Not too long ago, it was difficult for draft picks to earn starting roles for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Times have evolved, and their 2025 NFL Draft class better compete for some starting jobs, or this team could be in trouble. They will depend on specific rookies to dive into training camp and push veterans for their jobs.
If they fail to win those gigs, it could hinder the organization.
Training camp will determine how those positionings on the depth chart turn out. The Steelers hope their top picks in the upcoming draft can play significant roles on this team out of the gate. Some rookies will struggle to adjust to the NFL. Other rookies might shock you by receiving a starting opportunity.
There are several picks from the NFL Draft who could start for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Derrick Harmon has best shot at starting out the gate as Steelers' rookie
Your first-round pick better makes an immediate impact on your team.
The Steelers will count on Derrick Harmon to become the starter next to Cam Heyward on defense. They seem content with Keeanu Benton at nose tackle, which will add extra pressure to their top draft pick. Harmon should do wonders to help infuse youth and talent into their defensive trenches.
READ MORE: Steelers' 2025 Draft picks ranked by who will thrive (and who could flop)
It will be an uphill battle, but Kaleb Johnson could develop into a starting role
Kaleb Johnson is the only rookie pushing Harmon for the top spot in this ranking. Pittsburgh was thrilled to see him available with their third-round choice after losing Najee Harris earlier in the offseason. The Steelers are banking on Johnson becoming their feature back this season.
It's possible he won't get the bulk of the carries to start the year, but he should see an increased role as the campaign progresses.
Don't count out Donte Kent becoming the Steelers starting slot cornerback
Starting your last pick in the NFL Draft is not a common occurrence. The Steelers might see that happen with Donte Kent. They have Beanie Bishop on the roster as their lone slot cornerback and Brandin Echols, who has limited snaps at the position. Kent is an up-and-down player, but he fits the mold that Mike Tomlin desires at that spot. Kent has to earn the starting job, but it's not out of reach.
If Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign with the team, Will Howard could start for Pittsburgh
Everything revolving around the quarterback position depends on Aaron Rodgers.
All signs point to the Hall of Famer becoming their starter. The Steelers losing Rodgers could mean Will Howard and Mason Rudolph could fight for the starting job. Without Rodgers, the starting signal-caller vacancy is wide open. Rudolph would remain the favorite, but Howard would have a legitimate opportunity in front of him.
It's unlikely Yahya Black will be the starting nose tackle unless Keeanu Benton gets injured
He shouldn't aim for a starting role since he should worry about gaining a roster spot. Yahya Black will be a nose tackle for the Steelers, but the defensive line has plenty of cooks in the kitchen. If Black wants to stick around, he must earn a roster spot before worrying about a starting role. Black won't see much action this year unless injuries pile up in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have a talented group of edge rushers, and Jack Sawyer won't start
You can't knock the Steelers' pick of Jack Sawyer, as he was fantastic value. Pittsburgh has a loaded group of edge rushers now. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith remain the starters, but the depth behind them is staggering. Nick Herbig and Sawyer could be starters on other teams, but they are depth pieces for this defense.
It's hard to imagine Sawyer starting any games unless injuries happen.
He will make the roster, but Carson Bruener isn't ready to be a starting linebacker
The story is heartwarming with Carson Bruener, but he must earn his roster spot. His family connections to Pittsburgh's franchise won't secure him a job. Bruener is a good special teams player, which should give him the upper hand over his competition at training camp. Unless the Steelers suffer catastrophic injuries at the position, Bruener won't get any snaps at linebacker.