Kozora: Steelers 2025 Roster Prediction (Submit-Jaguars Sport)

Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, I’ve revised my 53-man preliminary roster predictions for the workforce’s cutdown date later this month. There’s loads of adjustments from this model and our final one made previous to coaching camp. The subsequent roster prediction will come following Saturday’s second preseason sport in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Earlier Steelers Roster Predictions
Submit-Draft Prediction
Pre-Coaching Camp Prediction
OFFENSE – 25
Quarterbacks (3) – Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
Evaluation: Skylar Thompson’s preseason outing was spectacular and creates an open query about how he might keep on with the workforce past the summer season. Putting Will Howard on designated-to-return injured reserve is a chance and the almost definitely path for Thompson to make the workforce. However till there’s extra readability over Howard’s rehab and Thompson’s play — he’ll get loads extra snaps Saturday in opposition to Tampa Bay — I’ll preserve issues establishment for now.
Working Backs (3) – Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Evaluation: No adjustments to operating again, a gaggle that feels settled except there’s harm. Warren sitting out and Gainwell barely enjoying within the opener speaks to that. Johnson is a gifted runner however should present extra as a blocker and receiver to have a major position on this offense. Behind these three are enjoyable observe squad battles.
Fullback (0) – None
Evaluation: I’ve stubbornly included rookie DJ Thomas-Jones on my earlier lists. Not right here. Injured for a bit of coaching camp and lacking the Jaguars sport, he’s combating only for observe squad consideration.
Tight Ends (4) – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Evaluation: Connor Heyward makes his manner again onto the roster. Primarily for his particular groups worth however Arthur Smith will need to run some four-tight finish personnel this season. Rookie JJ Galbreath hasn’t proven sufficient to bump him off the roster.
Broad Receivers (5) – DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller
Evaluation: The primary 4 spots are just about sewn up. The fifth spot is fluid and open. Swapping out Robert Woods for Miller, who has constantly made performs all summer season and is somebody I believe Aaron Rodgers likes. Miller is flexible and presumably the quickest receiver on the workforce, no small feat given who surrounds him. Rookies Ke’Shawn Williams, Roc Taylor, and Max Hurleman have made their performs however not on the make-the-53 degree but. Need to see extra from all three.
Offensive Tackles (4) – Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook dinner
Evaluation: Anderson was injured throughout Friday Evening Lights and the timetable for his return is unsure. It compels the workforce to maintain Cook dinner, who can play both sort out spot and has had a serviceable coaching camp. The Steelers must look to the waiver wire/commerce market at cutdowns for o-line depth. It’s their weakest space.
Offensive Guards (3) – Isaac Seumalo, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson
Evaluation: Anderson would be the high backup at each guard spots. Nobody else on the roster is threatening for a spot.
Facilities (3) – Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum, Max Scharping
Evaluation: McCollum has been harm all through camp and missed the Steelers’ preseason opener Saturday. Scharping is restricted however can play guard or middle and is a veteran to again finish an total younger Steelers offensive line. Holding 10 linemen is heavy however accidents are enjoying a task why.
DEFENSE – 25
Defensive Ends (4) – Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk
Evaluation: A once-intense d-line battle has thinned out. Black, who has performed finish and never nostril sort out, is firmly on the roster with a superb coaching camp. Loudermilk has a low ceiling, however the workforce is aware of him properly, no less than. Breiden Fehoko will attempt to push for a spot late this summer season. Esezi Otomewo missed per week with harm whereas Logan Lee acquired simply 4 snaps within the Steelers’ preseason opener.
Nostril Tackles (2) – Keeanu Benton, Daniel Ekuale
Evaluation: Ekuale could find yourself enjoying some defensive finish as soon as the roster is lowered however he’s solely been a nostril sort out within the Steelers’ base 3-4. He’s robust and might plug the run behind Benton.
EDGE Rushers (4) –T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
Evaluation: No adjustments right here. DeMarvin Leal has had his moments in camp however was much less efficient in Saturday’s sport. He isn’t going to bump off Jack Sawyer however is working to be the No. 5 outdoors linebacker. Proper now, it’s not going to occur.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson
Evaluation: Mark Robinson has had a superb camp and will make the 53-man roster over rookie Carson Bruener, operating forward of him all through the summer season. Cole Holcomb appears wholesome and will make it, too. The Steelers hope is Payton Wilson performs all the bottom 3-4 and nickel snaps, leaving the others as pure backups and particular teamers.
Cornerbacks (6) – Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop Jr., James Pierre
Evaluation: Cory Trice Jr. has all of the expertise on the earth and not one of the well being. Maybe he recovers and returns late this summer season, however his harm historical past is simply too worrisome. Rookie Donte Kent has missed essential time with a foot harm. He might return too however is presently eyeing a observe squad spot.
Echols is a high backup with a formidable summer season whereas Pierre has performed properly and must be a beginning gunner.
Safeties (4) – DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Chuck Clark
Evaluation: Chuck Clark was an early camp addition and will make this workforce with relative ease. Pittsburgh likes his versatility, expertise, and physicality. Nonetheless, Jalen Ramsey will see a good quantity of security reps.
SPECIAL TEAMS – 3
Kicker (1) – Chris Boswell
Evaluation: Boz is secure. His solely summer season storyline is the revised contract he’s looking for.
Punter (1) – Cameron Johnston
Evaluation: Enjoyable battle between Corliss Waitman and Cameron Johnston. For now, Johnston maintains a slight edge. He’s confirmed his well being, and the Steelers have the contract invested in him.
Lengthy Snapper (1) – Christian Kuntz
Evaluation: Kuntz will proceed to function the Steelers’ snapper.
Gameday Inactives (Week 1): Will Howard, Scotty Miller, Max Scharping, Calvin Anderson, Cole Holcomb
Inactives can change on a weekly foundation primarily based on sport plan and accidents. O-line well being will dictate the backup hats. Holcomb has labored on particular groups however isn’t a “core” man like Robinson and Harrison, making him odd man out.
PRACTICE SQUAD (17)
QB: Skylar Thompson
RB: Trey Sermon, Evan Hull
WR: Roc Taylor, Max Hurleman, Ke’Shawn Williams
TE: JJ Galbreath
OL: Doug Nester, Andrus Peat
DL: Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee
ILB: Carson Bruener
EDGE: Julius Welschof
CB: Cameron McCutcheon, D’Shawn Jamison, Donte Kent
S: Sebastian Castro
Thompson could draw leaguewide curiosity however the Steelers will nonetheless attempt to sneak him onto their observe squad. Half the league solely carries two quarterbacks on its 53 lately. Sermon and Hull are versatile whereas the three rookie receivers have made performs. Galbreath is nice taxi squad fodder. Nester can play both guard spot whereas Peat is a flexible veteran.
Otomewo and Lee spherical out the d-line, further depth wanted understanding Cam Heyward will get loads of relaxation throughout every week. Bruener begins his NFL profession on the observe squad. Welshof is the workforce’s worldwide exemption, permitting the Steelers to maintain 17 on their observe squad. Cornerback is fairly heavy, and Kent’s well being will dictate his future. Castro made performs on particular groups Saturday night time in Jacksonville, giving him a slim nod over Quindell Johnson.