The Pittsburgh Steelers are already hard at work, with rookie minicamp in the books and OTAs on the horizon. Now that the 2026 NFL draft is wrapped up, it's time for our first—and admittedly very early—prediction for the team's initial 53-man roster. Let's break it down position by position.
Quarterbacks: No surprises here. We expect Aaron Rodgers to sign soon, leaving Mason Rudolph and a rookie to battle it out for the backup role. This group has potential, but the pecking order will be key.
Running Backs: It wasn't easy to give Kaleb Johnson a spot, and we're not sold on Riley Nowakowski's value just yet. Still, the depth chart is taking shape, and competition will heat up in camp.
Wide Receivers: As much as we love the top three names on this list—George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, and a rising star—the bottom three raise some concerns about depth. The Steelers need consistent production from everyone here.
Tight Ends: The third tight end spot is wide open, but for now, we're giving the nod to a promising young player. Pat Freiermuth remains the anchor, but this position is one to watch.
Offensive Line: The start of rookie tackle Broderick Jones' season is in jeopardy, but we still love this group overall. With a mix of veterans and young talent, the line has the potential to be a strength—if they stay healthy.
Defensive Line: There's a ton of pressure on this group, especially on Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon to take that next step. The Steelers need more disruption in the trenches, and these two are key to making it happen.
Linebackers: All the usual suspects are here—T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and company. They just need to play much better as a unit. The talent is undeniable, but consistency is the missing piece.
Secondary: Another group with plenty of talent that simply needs to play better. The cornerbacks and safeties have the tools, but communication and execution will be crucial.
Safeties: This group is great, but it could take a hit if Jaylen Ramsey has to move back to safety from cornerback. We left the roster at three safeties for now, but we like Sebastian Castro if there's room for him as a fourth option.
It's still early, and plenty will change between now and Week 1. But this projection gives Steelers fans a glimpse of what the final roster could look like—and the battles that will shape it.