Now that the 2025 NFL season is upon us, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some players who are total wild cards. While expectations around the league may be low heading into the season, some players have the potential to emerge as stars throughout the campaign. It's a long season that will be full of storylines, and as time progresses, there could be unsuspecting standouts who emerge.
The Steelers have several players on their roster who could create hope or anxiety going into the season. Many still wonder if Pittsburgh has enough talent at the receiver position or if the defensive line is finally situated. One thing is for sure: they're happy with how their roster is currently filled.
Help is not on the way, at least not for now, as they hope their players with incredible potential break out.
Pittsburgh Steelers will hope for break out stars this season to boost their roster
Roman Wilson, WR
Few members of the Steelers had a stronger preseason process than Roman Wilson. His veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, sees elite potential in the second-year player. He has worked closely with Wilson, and it has been a grueling process filled with growing pains. Pittsburgh's young receiver has the best shot to become a top playmaker on offense and cancel out the doubters.
Wilson can take away any need for the Steelers to trade or sign an outside receiver to provide an upgrade to the position. He was their third-round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he has the potential to become a dynamic receiver. He might be listed behind Calvin Austin III on the depth chart right now, but that could change in a hurry if Wilson finds a way to make some plays.
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Yahya Black, DT
The late preseason injury to Derrick Harmon stunk, but at least it wasn't anything season-ending. That injury setback to Harmon has allowed Yahya Black to gain significant reps at practice. He should see a massive role to begin his rookie season. He produced a strong training camp and preseason, which has silenced many who were puzzled by his selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Black might not be an elite defensive tackle to start his NFL career, but he has shown signs that he could develop into a strong player. Since Harmon is gone, it will allow Black to gain plenty of snaps during the start of the regular season. If the rookie produces strong play before Harmon returns, the coaching staff will have no other choice but to keep Black in the mix.
Kaleb Johnson, RB
His spot on the roster is a growing concern as the regular season kicks off. Kaleb Johnson was the Steelers' third-round pick this past spring, but his chances of climbing the depth chart haven't developed as you would prefer. Jaylen Warren remains the top running back, but Kenneth Gainwell is the second choice, according to Mike Tomlin's depth chart.
Johnson must show that he can be a reliable all-around player for Pittsburgh, or his chances this year could shrink.
Realistically, Johnson will climb the roster rankings as the season progresses and he solves his preseason woes. He might not be a full-time starter this year, but Johnson should provide a significant campaign, which should leave him on the list of possible breakout players.