Steelers 2014 Perceived Roster Locks Post Draft

I’ve already done my first 53 man roster prediction for the 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers and now I think it’s a good time to debate the players that should be perceived as being locks to make the final roster baring injury.

Below, I have 41 players that I deem locks and I will now defend a few that might be debated in the comments below.

Chris Carter – You should know by now that I am not the president of the Carter fan club, but due to the lack of depth at the outside linebacker position, I just can’t see the Steelers cutting bait with him this year. If you debate this below, please tell me who you have replacing him. Remember, there’s a good chance that Jarvis Jones and Jason Worilds won’t play every snap this season and outside of Arthur Moats, who really hasn’t played much outside linebacker in a 3-4 since coming into the league, there’s nobody else with experience.

Vince Williams – Sure, Ryan Shazier will start at some point and that will result in Lawrence Timmons sliding over to the buck position. At that point, Williams becomes the backup buck and I just don’t see him losing his roster spot. Should Sean Spence make it back, he is best suited to play the mack position.

Brice McCain – McCain’s experience and understanding of the 3-4 defense should result in him easily making the roster. He is best suited to play in the slot, but can play outside in case of emergency, God forbid.

Shaquille Richardson – The Steelers really have no choice but to stick with Richardson as long as possible due to all of their previous draft fails at the cornerback position. He should be able to lock up a spot easily on special teams in addition.

Martavis Bryant – Bryant is pretty much in the same boat as Richardson. Baring anything totally unexpected, he has to make the roster. Imagine the outrage if one of the top four draft picks in this year’s class gets cut out of camp. If memory serves me, Ryan McBean was the last player the Steelers drafted in the first four rounds that was released prior to the start of his first season. That was way back in 2007.

Will Johnson – Realistically, the argument could be made that Johnson is the most questionable listed player on this list. However, who is going to replace him?

Landry Jones – Imagine the outrage. Kevin Colbert made his bed with this fourth round pick in 2013 and as a result he has to sleep in it for at least one more year.

In total, I have five of the nine draft picks as being roster locks.

It’s your turn now to argue against any of these 41 players as being locks to make the final roster. In addition, let me know if there’s a player I left out that should be considered a lock.