Projected Steelers 53 man roster

[Dwinsgames]

0-Line -8
Maurkice Pouncey
B.J. Finney
Ramon Foster
David DeCastro
Alejandro Villanueva
Marcus Gilbert
Matt Feiler
Chukwuma Okorafor

RB's -3
Jaylen Samuels
James Conner
Le'Veon Bell


FB -1
Roosevelt Nix


TE's -3
Bucky Hodges
Vance McDonald
Jesse James


WR's -6
Ryan Switzer
James Washington
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Antonio Brown
Justin Hunter
Damoun Patterson



QB's -4
Mason Rudolph
Ben Roethlisberger
*Landry Jones
*Joshua Dobbs



25 offensive players


CB's -6
Cameron Sutton
Mike Hilton
Joe Haden
*Coty Sensabaugh
Brian Allen
Artie Burns


S -5
Terrell Edmunds
Morgan Burnett
Sean Davis
Nat Berhe
Marcus Allen


D-Line -6
Stephon Tuitt
L.T. Walton
Tyson Alualu
Dan McCullers
Cameron Heyward
Javon Hargrave




LB's -8
Olasunkanmi Adeniyi
Matthew Thomas
Jon Bostic
Vince Williams
L.J. Fort
T.J. Watt
Anthony Chickillo
Bud Dupree


def 25


specialists -3
*Jordan Berry
Chris Boswell
Kameron Canaday




** designates if no trade is worked out prior to cutdown


with Grimble Hurt they almost have to keep Hodges , that said Coty Sensabaugh , Josh Dobbs , Landry Jones ( one or all 3 ) could be traded prior to or just after cutdown ​

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

So they cut Chukks Okorafor to keep 3 backup QB's and 7WR's??

Its a bold strategy Cotton, lets see how that works out for them.

[Dwinsgames]

oh shit missed 1 good catch Gonzo

[BlackAndGold]

Offense

QB: Ben, Jones, Rudolph
RB/FB: Bell, Connor, Samuels, Nix
WR: Brown, JuJu, Washington, Hunter, DHB, Switzer (Rogers still on PUP)
TE: Vance, JJ, Grimble
OL: AV, Foster, Pouncey, DD, Gilbert, Okorafor, Finney, Feiler (Really like how Banner has played. Could get the 9th spot if they decide to keep that many)

Defense

DL: Heyward, Tuitt, Hargrave, McCullers, Alualu, Walton
ILB: VW, Bostic, Thomas, TM, Fort*
OLB: Watt, Dupree, Adams, Chickillo, Adeniyi
CB: Haden, Burns, Hilton, Coty, Sutton, Allen
S: Davis, Burnett, Edmunds, Allen

K/P/LS: Boswell, Berry*, Canaday


*= players that could be replaced from players on the waiver wire.

[Cyphon25]

Damoun Patterson isn't making the 53 and they aren't keeping 4 QB's. I highly doubt Marcus Allen makes it either. Your other receiver you are missing is DHB who has basically been a lock since day 1.

What I can't figure is is they keep 4 RB's and possibly 9 OL. Basically thinking of Toussaint and Banner.

[teegre]

Its a bold strategy Cotton, lets see how that works out for them.

:applaudit:

We must have the same DVD collection.

[tube517]

:applaudit:

We must have the same DVD collection.

I have the same DVDs! :chuckle:

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Damoun Patterson isn't making the 53 and they aren't keeping 4 QB's. I highly doubt Marcus Allen makes it either. Your other receiver you are missing is DHB who has basically been a lock since day 1.

What I can't figure is is they keep 4 RB's and possibly 9 OL. Basically thinking of Toussaint and Banner.

Yeah, Marcus Allen might turn out to be better than Behre, but injury during camp didn't help. I hope he makes it to practice squad as he looked to make sudden decisions and get to the football with urgency and a look of nasty intentions. As soft and NFL is becoming, I like that kind of guy in the secondary.

Banner getting lots of hype and I liked the look of Jake Rogers too, but I think Rogers is more of a guard and Banner an OT. Its likely one of them makes it to the PS.

If Toussaint makes the 53, I will chuckle as heads will explode on this board. He looked really good the first 2 games and looked better than Ridley or Samuels as a runner IMO and he plays on coverage teams as well. They likely shut him down as they know what they have in him, which could mean he could end up on the 53.

[Mojouw]

There are a few guys that are going to make cut-downs hard.

Banner
French Cafe
Marcus Allen 2.0
Patterson
Matakevich/Fort
Sensabuagh
Berhe
Ridley
LT Walton
Henderson/Switzer-- I dunno man. Unless Switzer (who I know nothing about) has just put some great tape down, someone needs to tell me the difference between these two. If you are determined to keep a returner, I'm not sure how you pick.


Not saying that any or all of those guys are in danger of getting cut but these are the guys that GM MojoUW thinks are on the "bubble" and I would like to find a place for.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

T
Henderson/Switzer-- I dunno man. Unless Switzer (who I know nothing about) has just put some great tape down, someone needs to tell me the difference between these two. If you are determined to keep a returner, I'm not sure how you pick.


.

Switzer had 600 YDS in kickoff returns and 256YDS in punt returns (including a PR for TD) last season with the Cowboys.

There is a lot more tape of Switzer doing good things in the return game in the NFL than there is of Henderson fair catching the football in preseason. That is likely the difference.

[Mojouw]

Switzer had 600 YDS in kickoff returns and 256YDS in punt returns (including a PR for TD) last season with the Cowboys.

There is a lot more tape of Switzer doing good things in the return game in the NFL than there is of Henderson fair catching the football in preseason. That is likely the difference.

Fair enough. I still don't see the point of either one.

Does anyone know who the best returner in the league was last year? The year before? I know I couldn't come up with it. Most likely because the return game simply doesn't really matter anymore. So why roster a guy who is otherwise useless?

But that is a whole other discussion and not really the question I originally asked. So if Switzer looks like the best guy to go back there and generate 53.5 yards of returns per game figure there are 6-8 punts and kickoffs to field per game - so do the math. It isn't a staggering amount of yardage/kick. I guess that's fine...I will never see the point of it.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Fair enough. I still don't see the point of either one.

Does anyone know who the best returner in the league was last year? The year before? I know I couldn't come up with it. Most likely because the return game simply doesn't really matter anymore. So why roster a guy who is otherwise useless?

But that is a whole other discussion and not really the question I originally asked. So if Switzer looks like the best guy to go back there and generate 53.5 yards of returns per game figure there are 6-8 punts and kickoffs to field per game - so do the math. It isn't a staggering amount of yardage/kick. I guess that's fine...I will never see the point of it.

Switzer also has elite change of direction and quickness. So he is kind of that Wes Welker guy that can work the slot if that is a player the Steelers want.

Welker ran a 4.01 short shuttle his draft year, Switzer and 4.00. Welker obviously had better hands, but essentially Switzer is a short, quick slot receiver that was security blanket for Mitch Trubisky at UNC, who is also a pretty good kick returner.

[Mojouw]

Switzer also has elite change of direction and quickness. So he is kind of that Wes Welker guy that can work the slot if that is a player the Steelers want.

Welker ran a 4.01 short shuttle his draft year, Switzer and 4.00. Welker obviously had better hands, but essentially Switzer is a short, quick slot receiver that was security blanket for Mitch Trubisky at UNC, who is also a pretty good kick returner.

Not attempting to debate, but only discuss - which I get is hard to come off in text only on a MB.

BUT...if Switzer is anything as a slot WR why did the Cowboys let him go when they have next to no proven wideouts and only Cole Beasley as the "Slot guy". Why was Switzer sent out of Raiders camp for a bag of kicking tees when their depth chart is not exactly glittering?

I mean the guy was targeted a whole 7 times in 16 games his rookie year and the best I can see from his return stats he was active for each of those contests. I keep hearing how this kid has crazy change of direction, runs ankle breaking routes, and oozes toughness. Then why have 2 NFL teams chosen to move off these characteristics?

[SteelMember]

Switzer had 600 YDS in kickoff returns and 256YDS in punt returns (including a PR for TD) last season with the Cowboys.

There is a lot more tape of Switzer doing good things in the return game in the NFL than there is of Henderson fair catching the football in preseason. That is likely the difference.

Switzer is also the better receiver and decent route runner who can use his speed to get under the ball. Hendersons' offensive forte was the sweep... so, he's a "specialist" in 2 areas. No brainer, imho.

[Fire Goodell]

I'm hoping we keep Dobbs and Rudolph, trading Dobbs for a 6th rounder would be a loss imo. We spent a 4th round pick and he seems to be developing into a QB with some real promise, I wouldn't take any less than a 4th for him. After his showing, he's gotta at least break even for his 4th round trade value I'd think? In any case I'd think if he's valuable enough to have 4th rounder, why not just keep him on the roster. He's shown more this preseason than Jones has shown in 5 years.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

Not attempting to debate, but only discuss - which I get is hard to come off in text only on a MB.

BUT...if Switzer is anything as a slot WR why did the Cowboys let him go when they have next to no proven wideouts and only Cole Beasley as the "Slot guy". Why was Switzer sent out of Raiders camp for a bag of kicking tees when their depth chart is not exactly glittering?

I mean the guy was targeted a whole 7 times in 16 games his rookie year and the best I can see from his return stats he was active for each of those contests. I keep hearing how this kid has crazy change of direction, runs ankle breaking routes, and oozes toughness. Then why have 2 NFL teams chosen to move off these characteristics?

Cowboys don't need 2 quick slot guys IMO. Raiders, lots of talent like Cooper, Nelson, Roberts, Bryant....maybe Chukky doesn't want a slot guy like that?

Switzer is mainly a kick returner and the #5 or 6 WR. I don't think we need to overthink it. Quadree Henderson didn't show anything to be impressed by and as Steelmember says, he is a jet sweep one trick pony. I don't get all the Quadree Henderson love, other than he is from Penn St. I bet he is 10th on the Steelers depth chart right now.

[Cyphon25]

Yeah, Marcus Allen might turn out to be better than Behre, but injury during camp didn't help. I hope he makes it to practice squad as he looked to make sudden decisions and get to the football with urgency and a look of nasty intentions. As soft and NFL is becoming, I like that kind of guy in the secondary.

Banner getting lots of hype and I liked the look of Jake Rogers too, but I think Rogers is more of a guard and Banner an OT. Its likely one of them makes it to the PS.

If Toussaint makes the 53, I will chuckle as heads will explode on this board. He looked really good the first 2 games and looked better than Ridley or Samuels as a runner IMO and he plays on coverage teams as well. They likely shut him down as they know what they have in him, which could mean he could end up on the 53.

Yeah I think Allen is destined for the PS. Injuries set him back and I think they are going to keep Behre regardless as Goldens replacement. Especially if they ultimately don't keep Toussaint who may be the other option to replace Golden on ST.

If Banner doesn't make the 53 I think there is a chance they both go to the PS.

I am rooting for Toussaint. He is great in pass protection, is a solid runner, and capable enough out of the backfield. Plus ST value. In an ideal world they put Samuels on the PS and keep Toussaint on the roster this year. Then next year your depth is RB1 Conner, RB2 Samuels/Toussaint RB3 Samuels/Toussaint/outside guy or draft pick. The best news of this offseason is I think we have seen enough that we don't need to draft an RB high to replace Bell.


There are a few guys that are going to make cut-downs hard.

Banner
French Cafe
Marcus Allen 2.0
Patterson
Matakevich/Fort
Sensabuagh
Berhe
Ridley
LT Walton
Henderson/Switzer-- I dunno man. Unless Switzer (who I know nothing about) has just put some great tape down, someone needs to tell me the difference between these two. If you are determined to keep a returner, I'm not sure how you pick.

Not saying that any or all of those guys are in danger of getting cut but these are the guys that GM MojoUW thinks are on the "bubble" and I would like to find a place for.

I have 2 disagreements with your list:

1. Patterson isn't on the bubble. Switzer coming in sealed any of the younger receivers fates for making this roster. Tucker, Patterson, and Henderson (Henderson never had a chance anyway) are all out. Especially with the Steelers keeping Rogers around on the pup. That makes him the 7th receiver (assuming they keep 6 that most of us are predicting) and he offers return value as well if they decide to bring him back. Best guess is the Steelers brought in Switzer to protect against Rogers. If Switzer performs well they just cut bait with Rogers and if not Rogers gets activated and Switzer gets the boot at some point.

2. LT Walton is the 5th DL and they are keeping 6. There is no bubble for him. I am not sure if you are thinking of Lavon Hooks who was on the PS last year and has looked solid this preseason. I suppose you could say he is a bubble guy but the way Big Dan performed I don't think anyone is getting that 6th spot but him. What will be interesting is if Frazier and Hooks both make the PS.

[Mojouw]

Yeah I think Allen is destined for the PS. Injuries set him back and I think they are going to keep Behre regardless as Goldens replacement. Especially if they ultimately don't keep Toussaint who may be the other option to replace Golden on ST.

If Banner doesn't make the 53 I think there is a chance they both go to the PS.

I am rooting for Toussaint. He is great in pass protection, is a solid runner, and capable enough out of the backfield. Plus ST value. In an ideal world they put Samuels on the PS and keep Toussaint on the roster this year. Then next year your depth is RB1 Conner, RB2 Samuels/Toussaint RB3 Samuels/Toussaint/outside guy or draft pick. The best news of this offseason is I think we have seen enough that we don't need to draft an RB high to replace Bell.



I have 2 disagreements with your list:

1. Patterson isn't on the bubble. Switzer coming in sealed any of the younger receivers fates for making this roster. Tucker, Patterson, and Henderson (Henderson never had a chance anyway) are all out. Especially with the Steelers keeping Rogers around on the pup. That makes him the 7th receiver (assuming they keep 6 that most of us are predicting) and he offers return value as well if they decide to bring him back. Best guess is the Steelers brought in Switzer to protect against Rogers. If Switzer performs well they just cut bait with Rogers and if not Rogers gets activated and Switzer gets the boot at some point.

2. LT Walton is the 5th DL and they are keeping 6. There is no bubble for him. I am not sure if you are thinking of Lavon Hooks who was on the PS last year and has looked solid this preseason. I suppose you could say he is a bubble guy but the way Big Dan performed I don't think anyone is getting that 6th spot but him. What will be interesting is if Frazier and Hooks both make the PS.

Totally meant Hooks. Don't know what happened there.

I wouldn't keep Switzer unless I was convinced that he was able to be developed into an actual WR. Wasn't thinking so much what they will do, but what I would do in their place...but yeah...Patterson isn't making the final squad.

[BlackAndGold]

No cuts today so far.

Expect some moves tomorrow.

[Born2Steel]

No cuts today so far.

Expect some moves tomorrow.

How many of the 90 can go to PS?


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[Cyphon25]

Totally meant Hooks. Don't know what happened there.

I wouldn't keep Switzer unless I was convinced that he was able to be developed into an actual WR. Wasn't thinking so much what they will do, but what I would do in their place...but yeah...Patterson isn't making the final squad.

Agreed. Switzer would have to show me some things as a WR for me to keep him. Maybe he can and the Steelers believe that but for now it looks like a move to get just a return specialist which I am not into.


How many of the 90 can go to PS?


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10

[Born2Steel]

Agreed. Switzer would have to show me some things as a WR for me to keep him. Maybe he can and the Steelers believe that but for now it looks like a move to get just a return specialist which I am not into.



10

Thanks.
If Switzer doesn't make the 53 that means we traded a 5th round pick away for a 6th round pick in return. Switzer will male the 53. IMO.


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[BlackAndGold]

How many of the 90 can go to PS?


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Lots lol. I'll just post the explanation of PS eligibility

Per Wiki

A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons; he is eligible for a third season only if the team has at least 53 players on its active/inactive list for the duration of that player's employment, or have no prior accrued seasons in the NFL (an accrued season is six or more games on the active roster); or if he has accrued a year of NFL experience on a club's 53-man active roster. If the player was on the active list for fewer than 9 games during their "only accrued season(s)", he maintains his eligibility for the practice squad. Games in which a player is listed as the third-string quarterback do not count as being on the active list. Former quarterback Mike Quinn, who was listed as the third-string quarterback for several teams throughout his career, is a notable example, being practice squad eligible during his 8th NFL season.

[pczach]

Thanks.
If Switzer doesn't make the 53 that means we traded a 5th round pick away for a 6th round pick in return. Switzer will male the 53. IMO.


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I agree he makes the roster.

I think they traded for him knowing his return skills, and they believe he can become a good slot receiver. I would be shocked if they cut him after trading for him.

[Cyphon25]

Thanks.
If Switzer doesn't make the 53 that means we traded a 5th round pick away for a 6th round pick in return. Switzer will male the 53. IMO.


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Oh yeah, I think he is a lock for the 53. I was just saying that I think he is an insurance policy for Rogers. If Switzer shows enough from now until Rogers can play Rogers is probably out. If Switzer doesn't give us much more in the return game than we already have and doesn't do much as a backup slot guy Rogers probably gets activated and Switzer gets cut because they wont keep 7 receivers.

Oh, and I may have given you the wrong answer of 10. Were you asking for the number of players that make up the practice squad or how many of the current 90 are eligible? I might have misunderstood you.

[Born2Steel]

Oh yeah, I think he is a lock for the 53. I was just saying that I think he is an insurance policy for Rogers. If Switzer shows enough from now until Rogers can play Rogers is probably out. If Switzer doesn't give us much more in the return game than we already have and doesn't do much as a backup slot guy Rogers probably gets activated and Switzer gets cut because they wont keep 7 receivers.

Oh, and I may have given you the wrong answer of 10. Were you asking for the number of players that make up the practice squad or how many of the current 90 are eligible? I might have misunderstood you.

Well, I don't know the answer to either question. I guess how many players make up the ps, and how many players currently on the 90 are eligible for that designation?


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[Cyphon25]

Well, I don't know the answer to either question. I guess how many players make up the ps, and how many players currently on the 90 are eligible for that designation?


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Oh ok.

10 players make up every teams practice squad (up to 10 I should say. You don't have to keep 10 I don't think) and they also have a roster exemption for the international pathway players to make it 11 this year. Our international guy being Christian Scotland Williamson who will automatically be on the practice squad regardless of performance and what not.

I can't give you an exact count on how many we have eligible but I would guess the number is around 30 or 40.

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I wouldn't keep Switzer unless I was convinced that he was able to be developed into an actual WR. .

Try the Google Mojouw….Switzer had almost 3,000 career receiving yards at North Carolina. He was drafted as an actual WR and played WR. Its not like he was a QB being converted to WR or something.

Face it, he will likely be the primary return man and a slot WR, but he is deeper on the depth chart. Its not any different than guys like Sean Morey, Stefan Logan, Chidi Iwouma, Patrick Bailey, etc. Guys that made the team due to special teams but also have a position where they are deep on the depth chart.

[Dwinsgames]

Try the Google Mojouw….Switzer had almost 3,000 career receiving yards at North Carolina. He was drafted as an actual WR and played WR. Its not like he was a QB being converted to WR or something.

Face it, he will likely be the primary return man and a slot WR, but he is deeper on the depth chart. Its not any different than guys like Sean Morey, Stefan Logan, Chidi Iwouma, Patrick Bailey, etc. Guys that made the team due to special teams but also have a position where they are deep on the depth chart.

DHB , he is a gunner , but not much in terms of a WR

[Mojouw]

Try the Google Mojouw….Switzer had almost 3,000 career receiving yards at North Carolina. He was drafted as an actual WR and played WR. Its not like he was a QB being converted to WR or something.

Face it, he will likely be the primary return man and a slot WR, but he is deeper on the depth chart. Its not any different than guys like Sean Morey, Stefan Logan, Chidi Iwouma, Patrick Bailey, etc. Guys that made the team due to special teams but also have a position where they are deep on the depth chart.

I get that he had a good college career but can’t get past his total lack of targets in his rookie year and not being able to beat out the not very good guys ahead of him in Raiders camp.

As to the special teams only guys, I don’t mind it for coverage guys but think with the changes to kickoff rules the use of a roster spot on a return specialist is a waste. Just send one of your backup RBs or WRs out there. Catch the ball. Take a knee and start at what is it now the 25? Rinse repeat. Although I guess if everyone keeps dropping kicks between the 5 and the 10 to force returns you need a guy.

Dunno. I’m just getting grumpy in my old age. I’m convinced with no evidence that return guys are next to useless.

[Born2Steel]

I get that he had a good college career but can’t get past his total lack of targets in his rookie year and not being able to beat out the not very good guys ahead of him in Raiders camp.

As to the special teams only guys, I don’t mind it for coverage guys but think with the changes to kickoff rules the use of a roster spot on a return specialist is a waste. Just send one of your backup RBs or WRs out there. Catch the ball. Take a knee and start at what is it now the 25? Rinse repeat. Although I guess if everyone keeps dropping kicks between the 5 and the 10 to force returns you need a guy.

Dunno. I’m just getting grumpy in my old age. I’m convinced with no evidence that return guys are next to useless.

With teams doing the pop up style kick and forcing returns I get needing a skilled returner. But the Steeler's M.O. as of late has been versatile position players. Switzer is not a huge upgrade over Henderson, IMO. Mostly another DHB or R. Golden so far as his place here. But the conditions of the trade tell me Switzer is the guy. Why is still the mystery.


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[Cyphon25]

Ok I am placing my final bet before the cutdowns come:

QB - Ben, Jones, Rudolph (3)
RB - Bell, Conner, Samuels, Nix (4)
TE - McDonald, Jones, Grimble (3)
WR - Brown, JuJu, Washington, Switzer, DHB, Hunter (6)
OL - Villanueva, Foster, Pouncey, Decastro, Gilbert, Finney, Okorafor, Feiler (8)

24

DL - Tuitt, Hargrave, Heyward, Alualu, Walton, McCullers (6)
ILB - Williams, Bostic, Matekevich, Thomas, Fort (5)
OLB - Watt, Dupree, Chickillo, Adeniyi, Adams (5)
CB - Haden, Burns, Hilton, Sutton, Sensabaugh, Allen (6)
S - Davis, Burnett, Edmunds, Behre (4)

26

Specialists - Boz, Berry, Canaday - 3

[86WARD]

Thanks.
If Switzer doesn't make the 53 that means we traded a 5th round pick away for a 6th round pick in return. Switzer will male the 53. IMO.


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Switzerland (autocorrect and I’m keeping it in) has shown more in the return game during the Panthers preseason game than anyone (other than AB) has shown in the last how many years...I would be shocked if he were close to expendable at this stage.

[Butch]

Anyone who doesn't have us with 4 QBs my question is do we get a trade for the QB we lose and if we do at who's expense?

[Hawkman]

Anyone who doesn't have us with 4 QBs my question is do we get a trade for the QB we lose and if we do at who's expense?

I would think Dobbs has the better trade value. Not sure we’d get a lot for Jones.