The 2023 preseason has officially wrapped up for the Pittsburgh Steelers and needless to say, it was one for the ages. Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett showed fans why he can be one of the biggest surprises across the NFL. In each of the five drives he led with the Steelers starting offense, all resulted in a touchdown, two of which came through the air.
AP Photo | Matt Durisko
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett looked excellent against the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 preseason.
Steelers Roster Predictions
With the Steelers' Week 1 matchup a little over two weeks away, here are the latest 53-man roster predictions heading into the 2023 season.
Quarterbacks
- Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph
The quarterback room will look identical to the way it looked in 2022. With Pickett getting full reigns of the offense and a full offseason under his belt, there is big expectations for the second-year quarterback in Pittsburgh.
Running Backs
- Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Anthony McFarland Jr.
After failing to make the 53-man roster last season, Anthony McFarland Jr. has had a tremendous camp and preseason and should start 2023 as the team's third running back. His role will be similar to what we saw out of former Steelers running back Benny Snell in years past.
Wide Receivers
- Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin III, Gunner Olszewski, Miles Boykin
One of the most overlooked receiver rooms in all of the NFL. There are many reasons for Steelers fans to be excited about what this group can accomplish in 2023. The addition of Allen Robinson brings a key veteran presence to a relatively young group. Calvin Austin III has finally gotten a chance to show off his speed, which has proved to be valuable both as a receiver and punt returner this preseason.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Calvin Austin III (#19) returns a punt against the Buffalo Bills.
Tight Ends
- Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
Now heading into his third season in the NFL, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is destined for a breakout season. The chemistry between him and Pickett was on full display during the Steelers' Week 2 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills when they connected for a 25-yard touchdown.
It is likely we have seen the last of Zach Gentry with the Steelers. Second-year tight end Connor Heyward and rookie Darnell Washington have proved to be key pieces that the Steelers will use in multiple situations throughout the year and it's likely Gentry is the odd man out.
Offensive Lineman
- Dan Moore Jr., Isaac Seumalo, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor, Broderick Jones, Nate Herbig, Kevin Dotson, Spencer Anderson
There has been a lot of trade speculation surrounding Steelers offensive guard Kevin Dotson. It is possible he ends up getting traded before the Steelers' Week 1 matchup, but until that happens, I still have him on the 53-man roster heading into the 2023 season.
Rookie offensive tackle Spencer Anderson has had an impressive camp and has gotten snaps at center, tackle and guard, so his versatility alone will be good enough to make the team in 2023.
Defensive Linemen
- Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Montravius Adams, Armon Watts
The defensive line for the Steelers may be one of the most overlooked units on this team heading into the 2023 season. Rookie defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has turned heads this preseason and has shown he can add instant value to this defensive line. With veteran leadership behind Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi, I expect big things from this group in 2023.
Inside Linebackers
- Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander, Elandon Roberts, Mark Robinson, Tanner Muse
Newcomers Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and Kwon Alexander proved to be valuable additions to the linebacker room for the Steelers. After multiple failed attempts via the NFL Draft and free agency over the last few seasons, it seems the Steelers have found the depth and quality linebacker play they desperately needed. This could very well be the team's most improved unit when compared to last year's team.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' new linebacker duo of Elandon Roberts (#50) and Cole Holcomb (#55) participate in the team's OTA's in Pittsburgh, PA.
Outside Linebackers
- T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Markus Golden
One of the most surprising performances this preseason was what Steelers fans saw out of rookie edge rusher Nick Herbig. Herbig finished the preseason with 3.5 sacks and showed that he can provide the Steelers with a key depth piece in his rookie season. I expect Herbig to see his snap count per game increase throughout the season and finish the season as the team's third option at outside linebacker.
Safeties
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Keanu Neal, Miles Killebrew
Steelers fans got a sneak peek of what Damontae Kazee could bring to the table towards the back half of the 2022 season. Now after the departure of Terrell Edmunds, Kazee will fill his shoes and accompany Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2023.
Cornerbacks
- Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Joey Porter Jr., James Pierre, Chandon Sullivan, Elijah Riley
Bringing in veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson will be huge for the Steelers' secondary. Having a future Hall of Famer work with rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will hopefully pay tremendous dividends down the road for what the Steelers hope to be their lockdown cornerback from many years to come.
I do believe both Chandon Sullivan and Elijah Riley find a way to make the 53-man roster this season. Both have had a stellar preseason and can provide depth in the slot.
Kicker
- Chris Boswell
It is no surprise the Steelers bring back Chris Boswell for his ninth season. He continues to be one of the top kickers in the entire NFL and as long as he stays healthy, he is one of the best weapons the Steelers have in their back pocket.
Steelers kicker, Chris Boswell (#9) walks on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Punter
- Pressley Harvin III
It has been far from sunshine and rainbows for Pressley Harvin III in his first two years in the NFL. After a solid showing in the Steelers' final preseason matchup where he pinned the Atlanta Falcons inside their own five-yard line, it is safe to assume Harvin will be the Steelers' punter for the foreseeable future.
Long Snapper
- Christian Kuntz
Christian Kuntz will continue to be the long-snapper for the Steelers in 2023.
The Steelers have not had this amount of depth in seemingly all areas for many years. General Manager Omar Khan and the entire Steelers front office have done a tremendous job of filling holes that this roster lacked in 2022. They are determined to win in the trenches and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and 2023 looks to be a bright year for the team on Pittsburgh's north shore.
What do you think? What changes would you make to this roster? Who would you add or drop? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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