Steelers – Page 12 – Redzone Insider

Steelers Players to Watch: Pre-Season Week 1 vs Seahawks

Finally, after six long months of no Steelers football. We have a game tonight against the Seahawks! It’s interesting both teams are looking to see who their starting Quarterback will for this season.

I know everyone will be watching the Steelers Quarterbacks the most tonight, but this Receiver group is something special. Rookie wide receiver George Pickens is ready to show why he is the best receiver to be drafted this year. Another rookie receiver that is ready to ball out is Calvin Austin, his speed is something special. During training camp so far, he’s been showcasing his speed multiple times that he can take a short pass to the house with just a move or two.

Another wide receiver that is looking to show he can still be an important part of this offense, is veteran Anthony Miller. Miller has been balling out this training camp. He is showing that he still has a connection with starting QB Mitch Trubisky.

Let’s get into the players to watch. These players are showing so far in training camp that they belong to be on an NFL roster this season. And some are ready to make the jump their second season.

Offense

30 Jaylen Warren, RB
26 Anthony McFarland Jr, RB
80 Tyler Vaughan, WR
82 Steven Sims, WR
89 Gunner Olszewski, WR/KR/PR
85 Jace Sternberger, TE
53 Kendrick Green, G
77 John LeGlue, G

Defense

68 Khalil Davis, DT
92 Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE
98 DeMarvin Leal, DE
50 Delontae Scott, OLB
93 Mark Robinson, ILB
24 Damontae Kazee, S
30 Carlins Platel, CB
26 Chris Steele, CB

Steelers Roster Bubble Players 1.0: Pre-Training Camp

With training camp starting in nine days, I was looking at the roster for who could be on the bubble.

With Omar Khan as the new general manager, what we came to expect with how many players would be carried at some positions may have changed. With Practice Squad also being able to have even veteran players to be added, have changed how the steelers do their roster cuts.

Here are my bubble players.

Offense

Mason Rudolph, QB Cap Savings: $3,000,000
Benny Snell Jr, RB Cap Savings: $965,000
Trey Edmunds, RB Cap Savings: $895,000
Cody White, WR Cap Savings: $825,000
Anthony Miller, WR Cap Savings: $895,000
Steven Sims, WR Cap Savings: $895,000
Kevin Rader, TE Cap Savings: $895,000
Chaz Green, OT Cap Savings: $895,000
John LeGlue, G/T Cap Savings: $825,000
JC Hassenauer, C Cap Savings: $895,000

Defense

Henry Mondeaux, DE Cap Savings: $895,000
Khalil Davis, DT Cap Savings: $895,000
Carlos Davis, DT Cap Savings: $871,624
Montravius Adams, DT Cap Savings: $1,035,000
Marcus Allen, ILB Cap Savings: $2,540,000
Ulysees Gilbert, ILB Cap Savings: $965,000
Robert Spillane, ILB Cap Savings: $2,433,000
Delontae Scott, OLB Cap Savings: $705,000
James Pierre, CB Cap Savings: $895,000
Justin Layne, CB Cap Savings: $965,000
Miles Killebrew, S Cap Savings: 1,035,000

Steelers 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0: Pre-Training Camp

With the players reporting to training camp in nine days. It’s never too early to do a mock draft.

I find one way to learn about the prospects for NFL Draft is from mock drafts, it makes it easier to get an idea of who some of the prospects will be.

Team needs: DL, S, OT, OLB depth, RB, ILB, CB, WR, and IOL.

Let’s get into the mock draft. I used the PFN Draft Simulator.

Round 1, Pick 11: Brandon Joseph, S Notre Dame

Round 2, Pick 43: Calijah Kancey, DT Pittsburgh

Round 3, Pick 75: Sean Tucker, RB Syracuse

Round 4, Pick 111: Carter Warren, OT Pittsburgh

Round 5: Traded to the Seahawks for CB Ahkello Witherspoon.

Round 6, Pick 175: Will McDonald IV, Edge Iowa State

Round 7, Pick 207: Arquon Bush, CB Cincinnati

Top 10 Positional Rankings: Defense

So, with training camp looming in the horizon, I am going to give my first rankings on defense. Once the season begins, I will be doing one every week.

Yesterday I posted the top 10 positional groups rankings on offense. So today is the defense turn. Let’s get started

Edge Rushers

T.J. Watt, Steelers
Micah Parsons, Cowboys
Myles Garrett, Browns
Maxx Crosby, Raiders
Khalil Mack, Chargers
Joey Bosa, Chargers
Nick Bosa, 49ers
Brian Burns, Panthers
Chase Young, Commanders
Rashan Gary, Packers

Interior Defensive Line

Aaron Donald, Rams
Cam Heyward, Steelers
DeForest Buckner, Colts
Chris Jones, Chiefs
Grady Jarrett, Falcons
Vita Vea, Buccaneers
Kenny Clark, Packers
Jonathan Allen, Commanders
Leonard Williams, Giants
Jeffrey Simmons, Titans

Linebackers

Fred Warner, 49ers
Darius Leonard, Colts
Eric Kendricks, Vikings
Demario Davis, Saints
Lavonte David, Buccaneers
De’vondre Campbell, Packers
Bobby Wagner, Rams
Matt Milano, Bills
Alexander Johnson, Broncos
Zach Cunningham, Titans

Safeties

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Steelers
Marcus Williams, Ravens
Jessie Bates, Bengals
Kevin Byard, Titans
Jordan Whitehead, Jets
Budda Baker, Cardinals
Derwin James, Chargers
Micah Hyde, Bills
Adrian Amos, Packers
Tyrann Mathieu, Saints

Slot Corners

Kenny Moore, Colts
Jonathan Jones, Patriots
Mike Hilton, Bengals
Taron Johnson, Bills
Chancey Gardner-Johnson, Saints
Bryce Callahan, Chargers
Troy Hill, Rams
Avonte Maddox, Eagles
Nate Hobbs, Raiders
Tavierre Thomas, Texans

Outside Corners

Jalen Ramsey, Rams
Jaire Alexander, Packers
J.C. Jackson, Chargers
Marshon Lattimore, Saints
A.J. Terrell, Falcons
Tre’Davisius White, Bills
Xavian Howard, Dolphins
Darius Slay, Eagles
Marlon Humphrey, Ravens
Denzel Ward, Browns

Projected Steelers 53-Man Roster 1.0: Pre-Training Camp

With training camp starting in three weeks, I thought I would do a projected 53-Man Roster. I also included projected Practice Squad.

It was tough to make some of the cuts, but it just a part of the business.

There is a not so surprising trade included.

Let’s get into it.

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks (3)

Mitch Trubisky
Kenny Pickett
Chris Oladokun

Running Backs (5)

Najee Harris
Mataeo Durant
Benny Snell
Anthony McFarland Jr
Derek Watt, FB

Wide Receivers (6)

Diontae Johnson
Chase Claypool
George Pickens
Calvin Austin
Gunner Olszewski
Steven Sims

Tight Ends (3)

Pat Freiermuth
Zach Gentry
Connor Heyward

Offensive Line (8)

Dan Moore Jr, OT
Kevin Dotson, G
Mason Cole, C
James Daniels, G
Chucks Okorafor, OT
Kendrick Green, G
JC Hassenauer, C
Joe Haeg, OT

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (7)

Cam Heyward, DT
Larry Ogunjobi, DT
Tyson Alualu, DE
Chris Wormley, DE
Isaiah Loudermilk, DE
DeMarvin Leal, DE
Donovan Jeter, NT

Linebackers (8)

Alex Highsmith, OLB
Myles Jack, ILB
Devin Bush, ILB
TJ Watt, OLB
Derek Tuszka, OLB
Genard Avery, OLB
Buddy Johnson, ILB
Mark Robinson, ILB

Cornerbacks (5)

Levi Wallace
Cam Sutton
Ahkello Witherspoon
Tre Norwood
Arthur Maulet

Safeties (5)

Minkah Fitzpatrick
Terrell Edmunds
Damontae Kazee
Miles Killerbrew
Karl Joseph

Special Teams (3)

Chris Boswell, K
Christian Kuntz, LS
Pressley Harvin, P

Practice Squad (16)

Trey Edmunds, RB
Cody White, WR
Tyler Snead, WR
Kevin Rader, TE
John Leglue, G/T
Jordan Tucker, OT
Nate Gilliam, G
Henry Mondeaux, DE
Khalil Davis, DT
Tyree Johnson, OLB
Marcus Allen, ILB
Delontae Scott, OLB
Chris Steele, CB
Lindon Stephens, CB
Donovan Stiner, S
Cameron Nizialek, P

Mason Rudolph Trade

Steelers Receive

Conditional 2023 4th Round Pick that could become a 3rd Round Pick dependent on playing time.
2024 6th Round Pick.

Falcons Receive

QB Mason Rudolph
2024 6th Round Pick.

Pre-Training Camp 53 Man Roster

Very soon we will be enjoying another Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. So, before training camp gets under way, I thought I would give my 53 -man roster.

Like so many other people I believe that QB Mason Rudolph will be traded before the start of the season.

I really cannot wait to see how the new pieces on defense will take shape and how they will be used in the different sub packages.

I am also looking forward to seeing what the offense can become in the post Ben Roethlisberger years. We have a lot to be looking forward to. We have a top 10 RB in Najee Harris. The tight end room is coming together and our WRs are young but wanting to grow.

So, let’s get started:

Offense (25)

Quarterbacks

Mitchell Trubisky
Kenny Pickett
Chris Oladokun

Running Backs

Najee Harris
Mataeo Durant
Benny Snell
Derek Watt

Wide Receivers

Diontae Johnson
Chase Claypool
George Pickens
Calvin Austin, lll
Anthony Miller
Gunner Olsewski

Tight Ends

Pat Freiermuth
Zach Gentry
Connor Heyward

Offensive Line

James Daniel
Mason Cole
Kevin Dotson
Dan Moore
Chukwuma Okorafor
Kendrick Green
J.C. Hassenauer
Joe Haeg
John Leglue

Defense (25)

Defensive Line

Cam Heyward
Larry Ogunjobi
Tyson Alualu
DeMarvin Leal
Chris Wormley
Isaiahh Loudermilk
Montravius Adams

Linebackers

T.J. Watt
Alex Highsmith
Devin Bush
Myles Jack
Genard Avery
Buddy Johnson
Mark Robinson
Tuzar Skipper

Defensive Backs

Levi Wallace
Akhello Whitherspoon
Cam Sutton
Arthur Maulet
Tre Norwood
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Terrell Edmunds
Damontae Kazee
Miles Killebrew
Karl Joseph

Special Teams

K Chris Boswell
P Pressley Harvin, lll
LS Christian Kuntz

Practice Squad

Miles Boykin, WR
Cody White, WR
Jaylen Warren, RB
Anthony McFarland, RB
Chaz Green, T
Trent Scott, OL
Kevin Rader, TE
Justin Layne, CB
James Pierre, CB
Donovan Stiner, S
Marcus Allen, LB
Derrek Tuszka, OLB
Deiontae Scott, S
Carlos Davis, DT
Henry Mondeaux, DE
Donovan Jeter, NT

Steelers 2023 Free Agents

The Steelers have forty-two free agents whose contracts will expire following 2022 season. It’s a good thing that the Steelers will have a projected $79-$105M in cap space.

Some of the free agents are key players like Chris Boswell, Diontae Johnson, and Chris Wormley.

Looking at some of the free agents the steelers should get a few compensatory draft picks for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Let’s get into the free agents.

Unrestricted Free Agents (23)

Terrell Edmunds, S
Damontae Kazee, S
Diontae Johnson, WR
Anthony Miller, WR
Devin Bush, LB
Karl Joseph, S
Chris Wormley, DE
Trenton Scott, OT
Tyson Alualu, DT
Genard Avery, LB
Myles Boykin, WR
Joe Haeg, OT
Robert Spillane, LB
Mason Rudolph, QB
Chris Boswell, K
Benny Snell Jr, RB
Zach Gentry, TE
Derek Watt, FB
Marcus Allen, S
Chaz Green, OL
Justin Layne, CB
Trey Edmunds, RB
Ulysees Gilbert, LB

Restricted Free Agents (8)

Steven Sims, WR
JC Hassenauer, C
James Pierre, CB
Henry Mondeaux, DE
Derrek Tuszka, OLB
Jace Sternberger, TE
Tuzar Skipper, OLB
Kevin Rader, TE

Exclusive Rights Free Agents (11)

John Leglue, G
Cody White, WR
Lindon Stephens, CB
Cameron Nizialek, P
Khalil Davis, DT
Daniel Archibong, DE
Delontae Scott, OLB
Christian Kuntz, LS
Nathan Gilliam, G
Donovan Stiner, CB
Tyler Vaughns, WR

Steelers Latest Football Operations Changes

Steelers new General Manager Omar Khan has been busy building his staff the last few weeks.

They have made a few promotions and a new hire this week.

New Hire

Mark Sadowski, Director of Player Personnel

Promotions

Dan Rooney Jr, Player Personnel Director
Dan Colbert, Director of College Scouting
Dave Petett, Assistant Director of Pro Scouting
Phil Kreidler, Senior Scouting Assistant
Kelvin Fisher, Senior Scouting Assistant
Cole Marcoux, Director of Football Administration

Steelers 2022 Training Camp Schedule

The Steelers have announced Monday their training camp schedule.

The Steelers are back at Saint Vincent College for the first time since 2019.

Something really is interesting is that only twenty players on the roster have been to Saint Vincents for training camp.

Just like last season you will need to have a ticket to attend training camp. The tickets will be available June 27th at 10 a.m. EST for Season Ticket holders, the public will then be able to get them at 12 p.m. EST. The tickets will be available on Ticketmaster.

Here is the schedule:

July 26th: All Players Report
July 27th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
July 28th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
July 29th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
July 30th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public*
July 31st: No Practice
August 1st: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 2nd: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 3rd: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 4th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 5th: 7 p.m. EST Friday Night Lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium
August 6th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 7th: No Practice
August 8th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 9th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 10th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 11th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 12th: Closed to the Public
August 13: Preseason Game vs Seahawks 7 pm
August 14th: No Practice
August 15: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 16th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 17th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 18th: 1:55 p.m. EST Open to the Public
August 19th: Break Camp

*Helmets only practices

Three Reasons the Steelers Should Upgrade Their Defensive Tackle Depth

The Steelers have had issues with their depth of the Defensive Tackle position the past few seasons. Which lead to the run defense suffer towards the end of the season. And players not getting the rest they need to stay healthy.

The Steelers have five Defensive Tackles on the roster at the moment with Cam Hayward, Montravius Adams, Carlos Davis, Khalil Davis, and UDFA Rookie Donovan Jetter.

The Unproven Depth

Among the four defensive tackles behind Cam Heyward, they have a combined 10 starts out of 66 games in the league. Montravius Adams who they signed off of the Saints Practice Squad last season has the most playing time out of the group with a career 52 games with 10 starts.

Adams showed flashes last season of being a good player that you can trust to give the starter a rest, or if you need him to be the starter for a game.

2. The 17 Game Season

The uncertainty of Cam Hayward (33) being able to play a full 17 game season going forward at his age. He’s still a beast, but that can take a toll towards the end of the season. Last season he played a 1,064 snaps.

3. The Amount of Quality Free Agents still on the Market

Adding a player like Eddie Goldman or Larry Ogunjobi could go a long way this season. If they happen to get the injury bug, making a move now would have a big impact in helping to improve stopping the run and adding much needed depth.