Ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first preseason game this Saturday night, here’s my 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers Roster prediction.
Offense (24)
Quarterback (3)
Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and Will Howard.
Let’s start with the offense, specifically at the Quarterback position. The Steelers project to keep three. Those three will be Rodgers, Rudolph, and Howard. Howard had started to earn reps above Skylar Thompson, before the hand injury he picked up this week.
#Steelers rookie QB Will Howard, who banged his throwing hand in practice, suffered a fractured small bone in his hand, sources say.
He’s having additional tests, but it’s likely no surgery is required. He’s expected to miss at least 3 weeks, but more info coming. pic.twitter.com/ngij5xxxr5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025
Running Back (3)
Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson.
No surprises here. With the additions of Gainwell and Johnson this offseason, these three have been locks. Trey Sermon is the next man up; however, he should be signed to the practice squad.
Tight End/Fullback (4)
Pat Friermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward.
Heyward is probably the player closest to the bubble. His versatility is his strength. His ability to play tight end and fullback, along with his contributions on special teams, keeps him around for one more year.
Offensive Line (9)
Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dylan Cook, Calvin Anderson, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Max Sharping.
This is probably the position with the least depth in 2025. A stark contrast to 2024, with experienced vets like Dan Moore, James Daniels, and Nate Herbig all departing, a healthy offensive line room in 2025 is required.
Calvin Anderson remains a question mark with a hamstring injury he picked up last week.
Wide Receivers (5)
D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Robert Woods III.
The battle for the wide receiver 2 role continues. Austin is in pole position with Wilson on his heels. Elsewhere, Ben Skrowronek, a dependable WR4, is an excellent gunner on the punt team. Rounding out the five is Woods. Woods is the player who I think is closest to being on the outside looking in. Scotty Miller is a capable vet, and rookie Roc Taylor has impressed during camp. They are the other options here.
Defense (26)
Let’s take a look at the other side of the ball. Here’s my Steelers roster prediction for the defense.
Defensive Line (6)
Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale.
A much-needed infusion of youth with Black and Harmon is the big change in the defensive line room. Both are in line to play a lot of snaps in 2025.
Outside Linebacker (5)
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer, Demarvin Leal.
Leal is probably the surprise name here. Overall, a forgotten man, Leal has changed positions this offseason, moving to outside linebacker. Leal can still take reps at defensive line, and this gives the Steelers the flexibility to keep six at the cutdown.
Inside Linebacker (5)
Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson
Carson Bruener is on the outside looking in and will head to the practice squad. Bruener offers special teams upside but won’t do enough to replace Mark Robinson, who has also gotten reps at fullback during training camp.
Cornerback (6)
Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr, Joey Porter Jr, Brandin Echols, James Pierre, Beanie Bishop,
I project that Corey Trice will start the season on injured reserve due to the hamstring injury picked up at Friday Night Lights practice last week.
Mike Tomlin said Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) and Calvin Anderson have soft-tissue injuries that could keep them out “more than a few days.”
On the flip side the coach expects the following players back “very soon”: Esezi Otomewo, DJ Thomas-Jones, Ryan McCollum and Joey Porter.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 2, 2025
Safety (4)
DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killebrew
Chuck Clark was the latest addition to the Steelers’ new secondary in 2o25. His smarts and ability to hop on a moving train cement his place. Exciting rookie Sebastian Castro will hope to be signed to the practice squad.
Specialists (3)
Christian Kuntz, Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston
Finally, let’s take a look at the specialists, who account for three spots. We have long snapper Christian Kuntz, Kicker Chris Boswell, and Punter Cameron Johnston. Corliss Waitliss did a great job stepping up when Johnston was lost for the season in week four due to a torn ACL. Johnston was a key free agent acquisition in 2023, and despite missing last season, I give him the nod.
Main Image: Barry Reeger – Imagn Images
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