Kozora: Steelers 2025 Roster Prediction (Pre-Coaching Camp Version)

Earlier than gamers report back to Latrobe for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 coaching camp, I’m providing a pre-camp 53-man roster prediction. My first one was revealed in Could shortly after the draft and since, the Steelers have made loads of strikes. Huge receiver George Pickens and free security Minkah Fitzpatrick have been traded, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight finish Jonnu Smith added, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed.

With all that in thoughts, my finest guesses as to how the staff’s roster will look instantly following roster cutdowns. My subsequent prediction will come later this summer time, doubtless proper after the preseason opener.

OFFENSE – 24

Quarterbacks (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

Evaluation: I don’t slot Howard’s possibilities at 100% and Skylar Thompson’s veteran resume might give him an early camp edge. Nonetheless, Howard is the clear favourite to win the No. 3 job. Rodgers and Rudolph are entrenched within the starter and prime backup spots.

Operating Backs (3) – Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

Evaluation: There’s a handful of attention-grabbing names on the roster behind these three and even Cordarrelle Patterson has caught round longer than many anticipated. Nonetheless, these three are roster locks with a various ability set who can hopefully breathe life into the Steelers’ working sport. Division of labor and roles will probably be enjoyable to trace all through camp.

Fullback (1) – DJ Thomas-Jones

Evaluation: Not quitting the thought of Thomas-Jones making the roster. With measurement that jogs my memory a lot of ex-Steeler David Johnson, Thomas-Jones generally is a highly effective lead blocker in an Arthur Smith offense that missed a fullback a 12 months in the past. Proving his price on particular groups will probably be essential to Thomas-Jones making the 53.

Tight Ends (3) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington

Evaluation: These three set in stone. I’m once more leaving Connor Heyward off the record and don’t wish to low cost his possibilities totally. He’s a real roster bubble participant and his particular groups background is effective. However Freiermuth, Smith, and Washington are the plain prime three.

Huge Receivers (5) – DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Robert Woods

Evaluation: Exit George Pickens and Pittsburgh hasn’t introduced some other receivers in since. The staff appears to be leaning on its tight ends and younger receivers, Austin and Wilson, to fill within the gaps. Woods will play the function of Van Jefferson or Allen Robinson II, a veteran blocker, whereas Skowronek is a powerful particular teamer. A wholesome Roman Wilson all through camp can be the perfect storyline right here.

Offensive Tackles (3) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson

Evaluation: Poor offensive line depth stays a prime concern and these roster workouts replicate that. Anderson signed a two-year deal and figures to be the highest sort out behind Jones and Fautanu, two younger gamers essential to the Steelers’ success. This growing entrance 5 should come collectively and play to its potential.

Offensive Guards (4) – Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Nick Broeker

Evaluation: Seumalo and McCormick will begin at left and proper guard, respectively. Anderson is the highest backup however can’t be a multi-game reply if there are accidents. Broeker was added within the spring and has guard and sort out flexibility, a robust run blocker who matches the model of offense Pittsburgh seeks.

Facilities (2) – Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum

Evaluation: Not a lot to debate or talk about right here. Frazier is the locked-in starter whereas McCollum will virtually definitely be his backup. He’s additionally arguably the highest backup offensive lineman on the staff.

DEFENSE – 26

Defensive Ends (5) – Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Daniel Ekuale, Esezi Otomewo, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Evaluation: Following Ross McCorkle’s lead to shock with Otomewo on my 53, a participant really flying below the radar. His NFL resume is mild, however he has the dimensions profile Pittsburgh seems for (6-5, roughly 290 kilos with 34.5-inch arms) and in only a handful of 2024 snaps, confirmed he might rush the passer a bit. That’ll pair properly with extra run defense-minded backups like Ekuale, Loudermilk, and Yayha Black.

Nostril Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Yayha Black

Evaluation: Including Black to my 53 after leaving him off in my first version. His spot isn’t assured however his fifth-round standing will assist, and he ought to get extra nostril sort out work following Montravius Adams’ launch. The extra Black performs inside, the higher off he’ll be. Benton wants a giant 12 months because the Steelers’ starter.

EDGE Rushers (4) –T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

Evaluation: No adjustments right here. Jeremiah Moon could possibly be a fast call-up ought to accidents strike however these 4 are locked in. A superb group prime to backside, and now there’s no query about Watt’s standing heading into camp.

Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener

Evaluation: The highest three are cemented. The subsequent names are usually not. Cole Holcomb should show his well being and play after a major 2023 knee harm that price him all of final 12 months. However the staff has believed in him sufficient to maintain him round. Carson Bruener and Mark Robinson are pitted in a fierce battle for the ultimate roster spot. I’ll give the slender edge to Bruener, youthful and below contract for 4 seasons whereas Robinson is coming into a contract 12 months. Must be a enjoyable battle to look at.

Cornerbacks (7) – Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Beanie Bishop Jr., Brandin Echols, Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre

Evaluation: Pittsburgh’s revamped its cornerback room this offseason and the unit seems significantly better than a season in the past, Ramsey being the newest addition. Which means the Steelers might go heavy right here with seven cornerbacks. Lots, I do know, however cuts are powerful to seek out. Porter, Ramsey, Slay, and Echols really feel like locks. Bishop was slated to be the staff’s beginning slot nook earlier than the Ramsey deal. It’s arduous to suppose he’ll get lower one month from now.

Trice has struggled to remain wholesome however is gifted and slicing him with older cornerbacks (Slay, Ramsey) with unsure futures past 2025 makes it unwise to dump him. And Pierre is a top quality particular teamer.

As Dave Bryan says, this stuff have a humorous manner of working themselves out. Proper now, I’ll keep heavy and see if accidents wither down the record.

Safeties (3) – DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew

Evaluation: The shock comes at security. Retaining 4 or 5 is the norm however this offseason has been something however for Pittsburgh. Don’t hold gamers simply to succeed in imaginary quotas. Hold the perfect gamers on the roster. Proper now, Elliott, Thornhill, and Killebrew are the one ones who’ve earned their hold. Quindell Johnson and Sebastian Castro are worthy sleepers who might make noise however I’ll take a wait-and-see strategy with them.

Importantly, Ramsey’s flexibility to play security provides the Steelers a “fourth” indirectly mirrored on the depth chart. We are able to’t speak a lot about Ramsey’s utilization there and never present that in roster building. It’s additionally price questioning if somebody like Cory Trice Jr., a part-time school security, might see some seems there, too.