LATROBE, Pa. -- We are now beyond the midway point of training camp. Nine practices are in the books, with only seven more to go. And for the ninth practice that took place on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Saint Vincent College, the Steelers took their foot off the gas to recover from a physical and intense Friday Night Lights practice.
"The guys gave it to us last night. It's our intentions to work hard in this environment, but also to work smart. So we did some things to help with the bounce back," Mike Tomlin said after Saturday's practice. "It's just appropriate. They gave us a lot. That's a component of this process. They've gotta go hard. We've gotta make good judgements as coaches. We've gotta find ways to make every single day productive, but they're just productive on different levels."
Since the Steelers took a step back and focused more on the details and fundamentals with Saturday's practice, this gives us an opportunity to project the 53-man roster based off of everything seen and heard while at training camp. Some of this is based on what I've seen with my own eyes, but also from what I've heard from people I trust.
There's still a ways to go before the actual 53-man roster is finalized at the end of this month, including three whole preseason games. A lot can happen between now and then. But for now, here's how I see the roster shaking out:
QUARTERBACKS (3)
• Russell Wilson
• Justin Fields
• Kyle Allen
Nothing has changed here. I know Russell Wilson has yet to fully participate in a practice, but nothing I'm seeing or hearing is telling me that Justin Fields has a legitimate shot to be the starting quarterback on Sept. 8 in Atlanta. Fields is having a good camp thus far, but he still has the occasional head-scratcher. When Wilson throws, he's far more consistent. Until Wilson comes back and does something drastic to alter the Steelers' plans, he's the guy to start the season.
But, I do believe these reps will still serve both the Steelers and Fields well down the road. At the bare minimum, Fields is getting valuable reps with the starters. That's always good for a No. 2 quarterback. But, I also think Fields is showing enough to convince Tomlin and Arthur Smith that there needs to be special packages in place for him, whether it be in short-yardage or red zone situations. Fields is a weapon. He can kill defenses with his legs or over the top with intermediate throws outside or deep down the field. It'd be stupid to just have him hold a clipboard.
There's a huge divide between Kyle Allen and John Rhys Plumlee. Allen will be the No. 3 quarterback. Rhys Plumlee could be a really interesting practice squad addition since he's also participated in some kick and punt return drills.
RUNNING BACKS (4)
• Najee Harris
• Jaylen Warren
• Cordarrelle Patterson
• Jack Colletto
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are every bit as advertised. I also love what I'm seeing from both as leaders. They're both more vocal than ever before, especially Harris. And, from a reps standpoint, Harris is still the No. 1 running back. But, Warren will get his touches this season. Trust me on that.
Cordarrelle Patterson hasn't practiced yet, but I also don't think it's cost him a roster spot just yet. Some of the other running backs in camp such as Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin and Daijuan Edwards have had some nice moments, but nothing to steal a roster spot just yet.
As for Jack Colletto, the offense is running with a lot of I-formation near the goal line. I'm just not exactly sure how often Smith will plan to utilize a fullback in his offense. However, Colletto will have to provide something on special teams to make the roster. I'd like to see more of that before feeling much better about this selection. But, I'm going with it because he's the fullback with the starters when they run the I-formation, and it's been a success throughout camp.
WIDE RECEIVERS (5)
• George Pickens
• Van Jefferson
• Calvin Austin III
• Roman Wilson
• Scotty Miller
George Pickens is the clear No. 1 receiver on this team. That hasn't changed one bit. I like some of the things that Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III have done thus far. Their work ethic has been very impressive. But, they both look like solid No. 3 receivers right now. And that's on a contending-caliber team. I mean it in the most respectful and honest way possible. I think either one would make a good No. 3 in just about any offense based on what I'm seeing, with Jefferson having a pretty distinct advantage (which makes sense given his level of experience). I still think that if Jefferson and Austin are Nos. 2 and 3 on the depth chart come Sept. 8, it's too thin of a receiver room.
Roman Wilson was having some very impressive days before having his ankle injured during seven shots. He's expected to be back by the start of the season, but he'll be further down the depth chart due to the lack of work in late July and August.
I initially had six receivers on my first 53-man projection, but I'm rolling with five for now. The Steelers can always stash a couple on the practice squad. I've got Scotty Miller as the fifth receiver right now. He looks the most consistent of all the other guys.
Regardless of Tyreek Hill agreeing to a new contract with the Dolphins, I'm still standing by what I've reported that the Steelers are "convinced" that they will land a big-time receiver at some point. Maybe it's Brandon Aiyuk. Maybe it's DK Metcalf. But I haven't heard anything different about the team's level of expectation when it comes to pulling off one of these trades. So, I don't think the quintet above will be the five guys that are in uniform in Atlanta.
TIGHT ENDS (4)
• Pat Freiermuth
• Darnell Washington
• Connor Heyward
• MyCole Pruitt
Pat Freiermuth is a given. And he's had a great camp thus far. Darnell Washington will undoubtedly have a spot, too. I don't know how much to expect in his role as a receiver, but he's swatting linebackers away like flies. Just dominating as a blocker right now.
I do believe Connor Heyward will be on this roster, but I'm not 100% sure. He does a lot of the same stuff we've seen the past two seasons. But, MyCole Pruitt and Rodney Williams both do good things, too. Pruitt could be just as versatile as Heyward, and Williams can probably contribute a bit more on special teams, as well.
I'm not saying Heyward will be out of a job. I'm just saying the back end of the tight end room is worth watching. It's also very possible that the Steelers don't carry four tight ends. They may rather have six receivers. And, if Colletto doesn't make this roster, I think that might make Pruitt's chance of making the team significantly higher. He knows Smith's offense. He can and has lined up as a fullback previously.
Bottom line: This fullback/tight end situation is murky beyond Freiermuth and Washington. Still a lot to be determined for now. And that mainly speaks to the number of guys who are competing well.
"All these guys, they are finding out what their strengths are, how it fits the overall scheme, but it’s been fun," Smith said Thursday. "When you can play with multiple tight ends, guys that can do a lot especially on those early downs -- it has been a good camp for those guys. So, it’s unfortunate that Rodney got hurt and we’re working him back in -- he's having a good spring in camp, but MyCole Pruitt, Darnell, Pat, it's a good group, good mix."
CENTERS/GUARDS (5)
• Nate Herbig
• Isaac Seumalo
• James Daniels
• Zach Frazier
• Mason McCormick
Spencer Anderson would be a tough player to cut, especially since he's the first guy to replace Isaac Seumalo at left guard when he gets a vet's day off. But the guards are set with Seumalo and James Daniels. That much is clear.
What's not yet clear here is center. Nate Herbig has had a strong camp thus far. I've gotta give him credit. I'm still not sure how good of a fit he is if this offense runs a bunch of wide zone, but he's been good. Definitely hasn't lost anything to Zach Frazier yet, who's been solid as a No. 2 guy, but I don't think he's wowed anyone, either.
Mason McCormick is getting better every day. And, despite Tomlin not liking fighting in his camp, McCormick being one of the first ones in there represents the attitude with which the offensive line wants to play. I think he fits in this roster as a solid No. 2 guard.
I do believe it's worth noting that if the Steelers were to pull off a big trade, Daniels might be the most expendable offensive lineman they have. He's a good guard, and he's entering the final year of his contract. This line would still be okay if Anderson stayed on and Herbig slid over to right guard while Frazier started at center.
But, we're not there yet. Just something to throw out there if the Steelers do make a trade.
TACKLES (4)
• Broderick Jones
• Dan Moore Jr.
• Troy Fautanu
• Dylan Cook
Like it or not, the starting tackles are Dan Moore Jr. on the left and Broderick Jones on the right. Who knows if that remains the same when the season begins, but that's what it's been thus far. Troy Fautanu has gotten some reps with the first team at right tackle, but mainly when Jones has been limited with some "bumps and bruises," as Tomlin references daily after practice. As of now, Fautanu's the swing tackle.
There's nothing new to suggest that Jones could eventually be on the left with Fautanu on the right when the season begins. Maybe it happens down the road, especially if Moore struggles as he did last season in pass protection. But, for now, Fautanu's the odd man out, making the starting five, from left to right, Moore, Seumalo, Herbig, Daniels and Jones.
I'm listing Dylan Cook as the fourth tackle here, but the Steelers could theoretically use this roster spot for Anderson. He's been moving around the line during practice, especially when multiple linemen are out due to injury maintenance or vet days off.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (7)
• Cam Heyward
• Larry Ogunjobi
• Keeanu Benton
• Montravius Adams
• Dean Lowry
• DeMarvin Leal
• Logan Lee
Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton are locks here, with Benton having a big opportunity to take snaps away from the other two. Montravius Adams has been a solid interior defender with the second team, and he has the ability to play multiple techniques up front.
Dean Lowry hasn't played a snap yet as he's on the PUP list, but I don't expect him to lose a job because of it.
DeMarvin Leal has had a really strong camp to date. His burst off the ball has never looked better, and he seems to be in his best shape as a professional. At this point, I have a hard time believing he's not one of seven interior defenders. His performance in camp has at least done that for me.
As for the final spot, I'll go with the sixth-round pick, Logan Lee. He's physical, he had some good reps in one-on-one drills during Friday Night Lights, and he's playing multiple spots on special teams, including one of the interior spots for the new kickoff rule. With all that participation, I'm leaning toward Lee here.
EDGE DEFENDERS (4)
• T.J. Watt
• Alex Highsmith
• Markus Golden
• Nick Herbig
Nothing's obviously changed with the top two here. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are as good as any passing-rushing duo in the game.
Bringing Markus Golden back is big for this position, and he's glad to be back, too:
“I was waiting. I’m just happy to be here and be back with the Steelers,” Golden said Saturday. “I love playing here. Being able to do another year, I’m excited for it."
Nick Herbig looks good, too, and could once again play as a strong No. 4 in this rotation while contributing on special teams. This is a very strong group. Nothing Jeremiah Moon or anyone can do here is going to change that.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4)
• Patrick Queen
• Elandon Roberts
• Payton Wilson
• Mark Robinson
In case you didn't know, Patrick Queen is a star. The alpha male of this room, and the quarterback of the Steelers' defense. Elandon Roberts has been next to him most often as the second inside linebacker, which I expect to be the pairing once the season begins.
Payton Wilson has been one of the more impressive players in camp, and is the most impressive rookie thus far. He makes everything look way easier than it should be for a rookie, and his speed and athleticism helps with that tremendously. He's the No. 3 right now.
Mark Robinson is typically lined up with Wilson when the second-team defense is on the field, with Wilson getting more reps alongside either Queen ore Roberts when one isn't in there with the starters. His job as the No. 4 linebackers seems pretty safe. Nobody else is banging the door down.
As for Cole Holcomb, the Steelers' restructure of his deal indicates pretty heavily that they fear Holcomb won't be ready for the start of the season. With the way the contract was restructured, the Steelers would save nearly $3 million if Holcomb starts on the PUP or injured reserve lists to start the season. Until I hear otherwise, I'd bet that's where Holcomb is come Sept. 8.
CORNERBACKS (6)
• Joey Porter Jr.
• Donte Jackson
• Beanie Bishop
• Anthony Averett
• Grayland Arnold
• Cory Trice Jr.
Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson look like a solid duo to start on the outside. I've really been impressed with Jackson. He's looked better than I expected, which bodes well for this group.
Surprisingly enough, Beanie Bishop is in line to start at slot cornerback. Typically, undrafted free agents aren't handed jobs. But, he's the first one in the slot when the defense isn't using the three-safety package in the nickel. And, he's looked pretty good doing it. Bishop's obviously not batting 1.000 on his reps, but he's always competitive and he's even been making plays lately, including an impressive pick-six of Fields during Saturday's practice, jumping a route out of the backfield, picking it off and taking it to the house.
The rest of the position's pretty much up for grabs at this point. But, Anthony Averett and Grayland Arnold are two guys that are consistently getting reps and look competitive each time the ball comes their way. At this point, I think at least one of these two guys makes the final roster.
Darius Rush started with a couple of nice days, but has been pretty nonexistent since then. It's been the opposite with Cory Trice Jr., who's finally getting more reps. It seems as if Trice is starting to trend up over the past couple of days. I just have a hard time seeing both of these guys on the roster right now. Maybe that'll change once preseason games begin. But for now, I have serious doubts about it.
SAFETIES (4)
• Minkah Fitzpatrick
• DeShon Elliott
• Damontae Kazee
• Miles Killebrew
Minkah Fitzpatrick has been limited in recent days, but that's only to preserve him for the "marathon" season. It does look like he's getting back to "Minkah ball," as he put it during the offseason. One of the primary answers for the nickel package has been the three-safety look with DeShon Eillott in the slot or box and Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee back deep.
"He's a versatile guy. He has a lot of experience," Fitzpatrick said of Elliott. "He's started some years at strong safety. He started last year and the year before that at free (safety). So, he's able to play at a high level at both positions. Wherever we put him, he's able to compete."
Needless to say, these three are making the roster. And Miles Killebrew is an All-Pro on special teams. So, these are the four. Maybe include Cam Sutton as a fifth in this group when he returns after his eight-game suspension because he's played some safety during training camp, which included an interception of Allen during the Friday Night Lights practice.
SPECIALISTS (3)
• Chris Boswell
• Cameron Johnston
• Christian Kuntz
Everything that I've seen in camp is that the Steelers should be well-equipped for field goal attempts and punting. Chris Boswell still has a heck of a leg and Cameron Johnston does nothing but boot rockets into the humid Latrobe air. Matthew Wright deserves to be a kicker elsewhere, though. He's good enough for it.
