With The First Pick
Fansided

Predicting the Steelers’ 53-man roster

By Nicholas Perlich

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during week three of preseason at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during week three of preseason at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 5 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 5 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Tight Ends

  • Vance McDonald
  • Xavier Grimble
  • Zach Gentry

Vance McDonald will take over as the top tight end after the departure of Jesse James. He is a solid all-around player who is effective as a blocker and a receiver. Grimble offers a solid all-around game as well as the primary backup. Zach Gentry is a raw fifth-round pick whose size and athleticism a very high ceiling to work towards.

Player to watch: Trevor Wood

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva #78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers listens to the national anthem before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 01: Offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva #78 of the Pittsburgh Steelers listens to the national anthem before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

  • Alejandro Villanueva
  • Ramon Foster
  • Maurkice Pouncey
  • David DeCastro
  • Matt Feiler
  • Zach Banner
  • Chukwuma Okorafor
  • JC Hassenauer
  • BJ Finney
  • Derwin Gray

Villanueva is a former Army veteran who has played spectacularly at left tackle over the past few years. David DeCastro is one of the best guards in football as evidenced by the fact that he has made 4 straight Pro Bowls. Pouncey and Foster fill the rest of the interior of the line as good veteran players. Feiler and Banner are battling for the right tackle spot after the offseason trade of Marcus Gilbert. Okorafor is a good, young backup tackle who has starting potential in the future. Hassenauer and Finney provide good veteran depth on the interior. Gray is a rookie who has experience playing every position besides center in college and offers very versatile depth as a seventh-round pick.

Player to watch: Jerald Hawkins

Home/Pittsburgh Steelers