Pittsburgh Steelers 53-Man Roster Prediction: Beanie Out, FA Coming

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster is about to be set, and despite some tough decisions, they’re close to announcing who will make the 53-man roster in 2024.

Receiver and cornerback have been the stars of the summer, and while a Brandon Aiyuk trade hasn’t been ruled out yet, things have calmed down. Meanwhile, Cory Trice may have earned a role on defense, but do Beanie Bishop or Darius Rush have a role to play?

And with injuries piling up on the offensive line, perhaps the next step for the Steelers will be to sign a tackle. We’ll find out when the initial roster is released, but for now, here’s what we can expect at the roster deadline.

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen

No surprises here. John Rhys Plumlee is a lot of fun and I hope he makes the practice squad. And just for a little extra, Russell Wilson is named a starter.

Running backs: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson

While Jonathan Ward and La’Mical Perine have battled well this summer, neither has done enough to make the roster. Pittsburgh is sticking with its power trio of Harris, Warren and Patterson.

Tight End: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt

Jack Colletto and a fullback would have been nice, but the Steelers will stick with four tight ends instead. Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt should be able to fill the void in the backfield and complement the running back if needed.

Wide Receivers: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller

The Brandon Aiyuk dream isn’t dead, but right now it’s hard to imagine it coming true. Scotty Miller impressed in the preseason and has made the roster. Dez Fitzpatrick is a close second, and don’t be surprised if he does if the team limits itself to another position (like the offensive line).

Offensive Guard: James Daniels, Isaac Seumalo, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick

The loss of Nate Herbig isn’t easy to take, but the Steelers are sticking with the four guards they had in mind and will make Spencer Anderson the backup center.

Center: Zach Frazier

Zach Frazier was set to crack the starting lineup at some point this season. It may be sooner than expected, but at least the Steelers have a chance to see what they have to offer in a second-round rookie.

Offensive tackles: Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, outside signing

With Dylan Cook out for several weeks with a foot injury and Troy Fautanu still sidelined with an ACL injury, the Steelers will likely turn to free agency or the trade block for another option. They need a center right now, and there are still a few names in the running.

Defensive tackles: Cam Heyward, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry

The Steelers’ defensive line is solid, and with the growth of Loudermilk and the addition of Lowry to the fold, they’re even stronger.

Defensive End: Larry Ogunjobi, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee

Logan Lee was the closest name on the defensive line to being cut. The rookie played well, but there are only so many spots to put him on this chart. It’s loaded, and he was likely on the outside for a while. He did enough to stick around, though.

Defensive Tackle: Keeanu Benton, Montravius ​​Adams

The dynamic midfield duo looks better than ever. Expect Benton and Adams to be a force for this defense.

Outside linebackers: TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Kyron Johnson

The matchup between Kyron Johnson and Jeremiah Moon has been the most underrated of the summer, and while Moon had a lead heading into training camp, it’s been hard to deny what Johnson has produced on film. He’s capable of rushing the edge and brings a very good special teams game. With some experience from last season, he’s a team fit opposite Moon.

Inside linebackers: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Mark Robinson

No surprises here. Cole Holcomb will start the season on injured reserve, leaving just four inside linebackers on the roster.

Cornerback: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush

Cory Trice has earned his spot as a backup behind Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Darius Rush will likely sneak in and make this team. There’s a good chance Pittsburgh will look outside and try to add another cornerback. If they do, it will change a lot of things, starting with Rush getting cut.

For now, he’s sticking around and the Steelers will use him as a developmental piece capable of playing on special teams.

Nickelback: Thomas Graham

Beanie Bishop lost his starting job and likely his roster spot. If it comes down to him or Ryan Watts, the Steelers will keep their draft pick over a non-roster player. While Bishop made a big splash in training camp, it was very clear that Thomas Graham was the better option in the game. Graham makes the team and Bishop goes down.

Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Mile Killebrew, Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts is the 53rd player on this list, but his ability to play on special teams and grow as a safety is drawing some interest. The Steelers will want to see what they have in their seventh-round pick, and with another big, physical defensive back, he fits right in. Watts is ahead of Bishop this season.

Goal scorer: Chris Boswell

Punter: Cameron Johnston

Long Snapper: Christian Kuntz

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