Bryan: Steelers 2014 53 Man Roster Prediction – Post First Preseason Game Edition

With the Pittsburgh Steelers now having one preseason game in the books, it’s now time for the latest installment of my 53 man roster prediction. If you would like to see my previous version, it is right here.

In the comments below, tell me the selections you disagree with and which player makes it instead. How many of these 53 are locks?

Let me say that I struggled with the final six spots and most of those were on defense.

My next 53 prediction will come after the Steelers second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (3) – Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski, Landry Jones

Analysis: I sure could use Jones’ roster spot, but will keep him just the same. They need seven inactives every week, right?

Running Backs (3) – Le’Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount, Dri Archer

Analysis: None of the young runnning backs are making a push. Tauren Poole looks like he will lose playing time to Josh Harris this week and that’s never good.

Fullbacks (1) – Will Johnson

Analysis: Johnson is really the only true fullback on the roster right now and could also function as a third tight end.

Wide Receivers (5) – Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Lance Moore, Martavis Bryant, Justin Brown

Analysis: Derek Moye can go to the practice squad while Darrius Heyward-Bey can go home. No need for six.

Tight Ends (3) – Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, David Paulson

Analysis: I know Johnson can serve as a third, but one injury to either group during a game could hurt. None of the young tight ends have emerged so being Paulson has the best hands and plays special teams, he stays for now. Not my favorite selection.

Offensive Line (9) – Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Mike Adams, Kelvin Beachum, Cody Wallace, Wesley Johnson, Guy Whimper

Analysis: Seems like Mike Munchak wants to keep nine. We knew who seven of them will be so who is eight and nine? Nobody has made Whimper expendable so far.

Defense (26)

Defensive Lineman (6) – Steve McLendon, Cameron Heyward, Cam Thomas, Stephon Tuitt, Brett Keisel, Daniel McCullers

Analysis: Yes, I still have Keisel on the roster even though both Thomas and Tuitt played well in their debuts with the Steelers. McCullers is likely to be inactive for several weeks should he make the roster.

Inside Linebackers (5) – Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams, Sean Spence, Terence Garvin

Analysis: This group should be set with Garvin serving as the swing guy that can play both inside and outside.

Outside Linebackers (4) – Jarvis Jones, Jason Worilds, Chris Carter, Arthur Moats

Analysis: Carter is the only one in danger here. Can Howard Jones make him expendable?

Cornerbacks (6) – Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay, Shaquille Richardson, Antwon Blake, Brice McCain

Analysis: One minute I’m ready to keep McCain, the next I’m ready to throw him off the roster again. I’m not sure what the team thinks about him. The same goes for Richardson. Would they really cut another fifth-round cornerback and try and carry him on the practice squad? This ight come down to McCain or Richardson.

Safeties (5) – Troy Polamalu, Mike Mitchell, Shamarko Thomas, Robert Golden, Will Allen

Analysis: This makes 11 total defensive backs which in reality is likely one too many. I tried really hard to cut Allen but I just can’t do it. Hopefully the young safeties can close the gap by the start of the season to make him expendable.

Specialists (3)

Kicker (1) – Shaun Suisham

Analysis: Suisham remains the only placekicker on the roster heading into training camp.

Punter (1) – Brad Wing

Analysis: Adam Podlesh has yet to report so Wing wins by default as of right now.

Long Snapper (1) – Greg Warren

Analysis: Winner, again.

Practice Squad (8) – Tauren Poole, Brian Arnfelt, Derek Moye, Howard Jones, Eric Waters, Chris Hubbard, Josh Mauro, Jordan Zumwalt

Analysis: I think this list s self explanatory. They need an extra back and wide receiver on the practice squad and Poole and Moye best fit. The tight end spot will likely be Waters or Rob Blanchflower. Jones and Zumwalt both should be safe with Hubbard being a practice lineman.

2014 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction Training Camp