4 Steelers that could see a depth chart demotion after camp

Steelers Robert Spillane

Moving up: Buddy Johnson

There may be no better example of a player falling out of favor with the Steelers this offseason than with Robert Spillane. He went from co-starting off-ball linebacker to the only starter (once Vince Williams retired). Add in his solid play from 2020 and it seemed as though he could really take off as a good defender for the team this season. His offseason seemingly peaked there though, as the rest of the season has been downhill for Spillane.

Putrid play over the first two preseason games led to the team trading for veteran Joe Schobert. While the cost to get Schobert wasn’t immense, and the team likely would have been willing to add him even if Spillane wasn’t struggling as he was, it seems as though the team has quickly made up their mind as to who will start out of the two. Schobert has received all of the hype as of late and it seems as though he will play the majority of snaps next to Devin Bush.

The fall hasn’t stopped there though. While Spillane is a fine backup, his struggles during the offseason have raised enough concerns that a different defender may take on his role. Buddy Johnson has looked great during the preseason, flashing his athleticism and run-stopping ability early and often. While he needs to take a few steps to develop into a complete linebacker, he certainly could become a great two-down backer for the team. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him leapfrog Spillane at this point, as Spillane’s have really shot him in his foot.