3 Quarterbacks : Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Numbers and the specific players involved are not discussed. Who starts is the sole question, and it’s debatable even if it qualifies as a question at all.
If Russell Wilson doesn’t start for the Steelers on opening day, it would be a major upset. By the end of training camp, John Rhys Plumlee could not even be starting at quarterback. Do you recall when Wilson was expected to face off against Kenny Pickett for the position?
Even though I’d want to see a player like Daijun Edwards, the 53-man roster is already full. If the Steelers decide to deploy Patterson, he is available in the running back room. This year, Harris and Warren will be the offensive motor.
Wide Receiver (5): George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins
If you’d like, you can type “Player TBD” and change out the person. It’s possible that the Steelers will acquire a wide receiver, even if it’s not one of Aiyuk or Sutton.
Note: Roman Wilson was inadvertently left off of the original roster. With the removal of Scotty Miller, he has been included. Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, and MyCole Pruitt are the four tight ends.
Since we are discussing Arthur Smith, it goes without saying that the Steelers will hold onto four tight ends. The only thing to wonder is if Rodney Williams or Pruitt is the fourth. I’m going to go with Smith’s guy for the time being, but he needs to show his worth on special teams.
Offensive Line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, James Daniels, Dan Moore Jr., Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson
This may get interesting, but I don’t think it will. If the Steelers are happy with their other tackles, for instance, or Herbig because of McCormick, they may move Moore. If a trade doesn’t happen, McCormick and Anderson will compete for the final two spots.Although Anderson has been practicing at guard, he will once more need to flex out to tackle. If not, Dylan Cook could end up being more valuable, which is a real possibility.
Defense (26):
Defensive Line (7): Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk
As I write this, I’m clutching my nose because I believe the Steelers are merely gathering casualties in this game. I see them leaning on numbers here, though maybe rookie Logan Lee beats out one of Leal or Loudermilk. Particularly considering that Heyward and Ogunjobi might be spending their final years here.
Inside Linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Tyler Matakevich
Mark Robinson probably replaces Holcomb if he is placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List at the beginning of the season. Matakevich has his job, otherwise. If he doesn’t make the 53, the Steelers will have a spot for him on the practice squad.
Outside Linebacker (3): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
This is my “shot,” if you will, to say that the Steelers will only start three outside linebackers. The previous time they achieved it was in 2014, when Jarvis Jones, Jason Worilds, and Arthur Moats were involved, prior to Jones’s injury and the return of James Harrison. They don’t need a fourth because this group is so much stronger than that one. However, a player like Jeremiah Moon on special teams has the ability to remove Pruitt or a d-lineman from the team.
Cornerback (6): Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush, Anthony Averett, Beanie Bishop Jr.
The Steelers rely on stats in this game because Cameron Sutton is serving a suspension. Though they rely on Averett’s experience, Trice and Rush are young players with promise, and Bishop breaks into the team via the slot.
Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts
Once more, Sutton’s suspension helps rookie Ryan Watts, who I have at safety, make the squad. It is only symbolic, since he will be used on special teams by the Steelers. The third defensive safety is Kazee.
Specialists (3):
Kicker: Chris Boswell
Let’s just hope Matthew Wright can kick well enough to allow the Steelers to trade him for something.
Punter: Cameron Johnston
Pressley Harvin III was given time by the Steelers to grow, but they ran out of tolerance. For sure, Johnston is a huge improvement. That is, after all, how they are compensating him.
Long Snapper: Christian Kuntz
The Steelers did sign Kuntz to a long-term contract this offseason, despite the fact that he didn’t cost much. In my opinion, he occasionally misses the mark with his snaps, but overall, he does the job well.
