LATROBE, Pa. -- Just like that, training camp has come to an end. 16 practices have come and gone over three weeks at Saint Vincent College, and there's plenty to take away from the work the Steelers put in. There were definitely winners, not really any losers, but also still some spots up for grabs, particularly on special teams.
"We had good work out here today. We finished with an exclamation point," Mike Tomlin said after Wednesday's practice. "I liked the energy and enthusiasm. It’s important that we don’t ooze to a finish in anything that we do, whether it’s a play, or drive, a half, a game, training camp. We just try to make a point of finishing everything that we do with an exclamation point. I liked the spirit that they brought today. I thought it was reflective in the energy that they had."
Furthermore, the energy throughout camp was reflective of the urgency put forth by Art Rooney II back in January. Whether that was something spearheaded by Tomlin or occurred naturally among the 90 players in camp, it was evident. Despite the number of new players, this wasn't a feeling out process at all. Most practices were intense, specifically the Friday Night Lights event at Latrobe Memorial Stadium. But the overall competition was a sight to behold.
Among that competition was the work that will be weighed in the ultimate decisions to be made when the roster is cut down to 53 players at 4 p.m. on Aug. 27. There are still some roster spots up for grabs, and the depth chart is still undecided at key areas of the roster.
For now, since training camp has come to a close, let's take a third stab at projecting the 53-man roster:
QUARTERBACKS (3)
• Russell Wilson
• Justin Fields
• Kyle Allen
All this talk about a quarterback competition, but Russell Wilson is still the starter. Tomlin hasn't declared it, but unless Wilson falls off a cliff, it's happening. And, despite not really ever ramping all the way up throughout camp due to his calf injury, Wilson typically looked sharp when he did take reps. And the players love how vocal he is. He looks the part of a starter right now.
Justin Fields had a great camp and the film from the preseason opener was favorable, too (despite two terrible center-quarterback exchanges). You'd have to really nitpick to find flaws. He's done about as much as he can to earn favor in the eyes of the decision makers on South Water Street. But, Fields is still the No. 2 for now. However, I don't think he'll just hold a clipboard. There'll be packages for him. Not in a Kordell Stewart 'Slash' role, but special packages as the quarterback in short-yardage or red zone snaps.
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 and earned some reps in camp as a receiver.
RUNNING BACKS (3)
• Najee Harris
• Jaylen Warren
• Cordarrelle Patterson
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are every bit as advertised. I also loved what I saw from both assuming roles as leaders. They were both more vocal than ever before, especially Harris.
Cordarrelle Patterson wasn't activated until the night of the preseason opener against the Texans. However, he managed to get some work in during the final few practices. He's still in line to be the No. 3 running back.
Some of the other running backs in camp such as Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin and Daijuan Edwards had some nice moments, but nothing to steal a roster spot. Perhaps one or two of them will get a spot on the practice squad.
As for Jack Colletto, the offense is ran with a lot of I-formation near the goal line, and Colletto was the fullback of choice. However, I'm skeptical that he earns a spot on the 53-man roster. The Steelers really value their tight ends, and I could very well see them keeping four of them on the roster. That makes it really difficult to keep a fullback.
And, I'm also concerned Colletto won't be able to contribute enough on special teams to warrant a roster spot. Maybe the Steelers can stash him on the practice squad and elevate him on gamedays. We'll see.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6)
• George Pickens
• Van Jefferson
• Calvin Austin III
• Roman Wilson
• Scotty Miller
• Quez Watkins
George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson are the top four here, respectively. Jefferson and Austin both had very nice camps. Jefferson looks like a guy that can produce to the same level as he previously did with the Rams in 2021, and Austin looks like he's improved on his route running. But, we're talking about practice. Let's see what two preseason games have in store.
Wilson was having some very impressive days before having his ankle injured during seven shots. I think he did enough to earn a shot at getting some reps out of the slot when the Steelers line up in 11 personnel.
Scotty Miller is the fifth receiver right now. He looks the most consistent of all the other guys. Quez Watkins won't be returning punts any time soon, but he looks the part more than any of the other bodies in camp. The only question is if these two can also contribute on special teams. That's a huge point of emphasis regarding the depth of this roster.
I'm not including any external candidates, including Brandon Aiyuk. Until anybody is in a Steelers uniform, I can't include them here. Obviously if Aiyuk is acquired, then Watkins doesn't get a spot here. But, there needs to be an addition here. Yes, receivers such as Jefferson and Austin have looked great thus far, but this is still a thin position. They need external help.
TIGHT ENDS (4)
• Pat Freiermuth
• Darnell Washington
• Connor Heyward
• MyCole Pruitt
Pat Freiermuth is a given. And he had a great camp. Darnell Washington will undoubtedly have a spot, too. I don't know how much to expect in his role as a receiver, but he dominated as a blocker. I will say, though, that Washington looked better as a receiver over the final week or so of camp. Just not quite ready to say he's a legitimate No. 2 receiving option at tight end.
I do believe Connor Heyward will be on this roster and primarily be that No. 2 receiving option. He does a lot of the same stuff we've seen the past two seasons. He's versatile, having the ability to line up as a tight end, fullback and play special teams.
MyCole Pruitt and Rodney Williams both do good things, too. Pruitt is just as versatile as Heyward, but Williams can probably contribute a bit more on special teams, as well.
I think Pruitt might have the upper hand for the fourth spot at tight end, though the Steelers really like Williams. I'd expect Williams to wind up in Pittsburgh one way or another, whether that's on the roster or the practice squad.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
• Dan Moore Jr.
• Isaac Seumalo
• Nate Herbig
• James Daniels
• Broderick Jones
• Zach Frazier
• Troy Fautanu
• Mason McCormick
• Spencer Anderson
Guard is solidified with Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels. Those two spots are locked up. With Troy Fautanu nursing a left knee sprain, that makes the tackles solidified, as well, with Dan Moore Jr. on the left and Broderick Jones on the right. The Steelers really like Fautanu, but how quickly he can return from this injury will determine his chances of cracking the starting lineup.
Regarding center, Nate Herbig continues to be listed first on the depth chart, but Zach Frazier did earn some first-team reps during the first practice after the preseason opener. Just don't read too much into the depth chart right now. Regardless, both guys are making the roster.
Spencer Anderson also stands a solid chance of making the team. He's been the first guy to step in at left guard when Seumalo has had veteran days off. Anderson also has the ability to play any spot on the line. Tomlin loves versatility, and Anderson provides it.
The Steelers love Mason McCormick too much to cut him. I truly believe this guy was drafted to eventually take Daniels' spot at right guard, even if it isn't until next season. They're not going to let him walk.
This makes Dylan Cook the odd man out. I just can't foresee 10 offensive linemen on the roster. I bet they try like crazy to keep him on the practice squad. Either way, whether Anderson or Cook is cut, it'll be one of the more difficult decisions to get down to 53 players.
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. And, Adams had a great showing in the preseason opener.
Dean Lowry's role is difficult to figure here, but Tomlin said this week they brought him to Pittsburgh for a reason. He should help with depth as a run defender and he has the ability to push the pocket in pass rush snaps.
DeMarvin Leal was one of the 'winners' of camp. He desperately needed to have a good performance here and he did exactly that. 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 and he played multiple spots on special teams, including one of the interior spots for the new kickoff rule. And, I've seen him long snap the ball to Cameron Johnston off to the side. Perhaps he can be the emergency long snapper in case something happens with Christian Kuntz? With all that participation and versatility, I'm leaning toward Lee here.
EDGE DEFENDERS (4)
• T.J. Watt
• Alex Highsmith
• Nick Herbig
• Jeremiah Moon
When Markus Golden returned, running it back with the same foursome as last season made all the sense in the world. It was a productive group.
However, Golden's sudden retirement creates a hole at edge rusher. Nick Herbig will slide up as the first guy on the field when either T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith need a breather. That much is clear. And perhaps Leal can earn some snaps there, too.
But, I'd expect Tomlin to employ a fourth guy who predominantly plays on the edge, putting Jeremiah Moon back in this spot, where he was before Golden returned. However, keep your eye out for Kyron Johnson. He had some good moments in camp. There are still two preseason games to go. It's not to late for him to earn this spot. It's definitely up for grabs.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4)
• Patrick Queen
• Elandon Roberts
• Payton Wilson
• Tyler Matakevich
Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts are the starters. Payton Wilson is the unquestioned No. 3 here. He's earned it. Another one of the 'winners' of camp.
As for the fourth spot, I initially said Mark Robinson as he was earning more snaps than Tyler Matakevich. However, Matakevich is now ahead of Robinson on the depth chart, and Matakevich provides a ton more value on special teams. I'm fearful that Robinson won't even make this roster.
One practice squad candidate to watch is Jacoby Windmon. He's really improved as of late, including a pretty stellar performance in the preseason opener.
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
• Grayland Arnold
• Cory Trice Jr.
• Beanie Bishop
• Darius Rush
Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson look like a solid duo to start on the outside. I've really been impressed with Jackson. Chalk him up as another 'winner.' He didn't have to earn that. He was always going to be the No. 2 cornerback, but he really showed up in a big way in Latrobe.
After those two, it gets very murky.
Beanie Bishop is listed as the starting nickel cornerback right now, but it really appears Tomlin prefers Grayland Arnold. The latter's health has been the main hurdle getting in the way of actually seeing this consistently in practice. And in the final practice of training camp, Arnold suffered a calf injury. But, if the injury is minor, I expect him to eventually be favored in this role.
Also, Bishop leaves a lot to be desired in special teams. He had some good moments throughout camp in his quest to win the role as the nickel cornerback, but his ability as a gunner on special teams is very lacking. It could eventually cost him a roster spot because Darius Rush or even Ryan Watts could supplant Bishop in this area.
Speaking of Rush, he might be one of the last cornerbacks on this roster. He might not. But if he can provide value on special teams, he stands a great chance of winning a job.
After a slow start to camp, Cory Trice Jr. finished with an increased workload, so much so that he was the first-team cornerback opposite Porter when Jackson sat out multiple days nursing minor "bumps and bruises," as Tomlin described. He seems to be in line for an actual role as a depth cornerback.
UPDATE: Arnold was placed on injured reserve Thursday morning. That obviously creates a spot based on this projection, so I'd give that spot to Watts with Bishop regaining the advantage at nickel corner.
SAFETIES (4)
• Minkah Fitzpatrick
• DeShon Elliott
• Damontae Kazee
• Miles Killebrew
One of the easiest positions to project. Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott are the two primary safeties, with Damontae Kazee as the third option. And, training camp gave us the return of the three-safety package, one of the Steelers' solutions to filling Cam Sutton's spot at nickel cornerback while he's suspended. And no, Sutton does not count toward the 53-man roster while he's suspended.
Miles Killebrew earns a spot for his special teams play alone. He's an All-Pro.
Watts not being included here is another really difficult decision. The sixth-rounder had a nice camp, especially in the latter half. Maybe he can eventually play his way onto the roster before Aug. 27. There's still time. Not to keep beating a dead horse here, but if he can become a solid contributor on special teams, he stands a much greater chance of winning a job. If not, he could still possibly get a spot on the practice squad.
SPECIALISTS (3)
• Chris Boswell
• Cameron Johnston
• Christian Kuntz
Chris Boswell, Johnston and Kuntz is the best trio the Steelers have had here in quite a while. Johnston has a canon for a leg. He's a punter. Fans are going to love him.
