The Steelers could make some changes to their depth chart as the 2022 season pushes further and these players start to emerge.
The Steelers initial depth chart heading into the regular season kickoff against the Cincinnati Bengals has been released. An updated version was released after an issue occurred with some players being misplaced on the actual depth chart. That mistake was prevalent and had many Pittsburgh fans up in arms until the correct version was released.
Even though this version is out to the public, that does not mean that changes could happen. The NFL schedule is a long grind that sees many different highs and lows for each team. This will lead to different opportunities for different players as the calendar moves on that could alter how the depth chart looks.
Kenny Pickett will become the starting quarterback at some point
Kenny Pickett is the obvious situation as the quarterback spot seems fluid at its current state. Mitch Trubisky was just officially named the starter for week one and he will keep that position until he is proven unfit for duty. Pickett was the first-round selection of this club and will find starting time during his rookie campaign.
The rookie won the backup spot and that is great progress for him after all, Trubisky was always going to be the starter at the beginning of the year all along. Pickett will get a chance to start if the team starts to falter or Trubisky is either injured or playing poorly. It seems like the poor performance situation could be a realistic possibility that will lead to Pickett being thrown into the fire to hopefully spark the Steelers offense at some point.
Mark Robinson will become the Steelers starting middle linebacker with Jack
Mark Robinson had one of the better preseasons when compared to his fellow inside linebackers that he calls teammates. He was the seventh-round pick by Pittsburgh during this past draft and he has shown some flashes of his potential. He has only played the position for a year after being a running back in college before that.
Fans have quickly learned to like the hard-hitting Robinson during the preseason broadcast of games. Myles Jack is the number one guy in the middle for this defense, but the second option could become more fluid as the season progresses. Devin Bush and Robert Spillane could become unreliable to a point where Robinson gets the nod to go into a starting role.
Calvin Austin III will have a great conclusion to his rookie season
Calvin Austin III was enjoying an explosive start to his rookie year with an excellent showing at training camp. George Pickens freakish abilities were the only thing that overshadowed Austin’s performances. Unfortunately for him, an injury occurred and that forced him out of the remainder of the preseason process.
He is now working on getting healthy to hopefully return during his rookie campaign. The Steelers placed him on injured reserve for the start of the season with the hope of him returning to help the offense. Austin should return eventually and that will help bring a new wrinkle into the offense that needs all the help that it can get.
Damontae Kazee will play a big role on the Steelers defense
Damontae Kazee was another player that was enjoying a good preseason before an injury occurred. Sadly, for this veteran, he got hurt during the final game against the Detroit Lions and that has put him behind the eight ball. He should return from injury in about four to six weeks’ time after he was placed on injured reserve.
This player is going to have a big role on defense one way or another. Kazee was playing very well for the Steelers before his injury occurred and he could provide help with the linebacker situation as well. Perhaps his emergence as a starter at safety could allow for Terrell Edmunds to fill the void at middle linebacker next to Myles Jack in a last-ditch effort to fix that position on the fly.
DeMarvin Leal will expand his role as the season rolls on
DeMarvin Leal was another player that showed some flashes throughout training camp and during the preseason matchups. His best ability coming out of college was rushing the passer and he was able to show that. He was the Steelers third-round pick for the 2022 NFL Draft and his ceiling is high.
Right now, Leal is currently still a prospect that needs to be ironed out more. Adding some weight to his frame would help his cause, plus he needs to work on his defense against the run. He has all the tools to become a starter for this team in another season or two if he can be coached properly.
The Steelers could have some players emerge as the season progresses further. That could cause some changes along the depth chart as different scenarios play out.