All the major highlights of the NFL offseason have officially passed, and the vast majority of major roster moves have been made across the league. With this in mind, it is a great time to create an ideal 53 man roster for the Steelers.

In this exercise, no trades are made. I am using exclusively players on the current Steelers roster to formulate this roster. This is in no way a projection of what I expect the Steelers final 53 to look like, but this is rather focused on how I would formulate the roster if I were the one making the decisions.

If you have any thoughts on this breakdown, be sure to share them in the comment section below. Let’s dive in!

Quarterback (2)

QB: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

I thought about keeping Kyle Allen as well, but if another team decides to claim him off the practice squad, so be it. I do not anticipate the Steelers needing more than these two guys in a game, barring an injury. This also opens up a roster spot for another return specialist who can give the Steelers the upper hand with the new kickoff rule.

Running Back (4)

RB: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, Connor Heyward (4)

I’m not sure Heyward can ideally make this roster as a tight end, but personally, I like him in a fullback role better anyway. Hopefully Arthur Smith will agree with that and use him as such. Other than that, this position is pretty straightforward, and I do not anticipate much competition for the top three guys.

Wide Receiver (7)

WR: George Pickens, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Denzel Mims, Quez Watkins

It is difficult to leave Callaway off the list, but there is simply not enough room. I fully anticipate a splash trade or signing at wide receiver, but since I cannot make such moves in this exercise, we will do with what we have. I love what the Steelers are doing bringing in speedy options at wide receiver who could play a vital role in the return game this season. In this scenario, I see actual value in keeping seven receivers, considering the vital role the new kickoff will play in games.

Tight End (3)

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, MyCole Pruitt

If the Steelers, for some reason, do not add another receiver, Pat Freiermuth is in line for a monster season. Health is the big concern at this position, as it looks to be a promising group on paper.

Offensive Line (9)

OL: Broderick Jones, James Daniels, Zach Frazier, Isaac Seumalo, Troy Fautanu, Nate Herbig, Dan Moore, Jr., Mason McCormick, Joey Fisher

I still want to see James Daniels move to left guard and Isaac Seumalo move to right guard, but at least the Steelers are getting the biggest issue corrected by moving Broderick Jones to the left side. McCormick and Fisher will surprise fans and provide excellent depth.

Defensive Line (6)

DL: Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Larry Ogunjobi, Dean Lowry, DeMarvin Leal, Jonathan Marshall

I am concerned about the depth of this position going into 2025, but if the top four can all remain healthy, I expect this to be a solid line once again. Heyward and Ogunjobi should be able to feast with Watt and Highsmith working the edges.

Outside Linebacker (4)

OLB: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon

This is another position I could see the Steelers adding to before the season, but I would not rule out the impact Jeremiah Moon could make. He does not have the range to play inside linebacker in the NFL, but he has refined his pass rush since entering the league and is now in a much better position to contribute.

Inside Linebacker (5)

ILB: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Mark Robinson

This is in the event Cole Holcomb is actually healthy to begin the season, which seems to be far from a likelihood. If he is not ready to go, do not sleep on Jacoby Windmon. The undrafted free agent from Michigan State is an excellent tackler and can provide value as a blitzer as well.

Cornerback (6)

CB: Joey Porter, Jr., Donte Jackson, Anthony Averett, Cory Trice, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop, Jr.

Corner is definitely a position I could see the Steelers making a move at before the season begins, even if that is simply bringing back Patrick Peterson. If Porter continues his upward trend and becomes a truly elite corner in Year 2, the question marks on the other side of the field may not loom as large.

Safety (4)

S: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliot, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew

With several good safeties still available on the open market, it would be difficult for me to stand pat at safety if I were the GM. Nonetheless, the Steelers appear to be confident in Elliott and Kazee as complements to Minkah. Covering tight ends could still be an issue for Steelers safeties this year, but the group as a whole should be better than what it was last year.

Special Teams (3)

ST: Christian Kuntz, Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston

Johnston appears to be the lone man at punter, but do not be surprised if the Steelers bring in competition if he struggles in camp. Boswell and Kuntz also appear to be safe.

What are your thoughts on my ideal 53-man roster? What would you do differently? Let me know what you think by signing up for a no-cost account and commenting down below!