Predicting the Steelers' 53-man roster

I don't think the Steelers keep 6 ILBs...


Predicting the Steelers' 53-man roster

September 2, 2016
By Ray Fittipaldo/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers played their final preseason game of the season Thursday night in Carolina. By 4 p.m. Saturday they must trim their roster from 75 to 53 players. The 53 players on the roster after 4 p.m. Saturday won’t necessarily be on the 53-man roster by Monday or Tuesday.

I’m going to take a stab at the 53-man roster after 4 p.m. Saturday knowing full well it will change. The Steelers will be searching the waiver wire for players cut from other teams who will be upgrades from players currently on the roster.

The Steelers will be searching for cornerback depth and they might be in the market for a backup tight end and backup defensive lineman. I wouldn’t be surprised if they signed two corners. You’ll notice injured slot corner Senquez Golson is on this 53-man roster, but he’ll be placed on injured reserve Sunday or Monday and the Steelers will be able to bring in, or bring back, another corner. I’m guessing it will be a corner that gets cut from another team.

Quarterback (3): Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones and Zach Mettenberger.

Running back (4): DeAngelo Williams, Roosevelt Nix, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Daryl Richardson (Le’Veon Bell on suspended list until Week 4).

Receivers (5): Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Eli Rogers, Sammie Coates, Darrius Heyward- Bey.

Tight ends (3): Jesse James, David Johnson, Xavier Grimble. (Ladarius Green on PUP list).

Offensive linemen (9): Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Marcus Gilbert, Cody Wallace, Chris Hubbard, Ryan Harris and B.J. Finney.

Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Daniel McCullers, Javon Hargrave, Ricardo Mathews and L.T. Walton.

Outside linebackers (5): James Harrison, Bud Dupree, Arthur Moats, Jarvis Jones, Anthony Chickillo.

Inside linebackers (6): Ryan Shazier, Lawrence Timmons, Vince Williams, Steven Johnson, L.J. Fort and Tyler Matakevich.

Safeties (4): Mike Mitchell, Robert Golden, Sean Davis, Shamarko Thomas.

Cornerbacks (5): William Gay, Ross Cockrell, Artie Burns, Doran Grant, Senquez Golson.

Kicker (1): Chris Boswell

Punter (1): Jordan Berry

Long snapper (1): Greg Warren

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Steelers-Blog/2016/09/02/Predicting-the-53-man-roster/stories/201609020188

Defensive coordinators are going to sweat profusely trying to defend our 4 receiver sets.

CB's will shit their pants with those one on one matchups when Ben's got it going.

FrancoLambert wrote:

Defensive coordinators are going to sweat profusely trying to defend our 4 receiver sets.

CB's will shit their pants with those one on one matchups when Ben's got it going.

And the Steelers' receivers confidence will be sky high on game days after trashing the Steelers' secondary in practice every week

Getting down to 53 won't be as difficult as the moves they still need to make

Jim Wexell

Jim Wexell believes the difficulty in finishing the Steelers' 2016 roster will be the additions

I know, these are the worst columns, and I apologize, but by giving my analysis of how I see the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster I can also talk about, gulp, last night's "game."

Yes, the Steelers ended the preseason 1-3 with a mind-numbingly dull 18-6 loss at Carolina.

We knew it was coming, and I hope my previews prepared you, but it was made even more difficult to watch knowing that the quarterback had to be cut for the guy they just claimed on waivers and couldn't get there in time.

And that leads me into ...

QUARTERBACKS (3) -- Landry Jones finally comes out of preseason looking like a serviceable backup, and No. 3, Zach Mettenberger, wins a job without a day of practice with the team. Bryn Renner couldn't move the team but it wasn't his fault because the line was putrid and his receivers didn't give him much help. He did stand strong in the pocket and deliver some surprising throws, but he needed to do the impossible and wow us after only a week of work. He didn't.

RUNNING BACKS (4) -- There might be a guy on the waiver wire to provide more punch than either Fitzgerald Toussaint or Daryl Richardson but for now those two will continue to compete for the job left open once the lead dog returns from suspension. DeAngelo Williams and fullback Rosie Nix are the starting backfield.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5) -- This one's so much easier than I thought it would be. Demarcus Ayers and Cobi Hamilton have practice squad written all over them. Marcus Tucker never really rose above "tough special-teams guy." He needed to make a great catch or do something eye-popping. Eli Rogers joins the top four and that's no surprise to anyone. Perhaps Hamilton has an outside chance should Markus Wheaton's injury be worse than anticipated.

TIGHT ENDS (2) -- This is the roster's major weakness coming out of the offseason so I expect an addition off the waiver wire to replace Xavier Grimble. His up-and-down preseason ended on a down, so if anyone's available they'll make the move to join Jesse James and David Johnson in the meeting room. I still respect Grimble's potential, but I expect he'll have to continue to develop on the practice squad.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9) -- Another disappointment as the second-team line, after dominating the Detroit Lions (what horrors await THAT DL?) in practice and the first preseason game, wilted down the preseason stretch. However, there's room on this roster to keep B.J. Finney and Chris Hubbard along with the seven veterans.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6) -- Lavon Hooks and Johnny Maxey seemed to be practice-squad bound until the furious finish by Caushaud Lyons last night. I wouldn't trust a guy who finishes preseason so strong in the second half of the fourth preseason game, so I'll stick with the six we've all expected: the five top-tier guys and L.T. Walton.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS (6) -- All three of the borderline guys playing for the two bones again played so well that I'm going to add a bone and keep all three and worry about this 24 hours later (or cut an O-lineman) after I add my tight end off the wire. Tyler Matakevich is my lock of the three, and I kept going back and forth between L.J. Fort and Stevie Johnson. Actually, the punt that bounced off Johnson's leg for a fumble made me realize this veteran will work his rear end off on special teams, whether the return man gives him a holler to get out the way or not.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5) -- Expect concussed rookie Travis Feeney to clear waivers and make it back to the practice squad, and hope Anthony Chickillo's foot isn't injured badly because he played well last night. Chickillo is No. 5 behind the big four.

CORNERBACKS (5) -- The sideline report was that Doran Grant got chewed out by multiple coaches last night for, I assume, his soft coverage in front of both the Carolina receivers and safety Jordan Dangerfield, and that's both good and bad. It's good in that they like Grant enough to get angry this late, and bad that he's still blowing coverages as he seemingly did throughout preseason. This is another spot to expect a waiver-wire claim, except that decent cornerbacks don't just come floating down the pike all that often. So with that in mind, let's keep the starters, the first-round pick, and Senquez Golson, and add Montell Garner into the mix. Then re-claim Grant after Golson is placed on IR and put Al-Hajj Shabazz on the practice squad.

SAFETIES (5) -- The two starters, the high draft pick and the best gunner on the team, Shamarko Thomas, have had it made, but let's add Dangerfield, too. Mike Tomlin will say it's a body of work, but in my opinion Dangerfield made it last night by keeping that defense together and with his usual thumpy-ness. After spending the previous two seasons on the practice squad, Dangerfield can be the shining example Tomlin points to when he sends guys to the practice squad.

SPECIALISTS (3) -- I saw another writer say they may pick up a punter, but I like "Mate" and don't see that on the horizon at all.

http://www.scout.com/nfl/steelers/story/1702153-steelers-will-need-continued-roster-tweaks

Expect a few new faces on the roster soon.

I see them adding 1-2 corners, TE and maybe an OT also.


Eagles are shopping Eric Rowe, They had a lot of interest in him last year, and was one of the players they tried to trade up and get. Reported that a 5th or 6th round pick could get him. Wonder if a swap of S.Johnson or Matakevich(don't shoot me) for Rowe would work?

Sterling Moore got cut from Buffalo. Visted the Steelers last year. Veteran slot corner.

the games i saw ...the secondary looked pretty ordinary

I don't see why the Steelers will keep 6 ILB's, but what do I know?

BlackAndGold wrote:

Expect a few new faces on the roster soon.

I see them adding 1-2 corners, TE and maybe an OT also.

Eagles are shopping Eric Rowe, They had a lot of interest in him last year, and was one of the players they tried to trade up and get. Reported that a 5th or 6th round pick could get him. Wonder if a swap of S.Johnson or Matakevich(don't shoot me) for Rowe would work?

Sterling Moore got cut from Buffalo. Visted the Steelers last year. Veteran slot corner.

Rotoworld Football @Rotoworld_FB

Eagles shopping second-year CB Eric Rowe  http://tinyurl.com/hnhwqcc

Alex Kozora ‏@Alex_Kozora
Alex Kozora Retweeted Rotoworld Football

Gotta think Colbert looks at him. Pre-draft visit, CB/S versatility, willing to give up a pick.

2012 CB DeMarcus Van Dyke
2013 CB Antwon Blake
2014 CB B.J. Webb
2015 CB Ross Cockrell
2016 CB ????

https://twitter.com/Alex_Kozora?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Please, not another deal with Philly for a CB that wont play and will cost us a draft pick in 2017. Just say no to Rowe.

Jeremy Fowler ✔@JFowlerESPN

Steelers have released sixth-round pick OLB Travis Feeney, per source. Raw athlete who struggled with injuries

Steelers waived DB Montell Garner

Steelers waived DB Ray Vinopal.

Steelers waiving OL Matt Feiler. P-squad candidate, depending how things shake. That's four OL released - could be good sign for B.J. Finney

Steelers' confirmed cuts thus far: RB Brandon Brown-Dukes, DL Lavon Hooks, OT Wade Hansen, OGs Shahbaz Ahmed and OL Antoine Everett.

https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

Wallace108 wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

The Justin Gilbert trade pushed him off the roster. Maybe a practice squad signing again, as he is always around the ball and is a good tackler...although he missed some tackles on Thursday.

I guess LJ Fort and Matakevich made it at ILB and Grimble (for now). Pretty much as expected.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

The Justin Gilbert trade pushed him off the roster.  Maybe a practice squad signing again, as he is always around the ball and is a good tackler...although he missed some tackles on Thursday.

I guess LJ Fort and Matakevich made it at ILB and Grimble (for now).  Pretty much as expected.

I thought Grant was a safety now anyhow. He does seem to have a good nose for the ball though.

Remember that Golson isn't put on IR yet. When he does, I expect Grant to be re-signed. Albeit wouldn't care if they didn't sign him back.

Edit:
They may sign a TE once Golson heads to IR.

ImmaculateGreenePolamalu wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

The Justin Gilbert trade pushed him off the roster.  Maybe a practice squad signing again, as he is always around the ball and is a good tackler...although he missed some tackles on Thursday.

I guess LJ Fort and Matakevich made it at ILB and Grimble (for now).  Pretty much as expected.

I thought Grant was a safety now anyhow. He does seem to have a good nose for the ball though.

Hey played corner mostly on Thursday. Just because they tried him at safety 3 weeks ago doesn't mean they switched him to safety. Again, I think when you are the #5 CB and they trade for a former 1st rounder, you are the odd man out at the position.

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

ImmaculateGreenePolamalu wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

The Justin Gilbert trade pushed him off the roster.  Maybe a practice squad signing again, as he is always around the ball and is a good tackler...although he missed some tackles on Thursday.

I guess LJ Fort and Matakevich made it at ILB and Grimble (for now).  Pretty much as expected.

I thought Grant was a safety now anyhow. He does seem to have a good nose for the ball though.

Hey played corner mostly on Thursday.  Just because they tried him at safety 3 weeks ago doesn't mean they switched him to safety.  Again, I think when you are the #5 CB and they trade for a former 1st rounder, you are the odd man out at the position.

Dulac of the P-G has been saying since Grant returned in 2015 after being released the first time that he looks good in practice and might have a future at safety

After being released again Grant may simply not have much of a future - if the Steelers hope to sign him to the practice squad if I were Grant I would hope to catch on somewhere else

The DB portion of the 2015 draft appears to be a washout

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

ImmaculateGreenePolamalu wrote:

El-Gonzo Jackson wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

The Justin Gilbert trade pushed him off the roster.  Maybe a practice squad signing again, as he is always around the ball and is a good tackler...although he missed some tackles on Thursday.

I guess LJ Fort and Matakevich made it at ILB and Grimble (for now).  Pretty much as expected.

I thought Grant was a safety now anyhow. He does seem to have a good nose for the ball though.

Hey played corner mostly on Thursday.  Just because they tried him at safety 3 weeks ago doesn't mean they switched him to safety.  Again, I think when you are the #5 CB and they trade for a former 1st rounder, you are the odd man out at the position.

Gotcha, guess I heard wrong.

David Todd @DavidMTodd

One roster spot will open up with when Senquez goes to IR, so all guys on current roster likely to stay. Looking for a TE. #Steelers

8:19 AM - 3 Sep 2016

https://twitter.com/DavidMTodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Wallace108 wrote:

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

David Todd ‏@DavidMTodd

Grant looked good early in preseason, but seemed to miss a fair number of defensive calls. Was involved in 3 blown coverages for TDs.

https://twitter.com/DavidMTodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

James C Wexell Retweeted
Aaron Wilson ‏@AaronWilson_NFL  

Tight end Rashaun Allen visited Steelers

Rashaun Allen signed by Seattle after 2014 draft. Seahawks released him 6 times in two years. Also been with Vikes, Saints.

https://twitter.com/jimwexell?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-visit-te-rashaun-allen/

Wallace108 wrote:

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Full list of Steelers' roster cuts

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2016/09/steelers-2016-roster-cuts-tracker/

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

I thought he did but maybe I was watching different games.

Hawaii 5-0 wrote:

Wallace108 wrote:

The only one that disappoints me is Grant. I was hoping he would do enough to make the 53 this year, but alas ...

David Todd ‏@DavidMTodd  

Grant looked good early in preseason, but seemed to miss a fair number of defensive calls. Was involved in 3 blown coverages for TDs.

https://twitter.com/DavidMTodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

That would make sense then. Too bad, I did like what I saw but I concede I'm just a fan and Tomlin/Colbert are pros who are pretty good at this.

Dupree was placed on IR. They re-signed Steven Johnson.

Bud won't be able to return until the eighth week.