5 Steelers in a worse roster spot after 2022 NFL offseason

Steelers Johnson

Buddy Johnson was an intriguing pick last year for the Steelers. The linebacker had good size, good athleticism, and was a talented run defender during his time at Texas A&M. Despite being a fourth-round pick, Johnson failed to show up much for the team. He enters a crowded linebacker room and will be fighting for his roster spot during training camp.

While the starters are set and the top backup spot will likely belong to Robert Spillane, the rest of the depth chart is wide open. The team kept six total players here last year, but that seems unlikely to happen again. Even if they do keep that many, the team added Mark Robinson in the seventh round, and he will further add to this room.

Now, a seventh-round pick doesn’t mean the team will inherently move on from Johnson. Likewise, the rest of the depth chart beyond the top three are far from locks. Johnson will first off have to get more involved on special teams. If he can make a mark there, there is a chance he can work up the depth chart. Nothing is guaranteed right now for Johnson though.