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

With the Pittsburgh Steelers now having two preseason games behind them, 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?

Once again, the final five or six spots really had me thinking and the situation at long snapper sure didn’t help things. I don’t think I’ve ever had such an unbalanced roster before.

My next 53 prediction will come after the Steelers third preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Offense (23)

Quarterbacks (2) – Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski

Analysis: Maybe Alex Kozora was right all along. Landry Jones has looked horrible so far and the team sure could use his roster spot. This time around I’m sending Jones to the practice squad. He has two weeks to change my mind.

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

Analysis: Nobody is pushing to be the fourth running back. Will Tauren Poole or Josh Harris make a move? Will it even matter if they do?

Fullbacks (1) – Will Johnson

Analysis: I sure don’t like to hear about Johnson’s hamstring bothering him, but it seems like he battled through the same injury last year at this time.

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

Analysis: I sure thought Justin Brown would have showed us more so far during the preseason, but the quarterback play of the backups might have something to do with that.

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

Analysis: I swear I’m trying to cut Paulson, but still can’t. Hopefully Spaeth and Johnson will get back on the field soon to settle my nerves.

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

Analysis: I will continue to give Mike Munchak his nine offensive linemen with Johnson and Whimper both likely being inactive to start the season.

Defense (26)

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

Analysis: Keisel made it back.

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 (5) – Jarvis Jones, Jason Worilds, Chris Carter, Arthur Moats, Howard Jones

Analysis: Welcome aboard to HoJo.

Cornerbacks (5) – Ike Taylor, Cortez Allen, William Gay, Antwon Blake, Brice McCain

Analysis: It’s hard for me to turn loose Shaquille Richardson, but he has done nothing during the preseason and now has a knee injury. He goes to the practice squad.

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

Analysis: I want to cut Allen really bad, but have a feeling that Mike Tomlin won’t be able to.

Specialists (4)

Kicker (1) – Shaun Suisham

Analysis: Suisham got a new deal so he isn’t going anywhere.

Punter (1) – Brad Wing

Analysis: Could we see a repeat of last year after finally cuts are made? Wing needs to be a bit more consistent.

Long Snapper (2) – Greg Warren, Luke Ingram

Analysis: It would be real nice if Warren was able to make it back for the opener.

Practice Squad (10) – Tauren Poole, Brian Arnfelt, Derek Moye, Rob Blanchflower, Landry Jones, Chris Hubbard, Josh Mauro, Dan Molls, Shaquille Richardson, Vic So’oto

Analysis: I’m torn with several players here. I like Molls a lot more than I do Jordan Zumwalt, who can’t seem to stay healthy. If Mauro doesn’t make the 53 with Keisel back, I think he has a good shot at clearing waivers. I chose to keep Blanchflower over Eric Waters for now. So’oto should still have eligibility left.

2014 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction Post Second Preseason Game Edition