Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have three preseason games behind them, it’s time for another 53 man roster prediction. Due to injuries, signings and a suspension, my latest roster prediction includes several changes and the same goes for my projected 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 Second Preseason Game
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, Michael Vick, Landry Jones
Analysis: (One Change) The Steelers signed Vick to replace the injure Bruce Gradkowski.
Running Backs (3*) – DeAngelo Williams, Dri Archer, Josh Harris
Analysis: (No Changes) Once again, no changes, but I would like to see Harris play in these final two games to prove that he’s healthy.
Fullbacks (1) – Will Johnson
Analysis: (No Changes) Barring injury, Johnson remains the man. In addition to being able to play on special teams, he can also serve as an extra tight end.
Wide Receivers (5) – Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Sammie Coates, Tyler Murphy
Analysis: (One Change) With Martavis Bryant now likely to start the season off on the suspended list, Murphy has a good shot at making the 53 if the team decides to keep five wide receivers in total. He can be shuttled back to practice squad in Week 5.
Tight Ends (3) – Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, Jesse James
Analysis: (No Changes) Barring injury, this position group is set.
Offensive Linemen (9) – Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, Marcus Gilbert, Kelvin Beachum, Cody Wallace, Chris Hubbard, Alejandro Villanueva, Doug Legursky
Analysis: (One Change) Legursky was signed this past week and he should make the final 53. Pouncey has to be on the initial 53 to qualify for the designated to return tag. I have Mike Adams on Reserve/PUP this time around and he’ll stay the rest of the way until further notice. I’m currently debating cutting Hubbard.
Defense (26)
Defensive Linemen (6) – Steve McLendon, Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Daniel McCullers, Cam Thomas, L.T. Walton
Analysis: (No Changes) The hope is that Tuitt will make it back for the regular-season opener. Walton has shown enough to make the final 53, in my opinion.
Inside Linebackers (5) – Lawrence Timmons, Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams, Sean Spence, Terence Garvin
Analysis: (No Changes) Can’t see this group changing and like Tuitt, hopefully Williams gets back on the field soon.
Outside Linebackers (4) – Jarvis Jones, Arthur Moats, James Harrison, Bud Dupree
Analysis: (One Change) I really do like Anthony Chickillo, but feel the injury to Pouncey might result in him losing his spot. He’s not a great special teams player to boot and that’s an additional strike against him. He’ll be close for sure and it’s a tough decision to make.
Cornerbacks (6) – Cortez Allen, William Gay, Antwon Blake, Brandon Boykin, Doran Grant, B.W. Webb
Analysis: (One Change) I can’t make up my mind between Kevin Fogg and Webb and I can’t help but think the same goes for head coach Mike Tomlin. This time around I will flip back to Webb. Assuming the team keeps six cornerbacks in total, this could go either way.
Safeties (5) – Mike Mitchell, Shamarko Thomas, Will Allen, Robert Golden, Ross Ventrone
Analysis: (One Change) I really think Tomlin likes Ventrone and his special teams ability. the only problem with this is that Ventrone hasn’t played yet during the preseason. Hopefully that changes on Saturday. As I have mentioned a few times, Ventrone might very well be battling either Chickillo or one of the cornerbacks for the final roster spots. Don’t worry, I still have time to change my mind yet again.
Specialists (3)
Kicker (1) – Garrett Hartley
Analysis: (No Changes) The only question that remains 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) The battle between Wing and Jordan Berry has been a great one. Will the team decide on a punter after the Bills game? It’s possible.
Long Snapper (1) – Greg Warren
Analysis: (No Changes) Warren will be the long snapper once again.
Reserve/Suspended (2) – Le’Veon Bell, Martavis Bryant
Analysis: (One Change) Added Bryant to this list based on Thursday’s news.
Reserve/Injured (9) – Shaun Suisham, Clifton Geathers, Eli Rogers, Jordan Zumwalt, Rob Blanchflower, Bruce Gradkowski, David Nelson, Micah Hatchie, Ross Scheuerman
Analysis: (Seven Changes) Added several names after going back through the NFL transactions.
Reserve/PUP (1) – Senquez Golson, Mike Adams
Analysis: (One Change) Added Adams to the list as he doesn’t appear close to being ready.
Practice Squad (10) – (Two Changes) Anthony Chickillo, Cameron Clear, B.J. Finney, C.J. Goodwin, Ethan Hemer, Ian Wild, Jawon Chisolm, Joe Kruger, Kevin Fogg, Mitchell Van Dyk
Analysis: Removed Gerod Holliman added Fogg. Added Van Dyk with Murphy now on the 53.
Post Final Roster Cut-down Transaction – Sign Wesley Johnson, place Pouncey on Reserve Injured with designated to return tag.
Analysis: I’m not really sure who will take Pouncey’s place but if it winds up being another offensive lineman, Johnson would make a lot of sense if he’s waived by the New York Jets. I have a feeling that the 53rd spot post the final cut-down will go to a player currently on another team.
