Brian Roach’s Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster prediction
The preseason is finally behind us, and the Steelers have some decisions to make (some harder than others).
After watching the development of the team and the performances of individual players (at least as much as can be garnered from TV broadcasts and NFL Game Pass) the 53-man roster seems to be taking shape.
Nothing is certain here, and it’s impossible to know all the variables that will ultimately determine the makeup of the 2017 Steelers, but if I had any say in how this team was being composed, this would be my view of how the roster should be formed.
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Josh Dobbs (3)
One of the easier takes on the roster. Nobody (except maybe a few really optimistic (delusional?) people) thought Bart Houston was going to be a part of this mix. Ben, Landry, and Josh – in that order.
Running Backs
Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Terrell Watson, Roosevelt Nix (4)
There is a little hesitation in this group. I went with Terrell “Nightmare” Watson over Knile Davis and Fitz Toussaint based purely on performance. Davis has performed consistently “meh” in the first three games, and Watson has provided the most “Wow” out of any back not named Conner. On the downside, not converting that fourth and one (in the third quarter of the Carolina game) didn’t add anything to Watson’s resume, and could be a key point in the decision process.
However, if that is the scenario that ultimately plays out, I have to wonder who the kick returner ends up being? Davis was signed primarily (IMO) to fill that role, but is that enough to earn a spot? Especially considering that his returns have not been anything to get excited about.
This choice will have some repercussions in other choices down the line.
Tight Ends
Vance McDonald, Jesse James, David Johnson, Xavier Grimble (4)
It’s possible that Xavier Grimble because a casualty if Davis and Watson are both added to the running back stable. However, it seems more likely that the Steelers keep these four tight ends, especially to provide some stability as Vance McDonald gets up to speed.
Offensive Line
Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Alejandro Villanueva, B.J. Finney, Chris Hubbard, Jerald Hawkins (8)
The real battle was between three guys – Brian Mihalik, Matt Feiler and Jerald Hawkins. I went with Hawkins because of the pick investment, but it’s possible that Feiler, who has out-performed Hawkins in the preseason, could get the spot. Hawkins has practice squad eligibility, while Feiler does not. However, it’s very likely neither of these guys makes it through waivers to the practice squad in a league that is starved for competent offensive linemen.
In the end, it’s possible that one or both of the two men who don’t make the roster may find themselves being pursued by other teams come Saturday afternoon.
Wide Receivers
Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Eli Rogers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Hunter, Sammie Coates (6)
This is where the choice to keep Watson over Davis has an impact.
If I don’t have Knile Davis to return kicks, I need someone. Sammie Coates did an acceptable job of returning kicks near the end of last year and has been a special teams contributor. Darrius Heyward-Bey has been a key component of special teams and also a great veteran presence in the locker room.
Justin Hunter played special teams last night, but it’s new to him.
This is a situation where there are two bones and three dogs. The Steelers are unlikely to keep 7 wide receivers because that would require limiting themselves elsewhere. DeMarcus Ayers and Marcus Tucker may find their way to the practice squad, but despite Ayers claims that the punt return job was his to lose, it seems unlikely that either grab a roster spot. All preseason it has seemed Cobi Hamilton was auditioning for his next team, and that doesn’t seem to have changed.
The final battle is between DHB, Coates, and Hunter. Hunter had a great night playing against players who may be working at Home Depot come Tuesday. He hasn’t shown a lot beyond that.
To be fair, neither Darrius Heyward-Bey or Sammie Coates has shown much either.
In the end, it was the veteran, DHB, who I had to let go. Despite his leadership and special teams value, he’s not a return guy, and he simply can’t catch the ball. Sammie Coates can play on special teams, is potentially kickoff return capable and might not be able to catch the ball. Coates has more upside.If Coates wins out over DHB, then is it DHB or Justin Hunter. Hunter certainly made a case in Carolina, and he gets the final spot.
If the Steelers keep Knile Davis, that might change this selection as well, and it could send Sammie Coates to the waiver wire where he would likely be claimed by the Jets (or some other receiver needy team). It’s also quite possible the Steelers cut DHB, and then trade either Hunter or Coates and then resign DHB who is unlikely to garner much interest from other teams.
And this is ALL based on the assumption that the Steelers find out if Martavis Bryant is reinstated fully prior to making cuts – which considering the storyline as it has played out seems less likely. If Bryant isn’t fully reinstated, someone could make the roster for a few more days until the NFL finally gets off their collective bureaucratic butts and lets the man play.
Cornerbacks
Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh, William Gay, Ross Cockrell (6)
Sutton injured his hamstring in the game, and that could be a factor in how the cornerback depth chart resolves itself. If that hammy is more than just a minor issue, he could be placed on IR, and that would free up the spot to keep Mike Hilton.
However, if Sutton’s injury is minor, his upside will keep him away from exposure on the wire, and on the 53. Haden and Burns are the only two locks for spots, but William Gay’s veteran leadership and willingness to play spot safety in some schemes may keep him on the roster. It seems unlikely the Steelers keep more than 6 corners; however, if you keep Will Gay as a safety, Hilton might still find his way on to the roster.
Coty Sensabaugh hasn’t distanced himself from the pack, but neither has Ross Cockrell. If Hilton has impressed the coaching staff enough it’s possible he kicks one of these two off the 53. It feels more likely, however, that the Steelers try and sneak Hilton on the PS and keep Ross Cockrell and Sensabaugh to help ease Joe Haden into a starting position.
Yes, it’s possible Hilton never makes the practice squad and gets snatched up by other teams who are in need of a corner (Dallas, Miami and maybe even Oakland).
Inside Linebackers
Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams, Tyler Matakevitch, L.J. Fort (4)
L.J. Fort makes the squad because Steven Johnson is hurt. How long it takes Johnson to make his way back may determine how long Fort remains on the squad. Shazier, Williams, and Matakevitch are locked.
Outside Linebackers
James Harrison, Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Anthony Chickillo, Arthur Moats (5)
With Keion Adams going on IR, there really isn’t any speculation here. James Harrison playing deep into the last preseason game tells you all you need to know. There simply isn’t anyone to consider after these 5.
Safeties
Mike Mitchell, Sean Davis, Jordan Dangerfield, Robert Golden (4)
This is a position that I think remains in flux. Mitchell will be on the roster, and so will Davis. Jordan Dangerfield may have played his way in front of Robert Golden, but Golden has been a special teams captain and mainstay. If someone the Steelers like better than Dangerfield or Golden gets cut Saturday, then all bets are off for this position.
This is really the only position of concern left on the team.
Defensive Line
Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Javon Hargrave, Tyson Alualu, L.T. Walton, Johnny Maxey (6)
The Steelers need to keep some depth here to keep the Horsemen (Heyward, Tuitt, and Hargrave) fresh through the season, and that means 6 guys rather than 5.
This is another two bones/three dogs situation. Two spots/3 men. Those men are Dan McCullers, L.T. Walton, and Johnny Maxey. Maxey and Walton win this round, and despite McCullers appearing to wake up a little bit in the last two games, the consistent play of the other two sends McCullers either to the practice squad or elsewhere.
Special Teams
Jordan Berry (P), Chris Boswell (K), Colin Holba (LS) (3)
There has been a little bit of a battle for the LS position. Both Holba and Cameron Canaday have made good snaps, and both have had some bad snaps. The bottom line, however, is that both look to be capable NFL-caliber long snappers, and that’s a good problem to have.
On the pre-game show, Mike Prisuta speculated that the Steelers might try and trade one of these guys like they did when they had both Brad Wing and Jordan Berry – just to see if anyone is willing to offer anything.
They can’t keep them both, and if nobody nibbles, Holba probably gets the nod, but that is not a sure thing by any means.
Conclusion
From the very beginning of the preseason, there have been very few positions up for grabs on this squad. A 3-1 preseason record indicates the depth the Steelers have. Adding Joe Haden at the last minute does add some drama and provides a lot of room for speculation as to who he pushes off the roster? Ross Cockrell, Coty Sensabaugh, Mike Hilton, Will Gay – all are potential victims of the Haden signing.
The best news is that we will all find out in a very short span of time, as roster cuts have to be made prior to 4 PM on Saturday.
Thankfully, the preseason is over, and it’s full steam ahead as the regular season gets under way.
