Projecting the Steelers’ 53-man roster in advance of Tuesday’s final cuts

Teryl Austin had a quick answer Saturday when he was asked which position group he considered deep.

“We all think our defensive line depth is better this year,” the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator said. “Really good.”

Indeed, an analysis of the roster reveals the D-line as the most difficult position from which to cut. But, by 4 p.m. Tuesday, cut the Steelers must. Of course, there is no rule governing how many players a team can or must keep at each position. But to get to 53, keeping any more than seven defensive linemen is not in the Steelers’ best interests.

D-line isn’t the only position, though, at which some tough decisions must be made. With that in mind, here’s one crack at how the Steelers roster will look by Tuesday evening. For the purposes of this exercise, only players on the roster now were considered, and trades can’t be assumed (other than the Kevin Dotson one Sunday night).

Quarterback (3)

Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph

Rudolph had arguably the worst of his six training camps with the Steelers, but he was good during the preseason games. And even if Rudolph had left the door cracked slightly for undrafted rookie Tanner Morgan, Morgan did little to kick it open.

Running back (3)

Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland

McFarland stood out and took advantage of his opportunities in what was his fourth camp with the Steelers, bouncing back nicely after spending last season on the practice squad. If there’s a nitpick, it’s that McFarland doesn’t have the special-teams prowess of the man he is replacing as RB3, Benny Snell. But McFarland can return kicks (for whatever that’s worth anymore).

Wide receivers (6)

Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin, Gunner Olszewski

Austin’s speed provides an intriguing fourth option after the Big Three. Boykin is a quality presence for the locker room and proficient on special teams. Olszewski is the 53rd man on the 53-man roster, kept to sprinkle in occasional versatility for offensive packages and as insurance if Austin falters with return duties. But he could end up being the odd man out if general manager Omar Khan finds a cornerback he likes in the trade or waiver markets.

Tight ends (4)

Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward

The Steelers typically keep only three tight ends on their active roster, but this group is solid enough that it was difficult to make a cut. Plus, Heyward can serve as the fullback (for the handful of snaps per game one is deployed) and even as a depth tailback. Gentry might not have been re-signed if the Steelers had known they were going to draft Washington, but he’s the type of player coaches and teammates like having around.

Offensive linemen (9)

Mason Cole, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, Chuks Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Nate Herbig, Ryan McCollum, Spencer Anderson

The starting five is set. No. 14 overall pick Jones and offseason free-agent signee Herbig are locks, too. Anderson has out-performed his pedigree as a seventh-round pick, and he has coveted versatility to play literally anywhere. After playing every offensive snap last season, Kevin Dotson was traded to the Rams on Sunday night. McCollum is the pick as the beneficiary in lieu of veteran Le’Raven Clark or intriguing young prospect Dylan Cook.

Defensive linemen (7)

Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams, Armon Watts, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Many like what Breiden Fehoko can bring, and he most certainly fits in well in the locker room. Perhaps he gets the nod over Watts. It’s tough to see the Steelers giving up on Loudermilk at this point, though that is certainly on the table. So is saving some cap space by releasing Adams. Fehoko, however, doesn’t necessarily offer the versatility the others on the bubble do.

Outside linebackers (4)

T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Markus Golden, Nick Herbig

It’s not an exaggeration to say lack of depth at this position could have cost the Steelers a playoff berth last season. What a difference an offseason makes. The 32-year-old Golden has been a starter in the NFL since 2017, and everything rookie fourth-round pick Herbig has shown suggests he’s starter-capable. The practice squad OLBs of 2023 are equivalent to the active-roster backups in 2022.

Inside linebackers (5)

Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse

Four of the five at this spot will be veteran newcomers. Three are assured. It comes down to Muse vs. Bethel Park native Nick Kwiatkoski for what is primarily a special-teams role, and Muse’s background as a defensive back gives him the slight edge.

Cornerbacks (5)

Levi Wallace, Patrick Peterson, Joey Porter Jr., Chandon Sullivan, Elijah Riley

This scenario leaves the Steelers dangerously thin at outside cornerback. But James Pierre might not have had a good enough camp to return for a fourth season, even if he does have extensive special-teams experience. His competition for a roster spot came more from the likes of Muse, Boykin and Olszewski for special teams. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers go get veteran help at what is their thinnest position group.

Safeties (4)

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew

Tre Norwood has built up capital with the coaching staff over the past two seasons, and Kenny Robinson had a quality training camp. Each likely will be asked to stick around on the practice squad, but the four ahead of them are basically non-negotiable, Killebrew because he is the reigning special teams captain.

Specialists (3)

K Chris Boswell, P Pressley Harvin III, LS Christian Kuntz

Braden Mann was a viable alternative to Harvin, and Mann likely will punt somewhere in the NFL this fall. But Harvin had a strong enough camp and preseason to show he is worth keeping.

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