Steelers Predicted To Make Some Shocking Cuts; Multiple Rookies On The Outside Looking In

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL are in a holding pattern right now. Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp are over, and players don't report to Latrobe, PA for training camp until July 24th. In the meantime, players are spending this last bit of quiet time with their families and personally preparing for the new season, including working out with teammates old and new. 

On that report day in July, 90 players will show up at Saint Vincent College, and about a month later, only 53 will remain. Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly of The Athletic recently made bold predictions about how those final cuts will shake out. In his recent column, he predicted some shocking names to make the team. 

The defensive line is a bit of a puzzle, partly because of the players' ages and contract situations. These factors led Kaboly to suggest the team could go in a surprising direction.   

"Defensive line: Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Dean Lowry, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal. With Heyward and Loudermilk in contract years and Ogunjobi a candidate to be cut next offseason without crippling salary cap ramifications, the Steelers have to look ahead when it comes to constructing their defensive line room. They have, on paper, a good starting three with Heyward, Ogunjobi, and Benton, but after that, it is a little cloudy. Loudermilk hasn't lived up to draft expectations, but has talent. The same is true of Leal. The Steelers will keep as many as they can, but camp might just force a decision on Loudermilk, especially with a draft pick invested in Logan Lee."

Kaboly predicts the players he anticipates being cut from the defensive line, which include Breiden Fehoko, Logan Lee, Jacob Slade, and Jonathan Marshall. Lee was a sixth-round draft pick in 2024 out of Iowa. With Heyward turning 35 shortly after the draft, many were surprised that the Steelers didn't select a defensive lineman in an earlier round. 

Lee has been praised for his versatility by Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar, who said that his size and the bit of speed he has will make him an asset to the team. The Steelers know that the line has to be bulked up, much like how they have done with the offensive line the past two seasons. Dunbar said Lee was a player who could come into the organization and learn and grow, while still contributing to the team. 

What is unclear is how Lee will hold up against someone like Isaiahh Loudermilk, who feels he is finally ready to take that next step. Loudermilk, drafted in 2021 as a potential heir apparent to Cameron Heyward, hasn't shown the consistency the team needs for him to take over. 

Steelers Predicted To Have A Second Defensive Surprise

Many fans also expected the team to consider using a high draft pick on a cornerback. Joey Porter Jr. is entering his second year, and is primed for another big season, but will need some help. The team brought in a mix of rookies and veterans to support him and, according to Kaboly, will keep as many as possible. Kaboly predicts the organization will keep Donte Jackson, Cameron Sutton, Cory Trice Jr., Anthony Averett, Beanie Bishop, Darius Rush, and Josiah Scott. 

He calls Porter, Jackson (who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in the Diontae Jackson trade), and Sutton (previously in Pittsburgh), the guarantees. Trice, who is recovering from an injury, and the rest are battling for the final spots. 

In a surprise twist, Kaboly feels the organization will cut Ryan Watts and keep Bishop. Watts was the Steelers' other sixth-round draft pick in 2024. Bishop is an undrafted rookie free agent that the team signed. Many analysts believed in Bishop's talent and were incredulous that he was left unselected. 

What do you think about Kaboly's prediction? Click to comment below. 

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