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Devlin Hodges seems poised to retain his roster spot in 2020.
4 months from in the present day the Pittsburgh Steelers will kick off their 2020 season with a Monday Night time Soccer sport on the New York Giants.
Following is an early take a look at what the Steelers’ 53-man roster may seem like come September.
Quarterback (3)
The quarterback room will doubtless embody the three QBs who began video games final yr: Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph and Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges. Some observers consider that Paxton Lynch or J.T. Barrett will problem Hodges for the third-string QB job, however this appears unlikely. Throughout a current interview with Professional Soccer Discuss, Steelers common supervisor Kevin Colbert mentioned, “We’re snug with Mason Rudolph as a backup and Devlin Hodges within the combine. Between the 2 of them, they had been 8-6 final yr.”
Colbert did go on to say Lynch, saying, “We’re very snug realizing if want be Mason and Devlin and/or Devlin and Mason and even Paxton Lynch [can fill in capably].” However to make sure, the Steelers need to discover out extra about what they’ve—or don’t have—with Rudolph, as they take into account who would possibly substitute Roethlisberger within the subsequent yr or three.
Operating Again (5)
Barring harm, James Connor would be the Steelers’ characteristic again, with Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell, Jr. taking part in assist roles.
Rookie fourth-round draft alternative Anthony McFarland, Jr. has intriguing potential and will rapidly set up himself as Connor’s backup. Some have fretted that McFarland may very well be one other Dri Archer, drafted by the Steelers within the third spherical in 2014 after he ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.26 seconds on the mix. Each McFarland and Archer are 5-8, however that’s the place the comparisons finish. Archer performed at simply 173 kilos, and would go to the bottom in a stiff wind. However, McFarland’s construct is one thing nearer to that of Barry Foster, who averaged 4.Three yards per carry over the course of a five-year profession with the Steelers within the early nineties.
Free agent acquisition Derek Watt would be the group’s one and solely fullback, having signed a three-year contract in the course of the offseason.
Huge Receiver (6)
Diontae Johnson, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington are locks to make the group, as is second-round draft decide Chase Claypool, who should see lot of time on particular groups as a rookie. Deon Cain is the perfect guess to turn into the fifth receiver, with Ryan Switzer the final man in, except a first-year participant like Saeed Blacknall or second-year man Quadree Henderson takes a giant step ahead.
Tight Finish (3)
Traditionally, the Steelers hold three tight ends of their roster, and appear doubtless to take action once more this yr, partially as a result of Vance McDonald and free agent acquisition Eric Ebron haven’t precisely been sturdy.
Final yr’s fifth-round draft decide Zach Gentry figures to be the third tight finish, whereas Christian Scotland-Williamson, initially signed by the Steelers through the NFL’s Worldwide Pathway program, continues to chase his NFL dream. Scotland-Williamson spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons on the group’s follow squad dream whereas attempting to make the transition from rugby participant to tight finish. Extra notably, he just lately opened up about his mother and father’ battle with COVID-19—and the horror of watching them battle from afar.
Offensive Line (9)
Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Chukwuma Okorafor and Zach Banner are all anticipated to deal with key roles, with veteran free agent Stefen Wisniewski signing a two-year contract to play guard and/or heart. Fourth-round draft decide Kevin Dotson figures to make the roster as effectively, whereas final yr’s seventh-round draft decide Derwin Grey has the perfect probability of turning into the ninth offensive lineman, having spent final season on the follow squad.
Defensive Line (6)
Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu are fixtures, whereas Chris Wormley figures to make the group after being acquired in a commerce with the Ravens. After that issues are up within the air. Isaiah Buggs, drafted with a sixth-round decide final yr, ought to stick as a fifth defensive lineman, however one can by no means low cost Daniel McCullers, who has been with the Steelers since 2014, regardless of solely 36 whole tackles and a pair of.5 sacks over the course of his profession.
In the meantime, Henry Mondeaux may make the soar from the follow squad to the energetic roster, although there’s definitely room for an additional darkish horse candidate to emerge, which explains the addition of rookie undrafted free brokers Josiah Coatney (Mississippi) and Calvin Taylor (Kentucky). Seventh-round decide Carlos Davis appears like a challenge, and appears destined for the 2020 follow squad.
Exterior Linebacker (4)
T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree are the starters, and third-round decide Alex Highsmith can be groomed as a possible substitute for Dupree within the occasion that Bud leaves in free company after the 2020 season. That leaves one spot for both Ola Adeniyi or Tuzar Skipper, or a just lately signed free agent.
Inside Linebacker (4)
Devin Bush and Vince Williams will take up two spots, however there’s loads of alternative for newcomers to make an impression. As of in the present day, Ulysees Gilbert III and Robert Spillane are the most probably candidates to make the group, but it surely appears unlikely that each will earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Except a recently-added free agent impresses, the Steelers are more likely to signal a veteran free agent or make a pickup after rosters are reduce down.
Cornerback (5)
Joe Haden and Steven Nelson are the established starters, whereas Mike Hilton will return to fill the position of slot nook for not less than yet one more yr. Cameron Sutton and Justin Layne are well-positioned to function the fourth and fifth CBs.
Security (5)
Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds are the starters, and backup Jordan Dangerfield just lately signed a brand new one-year contract, having distinguished himself on particular groups. Rookie sixth-round decide Antoine Brooks, Jr. and Marcus Allen are the main contenders to function backups, however free agent additions will even have the chance to impress.
Specialists (3)
Chris Boswell would be the placekicker after a bounce-back yr in 2019, however punter Jordan Berry should fend off a problem from rookie free agent Corliss Waitman. Kameron Canaday returns because the group’s lengthy snapper, having signed a brand new two-year contract.
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