After entering the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 selections, the Pittsburgh Steelers ultimately used 10 of those picks, dealing the remaining two away in separate trades. In total, ten rookies are set to join the roster, which could spell trouble for some veterans sitting uncomfortably on the depth chart.
Much of that uncertainty will be sorted out during the preseason, as training camp and exhibition games determine which veterans earn roster spots and which are released.
Some clear-cut candidates emerged following the Steelers' latest draft haul. That said, significant roster movement could still be ahead, especially with a new coaching staff in place and camp competitions looming. Pittsburgh has numerous draft picks who will need to earn their roles on the depth chart, and for veterans on shaky ground, nothing will be handed to them moving forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers fighting for their roster spots following 10 picks at the NFL Draft
Darnell Savage, S
He still has not officially signed with the Steelers, but many believe Darnell Savage will eventually do so.
However, after Pittsburgh selected Robert Spears Jennings in the seventh round of the draft and Sebastian Castro still in the mix, Savage could find himself as the odd man out. That may explain why the free agent has yet to make things official. While he would provide solid veteran depth, one of the younger players could ultimately outperform him and claim the roster spot.
Kaleb Johnson, RB
The preseason spotlight will largely focus on whether Kaleb Johnson can make an impact this year. With a new coaching staff in place, Pittsburgh could consider parting ways with last year’s third-round pick under the right circumstances. The Steelers drafted Eli Heidenreich and added Travis Homer in free agency, increasing competition at the position.
Cory Trice Jr., CB
There was once plenty of optimism that Cory Trice Jr. could emerge as a seventh‑round steal, but his ongoing injury concerns have never gone away. Those durability issues have continued to follow him throughout his NFL career, and it may be time for the Steelers to move on. With Pittsburgh completely retooling its secondary this offseason, Trice appears to be one of the odd men out.
Mason Rudolph, QB
While the wait continues for Aaron Rodgers to make a final decision, Mason Rudolph’s outlook with the Steelers appears bleak, regardless of how things play out.
After the Steelers used a third‑round pick on Drew Allar, the writing appeared to be on the wall for the veteran quarterback. Unless Aaron Rodgers shocks everyone by retiring or signing elsewhere, Rudolph’s roster spot will be in serious jeopardy heading into training camp. The only realistic alternative would be Pittsburgh opting to carry four quarterbacks on the roster.
Logan Lee, DT
Nothing is of immediate worry for the players near the bottom of the defensive line depth chart. The Steelers did not address the position until the sixth round, when they selected Gabriel Rubio, a prospect many evaluators did not even have ranked. That puts added focus on Logan Lee, who is heading into a critical training camp. This is the time for him to finally demonstrate real progress.
Ryan McCollum, OC
Pittsburgh’s offensive line is expected to be shuffled throughout the preseason, putting those near the bottom of the roster firmly on notice. Ryan McCollum, in particular, appears to be in serious trouble. Several more experienced players sit ahead of him on the depth chart, many of whom also offer added versatility.
For McCollum to survive roster cuts, he will need to make a strong case that he belongs over proven, higher‑level options.
Donte Kent, CB
Many have forgotten about last year’s seventh‑round pick, Donte Kent. While he primarily offers value as a returner, he is also capable of playing cornerback. His clearest path to making the roster would be as a specialist, but the Steelers complicated that outlook by drafting both Kaden Wetjen and Eli Heidenreich. They create stiff competition and make Kent’s chances of sticking around more difficult.
Add us as a preferred source on Google