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Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart: Josh Dobbs to battle for QB spot

With free agency and the draft completed and OTAs and minicamps scheduled for the next month and a half, here's a closer look at the projected depth chart of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

OFFENSE

Quarterback (4): Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Mason Rudolph, Josh Dobbs

The Steelers typically keep three quarterbacks and Rudolph is an unlikely cut, so that leaves veteran Jones and 2017 draft pick Dobbs to battle for a roster spot.

Running back (4): Le'Veon Bell, James Conner, Roosevelt Nix, Jaylen Samuels

Failing to draft a running back early signals that the team remains all-in on Bell despite the unsettled franchise tag negotiations. Samuels is intriguing as an H-back. The Steelers are counting on Conner to make a Year 2 jump. Stevan Ridley and Fitz Toussaint also will battle for a roster spot, but the Steelers have minimal money tied to them.

Wide receiver (5): Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, Justin Hunter, Darrius Heyward-Bey

This excludes Eli Rogers, who is a free agent but might be re-signed before camp. Washington is in a position to be a factor early in his rookie year alongside Brown and Smith-Schuster -- plenty of footballs to go around, most likely. The team could use Hunter as more of a deep threat with Martavis Bryant gone.

Tight end (3): Vance McDonald, Jesse James, Xavier Grimble

The Steelers' tight-end-free draft means they want McDonald as a lead option, though James will be heavily involved. The Steelers love playing with two tight ends. McDonald was hurt for much of last season but averaged 7.25 targets in his final four games. Grimble has upside, and practice squad tight end Jake McGee is a talented pass-catcher.

Tackle (5): Alejandro Villanueva, Marcus Gilbert, Jerald Hawkins, Chukwuma Okorafor, Matt Feiler

The Steelers have decent depth here after drafting "Chukes" in the third round alongside Hawkins and Feiler. Pittsburgh needs a bounce-back year from Gilbert after injuries and a suspension last season.

Guard (3): David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, B.J. Finney

Finney can slide to guard or center in the offense. Foster is 32 and in the final year of his deal, so he should be highly motivated to produce. DeCastro has become one of the game's best guards.

Center (2): Maurkice Pouncey, Parker Collins

Pouncey has produced two healthy seasons after a nightmarish 2015 ankle injury that required seven surgeries. Collins was signed in the offseason and will compete for a spot in camp.

DEFENSE

Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu, L.T. Walton, Josh Frazier

The Steelers re-signed Dan McCullers, but he hasn't been much of a factor in four years. Frazier, a seventh-round pick who played for defensive line coach Karl Dunbar at Alabama, will have a chance to unseat him. The first five spots are firmly set at one of the team's deepest positions.

Outside linebacker (4): T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Anthony Chickillo, Keion Adams

The Steelers are counting on a fourth-year jump from Dupree, while Chickillo is a good third linebacker and Adams flashed potential in camp before tearing his labrum. Watt wants to grow his leadership in 2018.

Inside linebacker (4): Vince Williams, Jon Bostic, Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort

The failure to draft an inside linebacker leaves the Steelers without an unquestioned starting option opposite Williams. Free-agent addition Bostic can start games but might be more of a stopgap. The team is high on Matakevich, who was injured last season, and Fort can help on passing downs.

Cornerback (6): Joe Haden, Artie Burns, Mike Hilton, Cameron Sutton, Coty Sensabaugh, Brian Allen

This is the most corner talent the Steelers have had in years. Last month, Pittsburgh did not draft a cornerback, which hasn't happened since 2008. Sutton could push Burns for a starting role, while Hilton is entrenched as the slot corner.

Safety (6): Morgan Burnett, Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds, Nat Berhe, Marcus Allen, Jordan Dangerfield

This is a crowded room that must be sorted out. The Steelers could roll out three safeties on third downs to get Edmunds on the field. Berhe will be a special-teams standout. Allen is a hitter. And Dangerfield is still in the mix for playing time or a practice-squad role.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter (1): Jordan Berry

No competition here. Berry just signed a one-year extension.

Kicker (1): Chris Boswell

The restricted free agent could be in line for a multiyear extension this summer.

Long-snapper (1): Kameron Canaday

He replaced Greg Warren last year and will enter 2018 as the starter.

Kick returner (1): JuJu Smith-Schuster

He showed a flair for the big play late last season. He is likely the team's best option here.

Punt returner (1): Antonio Brown

Brown loves to do it, and the Steelers keep rolling him out there. Rogers could help if re-signed.