Ahead of their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Pittsburgh Steelers have released their initial preseason depth chart... and it includes a few surprises. Potentially more surprising than Kaleb Johnson being listed as the team's third-string running back is where they have Roman Wilson slotted.
Wilson, a third-round pick by the Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft, was selected with the hopes of being a starting receiver—potentially even one who could take over Diontae Johnson's former role in the offense. However, the Steelers' initial depth chart is a discouraging sign for the young receiver.
According to the Steelers' first depth chart, DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III are listed as the starting receivers, while the second string includes Roberts Woods and Scotty Miller. This means that Wilson is currently slotted as a third-string receiver alongside Ben Skowronek to open the 2025 preseason.
Fans shouldn't read too deeply into the Pittsburgh Steelers' initial preseason depth chart
It's easy to take a glance at the Steelers' depth chart and hit the panic button. Pittsburgh Steelers fans will immediately jump to asking questions, such as, 'Why is Roman Wilson listed with the third-team offense when the team had high hopes for him in 2025?' But we shouldn't be too hasty.
We've seen these depth charts before, and quite frankly, we know that seniority plays a factor in Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff's decision.
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Because Scotty Miller and Robert Woods are seasoned veterans, this was likely a ploy to appease some of the aging players on their team and give them the respect they've earned at this stage of their careers, whereas Wilson has only played five NFL snaps so far in his career.
This isn't to say that Wilson has been perfect. The young receiver has been inconsistent at training camp. Though he came down with the catch of camp so far, he needs to develop stronger chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
That should come in due time. What we know is that—when the Steelers are in 11 personnel (three receiver sets)—Wilson has been acting as a starting wideout alongside DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin.
The depth chart will sort itself out as the preseason marches on, and just like fans shouldn't believe that Kaleb Johnson is going to remain a third-string running back, neither should they think that Roman Wilson won't be the third receiver on the team by the end of the 2025 preseason.