s time to once again give our predictions for the Steelers 53-man roster to begin the 2024 season. With players still having one more in-stadium opportunity to make a lasting impression, it’s still somewhat difficult to project who the bottom-of-the-roster players will be. Regardless, SCN editor Dave Schofield and senior editor Jeff Hartman will give their input onto their thoughts of who will make the roster come September.

As always, we welcome you to join the conversation in our comment section below this article. Let your voice be heard and join in the black-and-gold conversation!

Offense

Quarterback (3)

Dave: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, John Rhys Plumlee Kyle Allen

Changes: Plumlee OUT, Allen in

Analysis: Even though I would like to find a way to keep Plumlee, it wouldn’t be as a quarterback as he hasn’t been given much of a chance so likely he ends up on the chopping block.

Jeff: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

Changes: None

Analysis: Plumlee hasn’t taken a snap yet in the preseason which should tell you everything you need to know about how the Steelers view him as a viable back-up quarterback.

Running Back (3)

Dave: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

Changes: None

Analysis: I’m not as sold on Patterson as I was as the Steelers haven’t really used him for a kick returns. But I’m also not convinced they’re going to deviate from the plan.

Jeff: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

Changes: None

Analysis: How they view Patterson, and his role with the team, will be interesting. At this point, I see him as more of a running back than a wide receiver/return man. I’ll stick with these three, but some other backs, like UDFA Daijun Edwards, might shock some people when given the chance. If Edwards earns a spot, it will be on special teams. At this point, I can’t have him on the 53.

Fullback (0)

Dave: Jack Colletto None

Changes: Colletto OUT

Analysis: It was the dream, but I don’t see the Steelers utilizing him enough where it’s been successful, especially early on in the first two preseason games, in order to warrant the roster spot.

Jeff: None

Changes: None

Analysis: I understand this fan base loves fullbacks, but the natural fullback has gone the way of the Dodo, in my opinion. Only way a player makes the roster as a FB is to be a special teams ace as well.

Wide Receiver (5)

Dave: George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller

Changes: None

Analysis: I was tempted to go back to Fitzpatrick, but Scotty Miller has been doing a lot as well. Maybe they find a way to keep them both.

Jeff: George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller

Changes: None

Analysis: I honestly don’t see the Steelers making a move anytime soon, but if they do I’m not sold on it being a big name like Brandon Aiyuk. I think the likely move is a younger player from a team who is loaded at the receiver position. In other words, I don’t think these five will be the group when Week 1 rolls around.

Tight End (4)

Dave: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Rodney Williams MyCole Pruitt

Changes: Williams OUT, Pruitt IN

Analysis: I haven’t seen the Steelers using Williams much on offense or where he stood out on special teams. It might be an attempt to get him to the practice squad.

Jeff: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Rodney Williams

Changes: None

Analysis: The Steelers are going to go with a heavy personnel approach with Arthur Smith, and I could see the camp battle being between Williams and MyCole Pruitt for the 4th and final spot. Very well could come down to special teams play, in which case I’ll give the nod to Williams.

Offensive Line (9)

Dave: Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Zach Frazier, Dylan Cook, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson

Changes: Herbig to IR, Anderson IN

Analysis: After two games I’m convinced even pondering having Anderson not make the team was foolish. He’s in. I’m starting to think Herbig might end up on the Reserve/Injured List to start the year. Also, Tyler Beach is making a good case for a roster spot as well. Maybe the Steelers will send somebody away in a trade.

Jeff: Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Zach Frazier, Nate Herbig, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Dan Moore Jr.

Changes: Herbig to IR, Cook IN

Analysis: As Dave said, keeping all 10 of these linemen might make sense, but seems unlikely. The news of Herbig’s shoulder injury spells IR for Herbig. That means you can keep Cook and have both James Daniels and Spencer Anderson as depth pieces at multiple positions.

Total Offense: 24

Defense

Defensive Line (7)

Dave: Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee Isaiahh Loudermilk

Changes: Lee OUT, Loudermilk IN

Analysis: I just haven’t seen enough from Lee to give him a spot, and even though I haven’t seen much from Loudermilk the Steelers still had him start in place of Heyward so they must still be high on him.

Jeff: Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal

Changes: Lee OUT, Leal IN

Analysis: When talking about camp battles, I foresee the battle between DeMarvin Leal and a bunch of defensive linemen. The winner gets a roster spot, the other will be looking for employment elsewhere, or the hopes of being signed to the team’s practice squad. Either way, I think Leal wins the battle and the hope is Lee signs on to the practice squad. But that’s if Leal is even viewed as a defensive lineman, or nothing other than a larger edge rusher. This position could be in flux in multiple ways.

Outside Linebacker (Dave – 5/Jeff – 4)

Dave: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson

Changes: Johnson IN

Analysis: I decided to use my extra roster spot here and keep both Jeremiah Moon and Kyron Johnson. I think both offer a lot on special teams.

Jeff: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon, Kyron Johnson

Changes: Moon OUT, Johnson IN

Analysis: In this preseason I have noticed Johnson on more than one occasion. I can’t say the same for Moon, so I’ll go with Johnson this week.

Inside Linebacker (4)

Dave: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts,  Payton Wilson, Tyler Matakevich, Mark Robison

Changes: Matakevich OUT, Robinson IN

Analysis: I was surprised to see Mark Robinson doing so well covering the pass. I know it’s a small sample size, but it is showing improvement. He is also a beast on special teams. He just might have more upside than Dirty Red.

Jeff: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson

Changes: Holcomb OUT, Robinson IN

Analysis: Can Holcomb return to the lineup and stay healthy? Would he start the actual season on the PUP List? It looks like he absolutely will, and that means Mark Robinson has a clear-cut path to the roster. If Holcomb returns, it seems as if Robinson may be expendable.

Cornerback (6)

Dave: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop, Thomas Graham

Changes: Graham IN

Analysis: Because there is some uncertainty at cornerback, I’m using an extra position here and taking one away from safety. For now, Thomas Graham is the benefit of the extra roster spot at corner. It very well could be somebody else who’s not on the roster at this time.

Jeff: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop, Cam Sutton, Josiah Scott, Thomas Graham

Changes: Sutton (Suspension)/Josiah Scott OUT, Thomas Graham IN

Analysis: The Steelers are looking at a well-rounded defensive back room, but they’ll be without Cam Sutton for some time due to suspension. I think the battle to watch will be between players like Beanie Bishop, Ryan Watts and Thomas Graham for the 6th and final spot…mostly coming down to special teams play.

Safety (Dave – 4/Jeff – 5)

Dave: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Changes: Watts OUT

Analysis: I think the Steelers could get by with just four players here as long as they have plenty of help on the practice squad where they could elevate players if needed. Killebrew is in for his special teams. The other three are the top guys. Anybody else I’m just not sure if they’ll get the playing time on defense and if they would offer more on special teams than the outside linebackers.

Jeff: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Changes: None

Analysis: Watts is the interesting piece of the puzzle here. He has experience at cornerback, but the size and athleticism of a safety. Therefore, he could technically be added to the cornerback room as well, even though he could play both. I think the battle for him will come there. Nonetheless, I have Watts listed with the safeties here.

Total Defense: 26

Special Teams

Specialists (3)

Dave: Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz

Changes: None

Analysis: Having to change any of these would still be bad news.

Jeff: Chris Boswell, Cam Johnston, Christian Kuntz

Changes: None

Analysis: Nothing to see here, this will be status quo barring an injury.

Total Team: 53