Joe Kuzma’s 2021 preseason Steelers 53-man roster prediction
We’re at a midway point in the Steelers preseason, with training camp winding down and initial roster cuts underway. Therefore, it’s primetime to start making early guesses on which players may, or may not, make the official 53-man roster.
For the sake of brevity, the full list of 53 players is displayed below. Each group is listed by position, and a total of each position shown in the right-hand column. (Note: fullback has been grouped with running back, and all linebackers are pooled together.)
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster Prediction
Roster Prediction Notes
Players on the bubble include:
- Kalen Ballage, Zach Gentry, Rashaad Coward, Henry Mondeaux, Isaiah Buggs, Ulysees Gilbert III, Cassius Marsh
Due to Ballage’s injury and lack of history with the team, I feel he’s more of a practice squad candidate than Benny Snell at this time. Snell has two years remaining on his rookie contract and has also shown that he can be a 100-yard rusher under ideal conditions. (i.e. a better offensive line.)
Gentry is in a battle with a near-clone of his, Kevin Rader. Rader’s special teams play, but being one of my underdog picks to make the roster, is why I selected the latter. Gentry could be the choice, however.
The numbers game catches up with the remaining players. I feel Marcus Allen has a better chance to make the roster due to his coverage skills, as Gilbert has struggled to remain healthy and have a better showing than the others on this list. Cassius Marsh is also a bubble player to watch, though I feel he may be practice squad material over exposing Quincy Roche, who was a sixth round pick in this year’s draft.
For you Joshua Dobbs fans? He should be retained as an emergency quarterback on the practice squad.
