Way-too-early Steelers 53-man roster prediction.

SOUTH BEND, IN - DECEMBER 20: Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio (97) during the CFP first round game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 20, 2024 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Steelers’ offseason roster is almost complete, and the team will be in training camp before we know it.

It’s almost time for an NFL tradition not far off from the endless mock drafts that punctuate the spring: summer 53-man roster predictions.

There are still plenty of question marks that will be answered in the coming months, but all roster predictions have to start somewhere.

Way-too-early Steelers 53-man roster prediction

Offense (24)

Quarterback (3)

• Aaron Rodgers
• Will Howard
• Drew Allar

Yes, I’m predicting Rodgers will sign, and no, I’m not saying Howard or Allar are better than Mason Rudolph at this point in their respective careers. However, if Rodgers goes down, the Steelers have nothing to lose by testing out one of their unproven young guys, and the future Hall-of-Famer doesn’t really need a veteran backup to succeed.

Running back (3)

• Jaylen Warren
• Rico Dowdle
• Kaleb Johnson

For now, I have Johnson making the roster as I still don’t foresee the Steelers giving up on a third-round pick after just one year. But don’t rule out Pittsburgh trading Johnson and then keeping Travis Homer as a special teams capable RB3.

Fullback (1)

• Riley Nowakowski

Mike McCarthy loves his fullbacks and Nowakowski was drafted to fill that role. He doesn’t have any competition at the moment.

Wide receiver (6)

• DK Metcalf
• Michael Pittman Jr.
• Germie Bernard
• Roman Wilson
• Ben Skowronek
• Kaden Wetjen

Like Kaleb Johnson, Wilson could be a trade candidate even if there aren’t any major signs pointing towards that happening. At least the team’s top three is set. Beyond that, Skowronek and Wetjen are both special teamers first and foremost, but both still should be able to contribute at least something on offense. Keep an eye on A.T. Perry as well.

Tight ends (2)

• Pat Freiermuth
• Darnell Washington

Keeping just two tight ends here might seem unlikely, but Mike McCarthy won’t use them to the same extent that Arthur Smith did, and Nowakowski can absolutely fill in as a TE3 in a pinch. Plus, the team can stash one to two playable names on the practice squad and elevate them when needed.

Offensive line (9)

• Troy Fautanu (OT)
• Mason McCormick (OG)
• Zach Frazier (C)
• Gennings Dunker (OG)
• Max Iheanachor (OT)
• Spencer Anderson (OG)
• Brock Hoffman (IOL)
• Dylan Cook (OT)
• Ryan McCollum (C)

Broderick Jones is certainly worthy of making the 53-man roster, but I’d predict he starts the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Either way, this is a deep group entering 2026.

Defense (26)

Defensive line (8)

• Cameron Heyward
• Derrick Harmon
• Keeanu Benton
• Sebastian Joseph-Day
• Yahya Black
• Esezi Otomewo
• Gabriel Rubio
• Logan Lee

I have the rookie Rubio making the roster over the likes of the potentially-signed Dean Lowry or athletic UDFA Kevin Jobity. Logan Lee offers a different body type as an eighth option. The battle at the bottom of the depth chart could be an interesting one this preseason even if the top names are all but set.

Outside linebacker (4)

• TJ Watt
• Alex Highsmith
• Nick Herbig
• Jack Sawyer

This is a rock-solid top four and I don’t foresee any other combination barring injury this year.

Inside linebacker (5)

• Patrick Queen
• Payton Wilson
• Malik Harrison
• Cole Holcomb
• Carson Bruener

I still wouldn’t be surprised if the team shuffles this position group over the summer, but by re-signing Cole Holcomb and keeping Malik Harrison around, Pittsburgh signaled some confidence in the room. There’s a nice mix of experience, athleticism, and special teams value here — and if Payton Wilson makes a Year 3 jump, this group could take a big step forward.

Cornerback (6)

• Joey Porter Jr.
• Jamel Dean
• Jalen Ramsey
• Brandin Echols
• Asante Samuel Jr.
• Daylen Everette

Cory Trice and Donte Kent don’t make the final roster here as it’s hard to see the Steelers dropping any of the six names above.

Safety (3)

• DeShon Elliott
• Jaquan Brisker
• Darnell Savage

Only three safeties isn’t ideal, but even with a forecasted Savage signing, this room lacks the depth to keep too many. Jalen Ramsey’s position versatility provides some much-needed range in coverage, although Elliott and Brisker look like a good duo in split-safety looks.

Special teams

Kicker (1)

• Chris Boswell

Punter (1)

• Cameron Johnston

Long snapper (1)

• Christian Kuntz

Kuntz is the only one with real competition in training camp (Cal Adomitis), but I’d bet the Steelers keep the expected group around.

What’s your way-too-early 53-man roster prediction? Join the BTSC community and let us know in the comments below!