Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Breaking down every player one-by-one alphabetically on the Steelers current 90-man roster

We are on to part 5 of our 90-part series— assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Today we’re featuring the most eligible tackle in the NFL:

Zach Banner

Position: OT
Height: 6’ 8”
Weight: 360 lbs
College: Southern California
Draft: 4th round, 137 overall in 2017 (Indianapolis)

---

2019 stats

14 Games played
1 Start

---

Contract remaining

Expires in 2020

$1,750,000 salary cap number (0.87% of total cap)
$0 dead money
$1,750,000 cap savings if cut

---

Likelihood of making the roster

Lock. Banner isn’t going anywhere, in fact he’s going to be entrenched in one of the more interesting position battles of training camp. Not to mention Banner is one of the most beloved members on the Steelers roster, public outcry would be far-reaching if he were cut. Whether he’s the starting tackle or continues at swing tackle I fully believe Banner will be a member of the Steelers 2020 roster.

---

2020 projection

With the additions of guards Stefen Wisniewski and Kevin Dotson, it feels less likely Matt Feiler will slide into the guard spot which, in-turn, could open up a spot for Banner to start. The most likely scenario appears to be Wisniewski sliding around the interior line depending on injury, Chukwuma Okorafor being the primary tackle back-up and Banner playing the slide tackle.

---

Projected stats:

14 games played
2 starts
1 target
1 reception
35 yards (Completely wide open and untouched)

---

Summary

Zach Banner will hear cheers ring out not only when he’s being announced as eligible on the field, but when Ben Roethlisberger dumps off a pass to him in the flat and then rumbles for a big gain. I can’t be the only one who thinks this is an inevitably! Banner will also continue his growth as an NFL player, whether or not he gets the opportunity to start for the Steelers in 2020, he will get the opportunity in 2021 either in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.

---

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Steelers reserve quarterback wants to prove his worth to those questioning his talent and character, but a shadow will continue to linger

Here’s a question for the BTSC community: How do you prove something that never happened actually never happened? It is impossible to prove, or disprove for that matter, any action which never transpired. Therein lies the problem.

If no evidence is required to make an accusation, and there is no consequences for making a false accusation, then what is keeping any individual from utilizing a false claim for their own benefit or to save their own hide? Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has been impacted by this very scenario.

Let me offer a little back story to clarify the statement. I was enjoying a little playful banter with some friends and acquaintances on social media the other day. As it is prone to do, the conversation turned into some good-natured ribbing concerning our favorite NFL teams. Fun for all, till the tone of the discussion took a sudden turn. I fully accept responsibility for my part in the debacle. I broke my own rule. I was joking around with the husband of an old friend of mine, a individual I don’t know personally, who happens to be a Ravens fan.

He made some disparaging comments about the city of Pittsburgh and the Steelers fanbase. He then took offence when I said a raven was basically a flying rat, which made it the perfect mascot for the city of Baltimore and their vermin problem. He resorted to childish name calling, and making accusations about former and current Steelers players. Nary a conviction in any of incidents he mentioned, but that didn’t seem to matter in his mind. Needless to say, I had no reason to suffer that foolishness and the conversation ended. I am a grown man and I will stick to adult conversations.

That whole situation got me thinking about Mason Rudolph. Last season Rudolph was involved in the most dramatic incident of the NFL season, “The Helmet Swing heard around the World”. It was one of the most shocking displays of violence ever perpetrated on a NFL field, in front of a national television audience no less.

The incident, along with the national outrage, suspensions, and fines, has been well documented. I would like to focus for a moment on the accusation made by Browns DE Myles Garrett claiming a racial slur allegedly made by Rudolph instigated the whole incident. Without the benefit of any evidence, Rudolph is adamant it never happened, both parties are left to be found guilty, or not guilty, in the court of public opinion.

This scenario works out far better for Garrett than it does Rudolph. Garrett’s despicable actions were obvious and not in question. The accusation of a racial slur undoubtedly provided Garrett with some semblance of justification in the minds of some fans. Mission accomplished.

For Rudolph, the accusation is far more damaging. Without an avenue to prove his innocence, he is forever labeled a racist in the minds of so many. It seems to make perfect sense actually, why else would a star player lose all self control and try to use a helmet as a deadly weapon? Rudolph is left powerless to defend himself against the disparaging remark concerning his character.

These kind of unsubstantiated accusations affect a player’s reputation and earning potential. If you are a general manager or head coach, do you want to entrust your team’s success, and possibly your own career, in the hands of an accused racist? What if you are looking for an advertising spokesperson for your business or product? I don’t know about you, but I would simply pass on any potential drama or negative publicity.

One thing I learned from the otherwise useless conversation mentioned earlier is this article: Guilty or not, the damage has been done. It is truly a shame.