Rookie class could make impact on Steelers' 53-man roster - TribLIVE

As evidenced by the work received in the preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to count heavily on their rookie class in 2021.

Four draft picks either started or assumed significant roles on offense in the four weeks of tuneup games. Najee Harris will start at running back, and Kendrick Green will open the season at center. If Pat Freiermuth isn’t the No. 1 option at tight end, he’s at worst a 1-A option to Eric Ebron. And Dan Moore Jr. has been used as the swing tackle, and he could start on the right side if Zach Banner’s knee keeps him out a bit longer.

Pressley Harvin III would be the fifth rookie to start if he unseats veteran punter Jordan Berry.

None of the draft picks will provide an immediate impact on defense. Still, at least three of the four draftees on that side of the ball figure to make the initial 53-man roster.

It’s rare that every draft pick survives the cutdown process. One usually is waived and ends up on the practice squad. That’s particularly true this year when the Steelers had nine drafted players in training camp.

The Steelers have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to trim their roster, and expect eight of nine draftees to survive the purge. Here is a look at how the 53-man roster might shake out. It is based only on the 80 players remaining in training camp and doesn’t take into account a trade or waiver-wire pickup.

Quarterback (3)

Starter: Ben Roethlisberger

Backups: Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins

The hierarchy behind Roethlisberger was established by Rudolph sitting out the preseason finale at Carolina. Even if Haskins thought he had a realistic chance to earn the No. 2 job, it evaporated with his disappointing performance against the Panthers. Still, he did enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

Running back (5)

Starter: Najee Harris

Backups: Anthony McFarland Jr., Benny Snell Jr., Kalen Ballage, Derek Watt (fullback)

Nobody stood out among the crowd when Harris rested against Carolina. That’s a bad sign if the rookie first-rounder gets injured. Ballage has been intriguing enough in the preseason that it should mean the end of Jaylen Samuels’ run with the Steelers after three seasons.

Wide receiver (5)

Starters: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool

Backups: James Washington, Ray-Ray McCloud

Mathew Sexton’s route to earning a roster spot ended when he muffed two punts, one of which the Panthers recovered in the red zone. He still could earn a spot on practice squad. Cody White could sneak his way onto the roster based on his special teams play, especially if the Steelers trade Washington.

Tight end (3)

Starter: Eric Ebron

Backups: Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry

It might not be long before Freiermuth unseats Ebron as the go-to tight end. Each made brief appearances in the finale. Gentry improved greatly in his third training camp. Kevin Rader did nothing to hurt his chances, but the Steelers will only keep three at this position.

Offensive line (9)

Starters: Chuks Okorafor, Kevin Dotson, Kendrick Green, Trai Turner, Zach Banner

Backups: Dan Moore Jr., Joe Haeg, B.J. Finney, Rashaad Coward

Moore’s improvement from OTAs through the end of training camp was massive, and he was used at both tackle spots. Haeg and Finney provide veteran backups with position flexibility. Coward makes the team if the Steelers keep a ninth lineman.

Defensive line (7)

Starters: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu

Backups: Chris Wormley, Isaiah Buggs, Carlos Davis, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Keeping a seventh defensive lineman is not ideal, but Tuitt’s availability for the season opener in two weeks is a lingering issue. Wormley assumed those starting snaps in the preseason. Buggs was the best defensive lineman against Carolina. Loudermilk’s potential should earn him a spot here.

Outside linebacker (4)

Starters: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith

Backups: Melvin Ingram, Jamir Jones

If preseason is any indication, Highsmith erased doubts about whether he’s ready to replace the departed Bud Dupree. Jones, the undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, made enough plays to put Cassius Marsh’s roster spot in jeopardy. Sixth-rounder Quincy Roche doesn’t make the cut.

Inside linebacker (5)

Starters: Devin Bush, Joe Schobert

Backups: Robert Spillane, Buddy Johnson, Marcus Allen

The acquisition of Schobert solidified a coverage weakness that was exposed again when Spillane was beaten for a touchdown against the Panthers. Johnson showed promise in the preseason, and Allen gets the nod over Ulysees Gilbert III.

Cornerback (5)

Starters: Joe Haden, Cam Sutton

Backups: James Pierre, Justin Layne, Arthur Maulet

Barring a trade, Pierre will open the season as the third corner, playing on the outside when the Steelers go to their nickel package. Layne did enough in his third camp, particularly on special teams, to earn a roster spot. The position, however, lacks quality depth. Don’t be surprised if a trade adds another piece here.

Safety (4)

Starters: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds

Backups: Tre Norwood, Miles Killebrew

Depth behind Fitzpatrick and Edmunds is spotty. Killebrew is known for his special teams play. Norwood provided versatility in the preseason, but showed against Carolina that he’s not ready to compete for the slot corner job.

Specialists (3)

Starters: PK Chris Boswell, P Pressley Harvin III, LS Kam Canaday

The Steelers have to decide whether they take a strong-legged rookie over a veteran in Jordan Berry, who answered the challenge in training camp. The guess is the Steelers go with the seventh-rounder only if because they also cast Berry aside after the 2020 preseason. Christian Kuntz provided a strong challenge at long snapper, but Canaday is a known commodity.

Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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