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

With the Pittsburgh Steelers now having just one more preseason game left to play, 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?

My final 53 prediction will come out after the Steelers Thursday night game.

Offense (24)

Quarterbacks (2) – Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski

Analysis: I’m fighting history by leaving Jones off. He’ll get an extended look Thursday night and if he plays well, he very well might be able to save his spot on the roster. The long snapper situation might also play into the decision to keep him as well.

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

Analysis: Now that Tauren Poole, Jordan Hall and Miguel Maysonet are all gone, that leaves Stephen Houston and Josh Harris to mop things up against the Carolina Panthers. Those two are more than likely competing for a spot on the practice squad so we’ll stay with the obvious three on the 53 man roster.

Fullbacks (1) – Will Johnson

Analysis: I sure hope that Johnson can get a few snaps in Thursday night after missing the last two preseason games with a hamstring injury.

Wide Receivers (6) – Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Lance Moore, Martavis Bryant, Justin Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey

Analysis: Is Heyward-Bey now more of a lock right now to make the final roster than Justin Brown? It sure looks like it based on the comments made Tuesday by head coach Mike Tomlin. Thursday night’s game figures to be key for both and Heyward-Bey is the better special teams player. This week I’ll say that both will make it.

Tight Ends (3) – Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Michael Palmer

Analysis: This is one of the toughest decisions right now when it comes to predicting the final 53 man roster. I still don’t think that Rob Blanchflower has shown enough to be considered here so that leaves us with Palmer and Paulson. Will this be a decision that Danny Smith makes? If so, Palmer appears to be the better special teams player of the two and the better blocker to boot. I’m so confused.

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

Analysis: Mike Munchak wants nine so I will continue to give him nine. I sure wish that eight and nine were better choices.

Defense (25)

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

Analysis: Undrafted free agent Josh Mauro should get a lot of burn Thursday night, but much like Brian Arnfelt last year, I believe he’s headed for the practice squad.

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

Analysis: I’m glad it looks like Spence will be fine as his injury really could have shaken up the depth and roster.

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

Analysis: With Vic So’oto now gone, Carter’s path to the final 53 has gotten a little bit easier. Undrafted free agent Howard Jones really needs a strong game Thursday night on special teams. For now, I will put him back on the practice squad until I see what he does.

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

Analysis: Will rookie draft pick Shaquille Richardson get to play Thursday night? It’s hard to judge a player that’s played all of 19 snaps during the preseason. It looks like he’s headed to the practice squad.

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

Analysis: It sounds like Allen might play Thursday night after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Specialists (4)

Kicker (1) – Shaun Suisham

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

Punter (1) – Brad Wing

Analysis: Tomlin still seems to fine with Wing, for now.

Long Snapper (2) – Greg Warren, Bryce Davis

Analysis: Luke Ingram is gone so that leaves Davis to make the roster if Warren is not healthy by the season opener. I am not going to pretend to be a doctor, but for right now I have to carry two long snappers.

Practice Squad (10) – Stephen Houston, Nick Williams, Rob Blanchflower, Landry Jones, Chris Hubbard, Josh Mauro, Jordan Zumwalt, Shaquille Richardson, Howard Jones, Vic So’oto

Analysis: I’m keeping all three draft picks that have failed to make my final 53. Mauro and Jones should be pretty self explanatory as well. They kept Williams for a reason, right? Hubbard looks destined to return and like So’oto’s chances of returning as well.

2014 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction Post Second Preseason Game Edition