The updated 2019 Pittsburgh Steelers offseason roster

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After the draft and signing free agents, the Steelers roster is filled beyond capacity.

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 roster has reached its capacity (and then some) after the NFL draft and signing of unrestricted free agents. With the Steelers receiving an international exemption, 91 players can be carried into training camp. Here is a breakdown of the Steelers roster by position with the number of players kept (in parentheses) on their initial 53-man roster in 2018.

Offense

Quarterback (3)

1. Ben Roethlisberger
2. Joshua Dobbs
3. Mason Rudolph
4. Brogan Roback

Analysis: With the exception of fullback, this is the only position group that did not change over the weekend. The only items in question is which player will end up in the number two spot: Dobbs or Rudolph.

Running Back (3)

1. James Conner
2. Jaylen Samuels
3. Benny Snell Jr^
4. Trey Edmunds
5. Ralph Webb
6. Malik Williams
7. Trevon McMillan^^

Analysis: With the addition of two players over the weekend, the Steelers now have seven running backs going to camp. The top three spots are pretty solidified with Conner, Samuels, and Snell with the exact order to be determined. The other four players are pretty much battling for a practice squad spot.

Fullback (1): Roosevelt Nix

Analysis: This position group held steady at one throughout the weekend with no foreseeable changes on the horizon.

Wide Receiver (7)

1. JuJu Smith-Schuster
2. Donte Moncrief
3. James Washington
4. Diontae Johnson^
5. Eli Rogers
6. Ryan Switzer
7. Trey Griffey
8. Ka’Raun White
9. Tevin Jones
10. Diontae Spencer

Analysis: Exactly where Diontae Johnson fits on the depth chart right now is debatable, but starting him low and allowing him to rise based on his play is a wise choice. Although the Steelers kept seven WR’s last season, they may stick with just six. Even though many people believe Rogers or Switzer will no longer have a spot, they still round out the top six players. Beyond this point, everyone else will have to prove themselves in training camp and the preseason.

Tight End (3)

1. Vance McDonald
2. Xavier Grimble
3. Zach Gentry^
4. Kevin Rader
5. Christian Scotland-Williamson**
6. Trevor Wood^^

Analysis: With the release of Bucky Hodges just before the draft, it was certain the Steelers were going to add more players at this position. Zach Gentry is safely the third option at this point with the chance to rise. With Christian Scott–Williamson given a free spot, the Steelers may or may not keep a second TE on the practice squad. It is also of note that Trevor Wood, although he played tight end in college, is also a long snapper and will be added to that depth chart as well. After rookie minicamp, it remains to be seen if he will still be, or ever was, considered a tight end.

Offensive Line (9)

1. Maurkice Pouncey
2. David DeCastro
3. Ramon Foster
4. Alejandro Villanueva
5. Matt Feiler
6. Chukwuma Okafor
7. Gerald Hawkins
8. B.J. Finney
9. Zach Banner
10. Derwin Grey^
11. R.J. Prince
12. Patrick Morris
13. J.C. Hassenauer
14. Garrett Brumfield^^
15. Fred Johnson^^

Analysis: When grouping the offensive line as an entire unit, is very difficult to say who is actually at the top of the list. All four players on the top are the projected starters, regardless of order. The next three players: Feiler, Chuks, and Hawkins, are projected to battle for the starting right tackle position. Finney, the obvious back up at both center and guard, is capable of stepping into any of those positions. Derwin Grey has the opportunity to show he can play guard at the NFL level and be the next player on the depth chart. But the Steelers have not kept more than nine offensive lineman and have gone with as few as eight. So there will be some interesting battles to make the 53-man roster and the practice squad.

Defense

Defensive Line (6)

1. Cameron Heyward
2. Stephon Tuitt
3. Javon Hargrave
4. Tyson Alualu
5. Daniel McCullers
6. Isaiah Buggs^
7. Lavon Hooks
8. Conor Sheehy
9. Winston Craig
10. Casey Sayles
11. Jay Hayes^^
12. Chris Nelson^^

Analysis: The Steelers currently have twice as many players as what they usually keep on the defensive line. The top four are pretty much locked in with everyone else fighting for the last two spots. Both Hooks and the newly drafted Buggs will have the opportunity to get ahead of McCullers on the depth chart.

Outside Linebacker (3)

1. T.J. Watt
2. Bud Dupree
3. Anthony Chickillo
4. Ola Adeniyi
5. Sutton Smith^
6. Keon Adams
7. J.T. Jones

Analysis: This is the only defensive position where there has been no subtractions from last season. A late draft pick was added to the mix, and it is unsure where Sutton Smith will fit on the depth chart. All indications point to the Steelers carrying more than three OLB‘s which they began with last season, but exactly how many will come from productive play.

Inside Linebacker (5)

1. Vince Williams
2. Mark Barron
3. Devin Bush^
4. Tyler Matakevich
5. Ulysees Gilbert III^
6. Robert Spillane
7. Tegray Scales
8. Ryan Shazier (PUP)

Analysis: With the release of John Bostic, Devon Bush should have every opportunity to move in the starting lineup. Mark Barron is ready to go, but can also be used as the dime linebacker. Although they kept five inside linebackers last season, this is a position where the Steelers could cut back. If so, Ulysses Gilbert III and Tyler Matakevich may have to show who can bring more value to special teams.

Cornerback (5)

1. Joe Haden
2. Stephen Nelson
3. Mike Hilton
4. Artie Burns
5. Cameron Sutton
6. Justin Layne^
7. Brian Allen
8. Herb Waters
9. Marcelis Branch
10. Kam Kelly
11. Jack Tocho
12. Alexander Myers^^

Analysis: Twelve corners seems to be a lot, but Coach Tomlin mentioned in his post-draft press conference how certain corners can also be used as safeties. If so, their position flexibility will really help to gain a roster spot. Otherwise, players who have been on the roster in the past may find themselves out of a job.

Safety (5)

1. Sean Davis
2. Terrell Edmunds
3. Jordan Dangerfield
4. Marcus Allen
5. Dravon Askew-Henry^^
6. P.J. Locke^^

Analysis: With so few safeties on the roster, there could definitely be some corners moved over to the position. If not, almost every safety has a great shot at making the roster. But having guys who were typically fighting for a roster spot as the only depth makes this position group one of the most concerning.

Specialists

Placekicker (1)

1. Chris Boswell
2. Matt McCrane
3. Mathew Wright^^

Punter (1)

1. Jordan Berry
2. Ian Berryman^^

Long Snapper (1)

1. Kameron Canaday
2. Trevor Wood^^

Analysis: The Steelers added one specialist at each position as an undrafted free agent. Trevor Wood is technically also a tight end, but chances are he will see his time at long snapper. It is surprising the Steelers technically have three kickers on the roster, so do not be shocked if one of them is let go before training camp in order to get the roster to 91.

^2019 Draft Choice

^^2019 Undrafted Free Agent

Totals

Offense: 42 (not including Wood)

Defense: 44 (not including Shazier)

Specialists: 7

Total: 93*

*As Undrafted Free Agents get processed through the league office, the Steelers will have to reduce the roster to 91.