Predicting the Steelers 2021 Final Roster 1.0 -- 5-9-21

[Steeler Hitman]

We are post draft. We have mocked players and picks and now have discussed the pros and cons of the draft. At this point, the players are the players (give or take a few late signings or cuts) P.S. I am all for trying to add former WFT Ryan Kerrigan as a situational pass rusher/depth. As of today, who do you predict will make the Steelers final roster? Not a down has been run in practice so this is strictly speculative. We can revisit this as they get some training camp and preseason reps under their helmets.

Question: Will the NFL raise the game day and PS rosters now that they are playing 17 games at their next meeting this month?

Here's what I am predicting based on who we have now:

QB (3) - - QB1 Big Ben, QB2 Mason Rudolph, QB3 Dwayne Haskins (QB4 Josh Dobbs on P/S)

Dwayne Haskins is still a first round talent with a ton of potential. The gamble is has he matured and learned from past mistakes/work ethic. I think he shows enough to pass Dobbs in terms of skill, but not Mason who improves and looks toward 2022 as the potential next Steelers starting QB.

RB (3) - - RB1 Najee Harris, RB2 Anthony McFarland, RB3 Benny Snell (RB4 Kalen Ballage P/S)

They let Jaylen Samuels go in a tough battle between Snell, Ballage and him for a spot. Harris obviously takes the starting spot, McFarland is a natural change of pace with a different style and Snell hangs on with grit over Ballage who shows enough to hang on the PS. 

FB (1) - - FB1 Derek Watt

I would like to see Derek Watt used much more than he was in 2020. Despite being a FB, he can do some other things. 

TE (3) - - TE1A Pat Freiermuth, TE1B Eric Ebron, TE3 Kevin Radar (TE4 Zach Gentry P/S)

Ebron's the receiver and Pat's the all around TE. Both can create some serious mismatches. I would also like some old school pro sets with TE, FB in a traditional pro set and let the Steelers play some smash mouth. Radar's special teams play and blocking edge Gentry for the roster spot.

LWR (3) - - WR1 Dionte Johnson, WR3 Chase Claypool, WR5 Ray Ray McCloud 

RWR (3) - - WR2 Ju Ju Smith-Schuster, WR4 James Washington, WR6 Mathew Sexton (Rico Bussey P/S)

I went 6 WR's instead of 4 TE's. Sexton and McCloud make it due to ST and gadget play abilities. They offer a lot of speed for OC Canada to play with. Dionte moves to the WR1, but it is Ju Ju not Claypool at WR2. Claypool will play a lot, but Ju Ju is still Ben's security blanket until Freiermuth develops. JW is JW and will make plays and step up if the WR's get into a lull. 

OT (4) - - RT1 Zach Banner, LT1 Chuks Okafor, ST3, Joe Haig, OT4 Dan Moore (Avonte' Collins P/S)

Under-rated and could develop very nicely. I fee the OT spot is more balanced. Banner is a classic RT and the team has Haig and Coward if there are growth issues at LT. 

OG (4) - - RG1 David DeCastro, LG1 Kevin Dotson, OG3 Rashaad Coward (Jarron Jones P/S)

Coward and Haig are the type of versatile OL's the Steelers like. Looking to see what a healthy DeCastro and an every down Dotson can do. Green may see a fill in rep or two here as well.

OC (2) - - C1A BJ Finney, C1B Kendrick Green (JC Hassenauer P/S)

BJ will hold the position until Green is ready. Will Green make a Pouncey like first year jump? I predict he will take some time to learn the position. Best case, he takes over between week 8 and 12. Worse case, he fills in as a swing lineman until year two. I am not as down on BJ at C for a season as some. Let Green develop at his own speed. If ready, great! If not, no rush (I hope). 

26 Offensive Players and 7 offensive practice squad players

DE (4)  - - LD1 Stephan Tuitt, RD1 Cam Heyward, LDE2 Isaiah Buggs, RDE2 Isaiahh Loudermilk 

Say what you want, but the depth at DE is much better with Baby Cam (Loudermilk)

DT (3) - - NG1 Tyson Alualu, DT2 Chris Wormley, DT3 Carlos Davis (Henry Mondeaux P/S)

I would have still loved a big McNasty in the true mold of NG, but the Steelers utilize guys who can move. Great to have Tyson back though. He filled a tremendous void.

OLB (4) - - OLB1 TJ Watt, OLB2 Alex Highsmith, OLB3 Quincy Roche, OLB4 Cassius Marsh (Jamir Jones P/S)

The starters will be solid, Roche will take time to develop. In a perfect world, I am signing an OLB. Kerrigan would be perfect here. Marsh is a scrapper, but is not what Highsmith was to Watt and Bud last year.

ILB (4) - - ILB1 Devon Bush, ILB2 Robert Spillane, ILB3 Vince Williams, ILB4 Buddy Johnson, ILB5 Marcus Allen

This ILB group could be really good. Curious to see Bush and Spillane together. VW is VW and is a great player to rotate in. Buddy is there to replace VW in 2022 and play ST in 2021. Close to cutting Allen, but he started playing better as the Hybrid LB/SS in the Nickel.

CB (5) - - CB1 Joe Haden, CB2 Cameron Sutton, CB3 James Pierre, CB4 Justin Layne, CB5 Shakur Brown

I think that Pierre moves outside and Cam moves to Hilton's old role when they go 3 CB's. Layne and Free Agent Brown provide depth. Although they could use a late vet cut to be signed to provide depth.

SS/FS (4) - - FS1- Minkah Fitzpatrick, SS1 Terrell Edmonds, FS2 Arthur Maulet SS3 Miles Killebrew (Antoine Brooks P/S)(Tre' Norwood P/S)

Both starters should have big years and make this a defensive strength. Minkah is an elite all pro and Edmunds may make the leap to the pro bowl level. Killebrew is a hybrid, but can play as an extra safety in some packages.

24 Defensive Players and 4 defensive practice squad players

L/S (1) - - LS1 Kameron Canady (Christian Kuntz P/S)

P (1)- - P1 Pressley Harvin III (Corliss Waitman P/S)

No more Berry. Excited about a punter with a big leg and upside. Issues are correctable.

K (1)- - K1 Killer Bee Boswell

3 Specialist Players and 2 specialist practice squad players

53 players on roster, 13 practice squad

Happy Mother's Day and much love to the mothers, grandmas, aunts, sisters, friends and ladies from the Steeler Hitman. 

 

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by Steeler Hitman
Added New Signee Arthur Maulet

[Dcash4]

Not a ton I disagree with at this point. Was reading something by Kaboly the other day and he made a pretty good point. There’s no use in making any other moves as of now if their real intentions are to see what the have in players (ie: Sutton, Pierre/Layne, Chuks). I hadn’t thought about it in that sense before but it does make total sense to get into the off-season and camp to see what those guys offer - so I do believe the rosters a little “what you see is what you get” right now. 

I will say 8 DBs is mighty light. I see the dude who just signed, Arthur Maulet. I’m assuming he and Sutton will supply some of the S depth in case of injury. I would still think they would have one more with Brooks and Wade maybe fighting for the 10 spot vis spacial teams. 

To add those two, I would probably cut two of Buggs, Sexton, or Coward. Probably in that order. 

I do see a training camp trade and/or a roster cut down addition though. But for now, not much difference. 

[43M]

I was gonna say alot of what DCash said.

Not too much to disagree with, and I believe we will add a player or two during the preseason.     One position I think we will DEFINITELY add at is corner.     We have no one who has shown anything at CB behind our top 2 guys.   Even if they like Pierre, I sure dont feel comfy as him being CB3, regardless where they play him.  Layne shouldnt even be a lock to make the team.  There are a few options available now.   Richard Sherman might want too much, but I still think we could manage a one year deal.     Steven Nelson is still available, but even if no other team signs him I dont know if he would be willing to come back.   There are a handful of other semi decent options.

RB is another possibility, but doubtful.    They will likely run Harris into the ground like they did Bell, and they like Snell more than they should.     McFarland will get a few shots, but not impressed so far.

And as of right now, I believe Dobbs will make the team over Haskins.     Yes, Haskins has upside Dobbs doesnt, but Ben likes having Dobbs on the sideline.     Haskins would really have to show ALOT more than Dobbs to get the nod.     I think Haskins will be off the team fairly quickly. 

 

[CKSteeler]

5 hours ago, Dcash4 said:

There’s no use in making any other moves as of now if their real intentions are to see what the have in players (ie: Sutton, Pierre/Layne, Chuks)

I think you can get a look at the young guys while still improving the roster, particularly at CB. I think it would be very prudent to take a serious look at a guy like Bobby McCain.

[Steeler Hitman]

Can anyone answer these questions for me?

1. Is the roster size going up with them now playing a 17th game and some of the possible Covid concerns? I am hoping the NFL learned from last year and they need to have some better safeguards in place that don't affect the teams. 

2. Will the NFL have the expanded practice squads for 2021? Last year I think it went to 13 or 15 players. 

I agree with the comments made. It is far early to truly evaluate who is there and what they can do. They may wait until the June cuts or maybe even as late as final roster cuts and add a solid veteran who gets cut or hasn't been signed at a position of need.

However, I do agree that I would like more of a veteran presence at two positions: 1. OLB/Edge. We are light in the pants behind Watt and Highsmith. They may work out, but I would feel much more secure with a player like Ryan Kerrigan. Last year, I thought they should have tried to add  a veteran like Clay Mathews to rotate and fill in with Highsmith. 

2. CB I like the potential of Pierre, but as 43mafia said, he is still really an unknown. I added Justin Layne based more on the lack of depth/veterans than I think his play warrants it. I honestly would not be surprised if he is cut especially if one of the young guys plays well or a quality vet is cut or left out there to be signed. Layne has the size the Steelers like and most of the other CB's lack besides Pierre. 

@43M I agree that they keep Dobbs around. My thought was that it may even be as a P/S QB. I don't know what the NFL is doing with roster size and PS players size, etc. I think they hope that they have a diamond in the rough with Haskins. Talent wise, he has tools and he has some experience playing. I think he has a higher ceiling than Dobbs as a prospect. Dobbs is a great athlete, a high character guy, and is perfect for playing on the scout team simulating mobile QB's. To your point, Ben seems to love him on the sidelines as well. I think that these two could be flip-flopped, but I am guessing that Haskins has grown up some and will get better focused on being an NFL QB. Just a guess/prediction on my part. We will see what happens when the pads go on and they get some real football and training camp reps. I like both players for different reasons. Again, I think Haskins has more NFL QB skills, talent, and potential upside. I am gambling on that, but certainly not betting the farm so to speak.

 

[AFF]

They have no depth at Edge/S/CB...but at least CB has some interesting players with potential.

Can’t see them not addressing at least one of those whether it be in FA or a trade.

They have $9mill in cap space after the rookies sign...they like having $4-5 mill for in season stuff..so they have a little wiggle room.

[kurgan]

Great job on this... I was going to make my first attempt here in a bit.

I will only state two things that jump out to me on things that weren't addressed.  #1, I do not think Samuels is 100% gone.  Canada knows him, and used him well at NCSt.  He knows the HBack, RB and TE stuff, and might be more valuable than we think as a steady hand.  #2, Gentry might surprise us.  Again, Canada is big in HBacks, and with 'Muth being a true TE and EE being a WR, Gentry does have value as a wham blocker and size mismatch in space (possibly).

Also, don't sleep on Boogie Watson as a UDFA, or at least PS.  He might surprise as OLB #4 or at least PS.  I am not sold on Cassius Marsh.

Also, I know that Maulet was signed after your update, but be is 100% on the roster.  I also believe we will keep more than 8 DBs.

[Steeler Hitman]

3 hours ago, kurgan said:

Great job on this... I was going to make my first attempt here in a bit.

Thank you. Look forward to reading your insight.

I will only state two things that jump out to me on things that weren't addressed.  #1, I do not think Samuels is 100% gone.  Canada knows him, and used him well at NCSt.  He knows the HBack, RB and TE stuff, and might be more valuable than we think as a steady hand. 

No argument with the points that you made. All sound, I agree ,but just speculating at this point. Personally, I would prefer to keep Samuels over Snell. I am not so sure that the Steelers share that sentiment if it comes down to those two.  While I love Snell's fire, I am not as much a fan of his ability. I agree that from a purely talent and versatility standpoint; Samuels is more valuable. What hurts Samuels is that he has not stepped up consistently when given the chance. The same can be said of McFarland, but he was a rookie, was in a weird situation due to the pandemic (no mini-camps, etc.), and never got going or looked comfortable out there. Benny stepped up at times against the Ravens in the second half of game two and the second Bengals game.  I also wonder what Snell could have done if given some of Connor's reps/carries. The Steelers drafted Najee because none of the backs stepped up and took over consistently at any point. I still see Snell getting stopped on third and fourth and ones. The goal line series against the WFT comes immediately to mind. Behind Najee, it is really a toss-up. I am not even going to totally discount Ballage at this point.

#2, Gentry might surprise us.  Again, Canada is big in HBacks, and with 'Muth being a true TE and EE being a WR, Gentry does have value as a wham blocker and size mismatch in space (possibly).

Based this totally on how these players are trending. Rader played more ST and was getting in on some TE reps blocking. Gentry seems to be trending down because of Rader's ST and willingness to block. Gentry has struggled there somewhat. Overall more talented TE is Gentry. More versatile (ST contributions) and willingness to block, Rader.

Also, don't sleep on Boogie Watson as a UDFA, or at least PS.  He might surprise as OLB #4 or at least PS.  I am not sold on Cassius Marsh.

I like Marsh. I think he can be what we hoped that Chikillo, Ola or Tupac would be as a substitute situational pass rusher. Watson could surprise and also could be on the PS. I like ND's Jones for the same reasons. That should be quite a battle between those two for a roster spot or PS spot.

Also, I know that Maulet was signed after your update, but be is 100% on the roster.  I also believe we will keep more than 8 DBs.

I was not aware that he had signed. He is instantly the #3 Safety and I would replace him with ILB/Hybrid Marcus Allen. Miles can add more versatility there and as a SS back-up. Maulet has some slot possibilities as well. 

P.S. Made the correction with Maulet on the original post. Thanks for the information.

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by Steeler Hitman
Addition/Correction

[MOSteelers56]

40 minutes ago, Steeler Hitman said:

Based this totally on how these players are trending. Rader played more ST and was getting in on some TE reps blocking. Gentry seems to be trending down because of Rader's ST and willingness to block. Gentry has struggled there somewhat. Overall more talented TE is Gentry. More versatile (ST contributions) and willingness to block, Rader.

Gentry was on IR after week 11. I don't think Rader did enough to Wally Pipp him. We'll see during TC. 

[Steeler Hitman]

1 minute ago, MOSteelers56 said:

Gentry was on IR after week 11. I don't think Rader did enough to Wally Pipp him. We'll see during TC. 

Going to be another interesting roster battle. I remember both Coach T and GM Kevin Colbert lauding Rader for his willingness to block and Special Teams contributions. Was that an attempt to motivate others on the roster, them seeing growth and development or simply a sincere compliment? I think they like Gentry as well, whom they drafted to be Outlaw II. Even before his injury, Gentry did not do or show a lot to put himself in position to be a roster lock. 

[MOSteelers56]

19 minutes ago, Steeler Hitman said:

Going to be another interesting roster battle. I remember both Coach T and GM Kevin Colbert lauding Rader for his willingness to block and Special Teams contributions. Was that an attempt to motivate others on the roster, them seeing growth and development or simply a sincere compliment? I think they like Gentry as well, whom they drafted to be Outlaw II. Even before his injury, Gentry did not do or show a lot to put himself in position to be a roster lock. 

TE is a position that takes awhile to develop. Plus, Gentry was on the more raw side of a TE prospect. I think he's got a lot more potential than Rader, but that doesn't always mean much. 

[Steeler Hitman]

5 hours ago, MOSteelers56 said:

TE is a position that takes awhile to develop. Plus, Gentry was on the more raw side of a TE prospect. I think he's got a lot more potential than Rader, but that doesn't always mean much. 

Agree with all points. TE and I will add WR take some time to develop.  Gentry has more physical tools and talent, but I think Rader is a guy with the heart and desire. Rader is a career type of #3 TE as his ceiling. But his ability on  ST's and his willingness to block may make him a more favorable #3. Until the pads go on we really don't know. I tend to root for the underdogs like Spillane and Rader.  I see Rader as being the next Spillane on the Steelers roster at TE. Time will tell.

[cjfollett]

It's really hard to predict at this point what the 53 will look like. I only have a few quibbles:

Dobbs vs. Haskins: I think Ben likes Dobbs, and I am not sure Haskins is any better than the last experiment with Paxton Lynch.

RB: I think the Steelers carry 4 this year; I'm iffy if they keep Watt though. It depends how much they plan to use 'muth as a HB.

WRs: 5 I think. 

OL: I think they will bring in a veteran FA toward the end of pre-season. I don't have a lot of faith in Haeg or Coward as decent depth guys.

ILB: Allen shows more position flexibility; so I would expect to see him on the roster as S hybrid.

DB: I think Layne might be suspended for a game or three based on his guilty plea. So, I hope they bring in another veteran FA to compete.

[warfelg]

41 minutes ago, cjfollett said:

I'm iffy if they keep Watt though. It depends how much they plan to use 'muth as a HB.

I believe they just redid his contract and don't really have the space to cut him.

[MOSteelers56]

Just now, warfelg said:

I believe they just redid his contract and don't really have the space to cut him.

And I really doubt we're going to use Freiermuth too much as a FB. At least not this year. I think they'll try to let him settle in at one position, especially because TE has such a hard transition into the league. No point in adding even more to the kid's plate.