I brought back the workouts I did ahead of the 2022 Pittsburgh Steelers season. With a month left before the team reports to training camp, it’s a good idea to compile a list of the Steelers’ 90-man roster (which could soon become a 91-man roster due to international waivers) and provide a framework. Probability of each player being included in the 53-man roster.
Today we’re going to take a look at the players on the roster bubble who have a chance of making the 53-man roster either way. Remember, these percentages are based on the probability that a non-practice squad player will receive a 53, and are based on the player’s talent, depth chart, and possible trades. These percentages also don’t take into account potential injuries around them.
Steelers fit right into bubble (41%-55% chance of making 53-man roster)
CB Darius Rush – 51%
WR Van Jefferson – 51%
TE Mycol Pruitt – 50%
TE Rodney Williams – 50%
CB Corey Trice Jr. – 49%
S Ryan Watts – 45%
It’s a short list, and much shorter than when I last did it two years ago. In some ways, the roster has become more stable as the team moves on from the Ben Roethlisberger and Kevin Colbert era. Still, there are some notable names and fighters fighting that are pretty connected to each other.
Darius Rush and Cory Trice Jr. are competing to be the best backup cornerback. Based on the current roster composition, both could be possible. I think only Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson have a chance of making the team and playing in Week 1. That leaves three or potentially four cornerback spots.
But we don’t know much about either player. Pittsburgh was Rush’s third team last year and playing time was scarce. I give him a slightly better chance than Trice, because Rush was healthy enough to practice last year and has proven skills at Gunner, according to his college resume. Trice has intriguing physical tools, but has yet to play in an NFL game and hasn’t even played in a preseason game.
The wide receiver is Van Jefferson. Coming from Atlanta, he is familiar with Arthur Smith’s system and scheme, and despite a quiet season last year, he brings size and versatility. But his spot is clearly not set in stone.
The tight end matchup between Rodney Williams and MyCole Pruitt may be the most overlooked one this summer. Even with Arthur Smith as the heavy-lifting team at the position, the Steelers can’t afford to keep five tight ends. Four is the maximum, so one of those players won’t survive. Williams is younger, a better athlete, and brings more value to special teams. Pruitt is experienced, a stronger inside-line blocker, and has followed Smith for most of his career. This matchup is close, and it’s clear that each is sitting right at 50 percent.
With Trenton Thompson waived, Watts’ chances have improved, but he’s still in the process of transitioning to safety. Special teams will be his ticket, and he could impress there with his size and physicality.
Steelers Roster Deconstruction – Long Shot
Deconstructing the Steelers Roster – From the Outside to the Inside
