Holding onto a job in the NFL is never easy, and for some players, the challenge becomes even greater after the NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed ten rookies this past weekend, a development that could spell trouble for parts of the current roster while giving others reason to celebrate.
After addressing several positions of need in the draft, some Steelers may now find themselves sliding down the depth chart.
With training camp and the entire preseason still ahead, the recent draft picks have not yet written their stories. Every player on the roster must prove their value if they want to make the team and earn playing time. Some players came out of the weekend in a positive position, as the team appeared to show faith in them. Others faced a tougher outcome at the NFL Draft and may be on shaky ground.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 draft class will have massive effects on their roster layout
Winner: Patrick Queen, LB
It is somewhat surprising that Patrick Queen remains with the Steelers after enduring significant trade speculation. Following the conclusion of the draft, it appears he is set to return as a starter once again. Entering the season on an expiring contract, Queen has plenty to prove. While his performance in Pittsburgh has been inconsistent, he remains well-positioned on the depth chart.
Winner: Logan Lee, DT
One of the lower‑rostered players, Logan Lee, can breathe a small sigh of relief coming out of the NFL Draft.
The Steelers did not invest a significant draft pick along the defensive line, giving Lee a stronger chance to stick around. His competition for a roster spot appears less daunting than many expected entering the draft. While Lee still faces an uphill battle to earn a spot, the path is not as difficult as once believed.
Winner: Cameron Johnston, P
Punters are football players too, and while the Steelers did not draft one, they could still add competition at the position. It is uncommon for a punter to become a priority during the draft, but after signing Cameron Johnston, the position should have been on Pittsburgh’s radar. Johnston joined the team in free agency, yet the Steelers would've benefited from bringing in a challenger.
Loser: Broderick Jones, OT
After Pittsburgh surprised many by selecting Max Iheanachor with its top pick, Broderick Jones may have reason for concern. His neck injury does not appear to be progressing as hoped, especially after the team invested a first‑round selection at the position. When combined with the likelihood that his fifth‑year option will not be exercised, his situation becomes even more precarious.
Loser: Mason Rudolph, QB
Like it or not, Aaron Rodgers is expected to return as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. The team is unlikely to move on from Will Howard or third‑round pick Drew Allar this year, leaving Mason Rudolph as the odd man out. Unless he can force Pittsburgh to carry four quarterbacks on its 53‑man roster, Rudolph will likely be sent elsewhere.
As a result, he stands out as one of the biggest losers of the draft.
Loser: Brock Hoffman, OL
Another offensive lineman makes the list in Brock Hoffman. While he likely does not need to worry about being cut, he may have lost his potential starting role after Pittsburgh selected Gennings Dunker in the draft. That said, not all hope is lost for Hoffman. He could still compete for the starting job at left guard. Dunker, a third‑round pick, is projected to eventually take over the role ahead of Hoffman.
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