2015 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction: Post Second Preseason Game

Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have another preseason game behind them, it’s time for another 53 man roster prediction. This time around my prediction hasn’t changed much as I only felt it necessary to make one adjustment on my 53 and two more on my practice squad.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on my selections in the comments below in addition to adding your own 53-man prediction.

In case you missed any of them, below are links to my previous roster predictions.

2015 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction: Post First Preseason Game
2015 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction: Pre-Training Camp Edition
2015 Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction: Post Draft

Offense (24)

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

Analysis: (No Changes) I think Kevin Colbert made it clear on Thursday that the team will once again keep three quarterbacks and the third will be Jones.

Running Backs (3*) – DeAngelo Williams, Dri Archer, Josh Harris

Analysis: (No Changes) Once again, no changes to this grouping and hopefully Harris can return for the final two preseason games.

Fullbacks (1) – Will Johnson

Analysis: (No Changes) Barring injury, Johnson will easily win this job over Roosevelt Nix.

Wide Receivers (5) – Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Sammie Coates

Analysis: (No Changes) This group has been set in stone for quite a while. I expect Coates to start the regular season on the inactive list in addition.

Tight Ends (3) – Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Jesse James

Analysis: (No Changes) Yet another grouping that has been etched in stone since the draft took place.

Offensive Linemen (9) – Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Mike Adams, Kelvin Beachum, Cody Wallace, Chris Hubbard, Alejandro Villanueva

Analysis: (No Changes) By now, you have to wonder if Adams will be ready for the start of the season. If he isn’t, he might have to Reserve PUP if he isn’t close. I think you can call Villanueva a lock at this point.

Defense (26)

Defensive Linemen (6) – Steve McLendon, Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Daniel McCullers, Cam Thomas, L.T. Walton

Analysis: (No Changes) I think there might still be battle going on between Walton and Ethan Hemer for the sixth and final spot. For now, I’m sticking with the rookie draft pick.

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

Analysis: (No Changes) Now that Jordan Zumwalt is out of the picture for good, these five are now even more set in stone. Garvin has had an impressive camp and preseason and is arguably the best special teams player on the roster to boot.

Outside Linebackers (5) – Jarvis Jones, Arthur Moats, James Harrison, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo

Analysis: (No Changes) Will the Steelers keep 10 total linebackers for the first time time 1996? It sure is shaping up that way. I’m not ready to call Chickillo a lock, however. If there’s one player who could steal his roster spot, it’s probably safety Ross Ventrone.

Cornerbacks (6) –  Cortez Allen, William Gay, Antwon Blake, Brandon Boykin, Doran Grant, Kevin Fogg

Analysis: (One Change) For the sake of making this one different, I have replaced B.W. Webb with Fogg. This battle has wound up being one of the better ones and you can bet I will be watching Fogg closely Sunday and especially on special teams.

Safeties (4) – Mike Mitchell, Shamarko Thomas, Will Allen, Robert Golden

Analysis: (No Changes) As previously mentioned, I truly believe that Ventrone and Chickillo might very well be battling for the 53rd spot on the roster.

Specialists (3)

Kicker (1) – Garrett Hartley

Analysis: (No Changes) The only question at this point is whether or not the team likes another kicker better that is currently on the roster of another team.

Punter (1) – Brad Wing

Analysis: (No Changes) I still don’t see Wing losing this battle to Jordan Berry, but stranger things have happened.

Long Snapper (1) – Greg Warren

Analysis: (No Changes) Warren will be the long snapper once again.

Reserve/Suspended (1) – Le’Veon Bell

Analysis: (No Changes) No explanation needed.

Reserve/Injured (3) – Shaun Suisham, Clifton Geathers, Eli Rogers

Analysis: (No Changes) No explanation needed.

Reserve/PUP (1) – Senquez Golson

Analysis: (No Changes) No explanation needed.

Practice Squad (10) – (Two Changes) Tyler Murphy, Cameron Clear, B.J. Finney, C.J. Goodwin, Ethan Hemer, Ian Wild, Jawon Chisolm, Joe Kruger, Miles Dieffenbach, Gerod Holliman

Analysis: Being as both Clear and Goodwin haven’t been waived with their injuries, I think there’s a good chance they are being held for the practice squad. Finney and Dieffenbach both seem like good bets at this time, as does Chisolm. Murphy and Wild are a few more players who appear destined for the practice squad.

Steelers 2015 Roster Prediction – 8/21/15