Steelers' way-too-early 53-man roster projection: Tenured vets face uphill battle following 2024 NFL Draft

With draft weekend now in the rearview and the majority of the undrafted free agent class signed, the Pittsburgh Steelers have just about finished their rookie acquisitions. 

And while some needs still remain, the roster is nearly set for 2024, making now the perfect time to project what the team might look like on opening day:

Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2024 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2024 undrafted free agents.

Pittsburgh also only has 87 of the 90 man roster filled, meaning new players may be added at a future date. 

Quarterback (3)

In: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen
Out: John Rhys Plumlee**

The Skinny: Pittsburgh kicked off free agency by signing Russell Wilson after it became apparent there was mutual interest between both parties. From there, the departure of 2023 starters Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett allowed Pittsburgh to strike and trade for Justin Fields at a minimal price. The Steelers would then add John Rhys Plumlee as an undrafted free agent, but he's likely there for the duration of camp and not much longer. 

Running back (3)

In: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson
Out: Aaron Shampklin, Jack Colletto, Daijun Edwards**

The Skinny: Perhaps the last position that Pittsburgh needs top address this offseason is running back. The team has a decision to make on to accept or decline Najee Harris' fifth-year option, but with his productivity and the low price of the option, that seems like a given. Adding UDFA Daijun Edwards is intriguing but he faces an uphill battle to make the team. 

Wide receiver (6)

In: George Pickens, Roman Wilson*, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins, Marquez Callaway,
Out: Keilahn Harris, Denzel Mims, Duece Watts, Dez Fitzpatrick

The Skinny: With Pittsburgh releasing Allen Robinson before free agency started and then making the move to trade WR Diontae Johnson, the WR room not only looks different, but will need some more ammo. The team got closer to solving that with the addition of Roman Wilson in the draft, but be on the lookout for another marquee addition via trade or signing before the season starts. 

Tight end (4)

IN: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt
Out: Rodney Williams

The Skinny: Another position similar to RB, Pittsburgh was always unlikely to be spenders at the TE position or really interested in drafting one, which came to fruition after adding MyCole Pruitt in free agency and leaving the position bare over draft weekend. 

Offensive line (9)

In: Broderick Jones (RT), James Daniels (RG), Zach Frazier* (C), Isaac Seumalo (LG), Troy Fautanu* (LT), Mason McCormick* Nate Herbig, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum,
Out: Dan Moore Jr. Devery Hamilton, Tyler Beach, Anderson Hardy, Dylan Cook, Kellen Diesch, Joey Fisher

The Skinny: Pittsburgh completely re-worked their offensive line by adding two new starters in Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier over draft weekend, not to mention a solid depth piece that could potentially start down the road via Mason McCormick. 

Defensive line (7)

In: Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee*
Out: Breiden Fehoko, Montravius Adams, Jonathan Marshall, Jacob Slade

The Skinny: Easily one of the stronger units if not the strongest unit on the team, Pittsburgh didn't have to address the defensive line in the draft, but the depth addition of Logan Lee is a welcomed one, especially given his potential as an interior pass rusher. 

Linebacker (7)

In: T.J. Watt (EDGE), Patrick Queen, (ILB) Elandon Roberts (ILB), Alex Highsmith (EDGE) Cole Holcomb (ILB), Nick Herbig (EDGE) Payton Wilson* (ILB) 
Out: Jeremiah Moon, Mark Robinson, David Perales, Tyler Murray, Kyron Johnson, Julius Welschof** (EDGE) Jacoby Windmon** (ILB)

The Skinny: With Cole Holcomb likely to miss the start of the season with injury, and one of the best free agents on the board via 24-year-old LB Patrick Queen, Pittsburgh couldn't pass up on adding the fiery competitor. They doubled down on that kind of player by adding Payton Wilson in the draft. He can step in and start alongside Queen, while Holcomb rehabs and Elandon Roberts plays on run downs.

Cornerback (6)

In: Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop,** Luq Barcoo
Out: Thomas Graham Jr., Kalon Barnes, Josiah Scott

The Skinny: Pittsburgh acquired Donte Jackson in return for the trade that sent Diontae Johnson to Carolina. They decided not to address the position (depending on how you view Ryan Watts) during the draft, which points to how optimistic they are surrounding players like Cory Trice Jr. and Darius Rush. 

Safety (5)

In: Minah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts*
Out: Trenton Thompson, Jalen Elliott, Nathan Meadows

The Skinny: Pittsburgh needed a proven and versatile defender to play opposite of Minkah Fitzpatrick, and they have seemingly found that with the acquisition of DeShon Elliott, another former Raven turned Steeler. They then added Ryan Watts with their final pick in the draft, proving their value on versatility and physicality in the defensive backfield. 

Specialists (3)

In: Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Out: Matthew Wright (K)

The Skinny: Pittsburgh addressed the punter position with the signing of Johnston, who won't be competing for All-Pros but should provide the stability Pittsburgh has been searching for at the position. After signing Matthew Wright, it makes sense that Pittsburgh didn't do anything to the position on draft weekend.