The name of the game in the NFL is matchups. Having the guys that are bigger, faster, and stronger is the quickest path to success. The Pittsburgh Steelers don't lack athleticism or size to a concerning degree, but that is only half the battle.
An archaic practice in the NFL is fitting players to fit a scheme instead of maximizing the skillset of your players to enhance the scheme. This is where the Steelers have struggled the most in recent seasons.
In 2024, those issues continued as players ready for a breakout season fell short of expectations and even some star players left fans disappointed. These five players in particular were the most misused players on the roster last season.
Najee Harris, RB
In a contract season, Harris had another season where volume assisted him to a fourth-straight 1,000-yard season. While that isn't the accomplishment it once was, Harris has shown to be serviceable—which the Steelers seem to think provides some sort of consistency.
Harris has been a polarizing figure on the Pittsburgh roster since he was drafted because he can appear unremarkable until he hits a hurdle cleanly or stiff-arms a defender into the shadow realm. But there is little in between, but that's because of how poorly he is used.
Far too often, Harris was on the receiving end of the strong side toss sweep that would go nowhere or lose yardage. In the same vein, Harris is often used on zone schemes in the rushing attack, which is counterproductive to his skillset.
If Harris is to return, he must be used in more power-gap schemes where the lanes are more expected and he can get downhill. If the Steelers want to see him in space, they should design more receiving options for him. Harris averages 6.4 yards per reception, but nearly half of his 180 career receptions came in his rookie season (74).
Broderick Jones, OT
The Steelers were somewhat handcuffed in 2024 with Broderick Jones. Troy Fautanu was quickly lost for the season due to injury and Dan Moore started the season much improved. Jones had to slot in at right tackle, which is a dual-edged sword.
Jones had a rough start to the season before settling in and becoming more consistent. He's still a considerable distance from living up to his first-round billing, and that is largely because of how he has been handled.
Moore may not be back, which leaves the Steelers with a decision: flip Jones again, or put Fautanu at left tackle without much NFL experience. Both players were left tackles in college, so something will have to give in 2025.
It's a credit to Jones that he improved over the course of last season, but it'll be a disservice to him to flip him again. In the same breath, it's a disservice to him to play the right side when he's a raw talent with more comfort on the left side. The Steelers are damned either way because they've misused him for two consecutive seasons.
Cameron Sutton, CB
The misuse of Cameron Sutton has more to do with his usage, period. Beanie Bishop played like an undrafted rookie all season, but he showed steady growth and made a handful of plays as he acclimated to the NFL level.
Sutton, however, appeared to be a significant contributing factor to the defensive woes down the stretch. He was neither useful in the run or passing game, nor could he be useful as a sneaky blitz option.
Sutton's case is a simple one: he shouldn't be used at all, and the defense in Pittsburgh would be better off without him in 2025.
Calvin Austin III, WR
Calvin Austin III did his best to break out in 2024, but the offense failed to utilize him properly. While he did have a solid season for his sophomore campaign, there was a lot left on the table for the Memphis product.
Austin drew some buzz in training camp, but he was quiet for long stretches throughout the season. Still, this wasn't entirely his fault. On many plays where Austin wasn't the primary option, No. 19 could be seen winning his matchup only to see the ball go elsewhere.
In 2025, it would be in the Steelers' interest to use Austin as many receivers of his build and skillset are with motions setting up his route, whether underneath or over the top. Austin has the potential to be a dynamic piece of the offense if he is schemed into his production.
Arthur Smith would be wise to use some creativity in his play designs to give Austin more opportunities in the offense to use his speed and agility.
T.J. Watt, EDGE
One of the first things T.J. Watt said after the season was that he wasn't moved around the defense enough. He's spot on. Lining up in the same spot every play made it far too easy for offenses to prepare in the play call for Watt.
Look around the league to the best pass rushers; whether it's Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, or Maxx Crosby, all of these players shift along the defensive front enough to make the offense account for them at the line of scrimmage. Even if an offense can account for Watt as, say, an A-gap rusher, it could free up someone else on the edge to make a play.
The Steelers can't overthink this—yet they have to think about it in the first place. Let Watt be an attacker, rather than a body to soak up three blockers while the opposing quarterback throws quick passes.