Despite a respectable class created at the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some problems. Aaron Rodgers continues to hold them in an awkward spot, but all signs point to him being their starter in 2025. The roster is evident as the preseason lurks. It should be a busy training camp full of competition to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin must make tough decisions when final cuts become mandatory. Rodgers will be his starter, but three quarterbacks will fight for two spots. Other veterans are on the chopping block after finding upgrades in the draft. This preseason could be brutal for veterans who are in the bubble. When in doubt, go with the younger player.
The 53-man roster looks clear despite it being four months from rosters finalizing.
Pittsburgh Steelers 53-man roster shows strides and weak points after the NFL Draft
Quarterback (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
All signs point to Rodgers joining the Steelers, boosting their starting quarterback spot.
Overall, this is a respectable group of players at the position. Mason Rudolph is a solid backup who can start if Rodgers gets injured. Will Howard will have to beat Skylar Thompson for the final roster spot, but the incoming rookie with potential will be favored.
Running back (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
Here is where the first shocking cut happens. Tomlin cuts Cordarrelle Patterson. They rebuilt the running back group and have other returners on the team. Expect Jaylen Warren to be the top player at the position to start the season, but Kaleb Johnson will eat away at his snaps as the campaign progresses. Don't expect a ton of snaps for Kenneth Gainwell, but he will be a returner.
READ MORE: Steelers' 2025 Draft picks ranked by who will thrive (and who could flop)
Wide receiver (6): DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
There are too many quality options for the Steelers not to keep six players at the position. These receivers are full of possibilities as they blend talent, grit, and experience. This group has improved from last year and should help their offense increase productivity. Ben Skowronek makes the 53-man roster because of his fantastic abilities as a blocker and his play on special teams.
Tight end (4): Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, J.J. Galbreath, DJ Thomas-Jones
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves this position and keeps four on the roster.
Two undrafted free agents make this team. J.J. Galbreath can become an interesting target on offense, who has strong potential. He needs to work on his blocking. DJ Thomas-Jones is a fullback, but he should help Smith's rushing attack as a blocker and open holes for Warren and Johnson.
Offensive line (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum
The starting five on the offensive line are in place for Pittsburgh. They must find who will fill key depth positions after losing several offensive linemen this offseason. Calvin Anderson will be their swing tackle, but finding an upgrade would be ideal. Spencer Anderson and Ryan McCollum will be the depth pieces along the interior. Dylan Cook squeaks back onto the roster as a depth tackle.
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Daniel Ekuale, Yahya Black, Logan Lee
Tomlin must make difficult decisions across the defensive line this year. There are too many cooks in the kitchen at this spot of the roster, and they have found plenty of upgrades. The top three include Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, and Keeanu Benton. After that, they have tough decisions to make.
Surprising names who failed to make this 53-man roster include Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and Dean Lowry.
EDGE (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
After Pittsburgh selected Jack Sawyer in the draft, this positional outlook became clear. T.J. Watt will receive a contract extension at some point before the start of the regular season. Nick Herbig could get challenged by Sawyer for snaps, but they could stick to one side. This might be their strongest position heading into training camp because of the depth it has.
Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener
This group looks worse for the Steelers this year than last season.
Pay attention to how Cole Holcomb looks at training camp. He suffered a gruesome injury, and it's hard to imagine him coming back at full speed. Carson Bruener makes the roster because of his special teams' contribution. Mark Robinson misses the cut because he hasn't taken any strides.
Cornerback (5): Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice
Only keeping five cornerbacks could be a problem for the Steelers moving forward. Cory Trice has to step up as the priority backup. Brandin Echols' versatility outside and inside helps make Pittsburgh comfortable with this number. They'll keep James Pierre on speed dial in case injuries start to mount or their special teams start to suffer from his absence.
Safety (5): Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Sebastian Castro
The extra spot that commonly goes to the cornerback position moves to safety.
Five players at the position make the 53-man roster, including undrafted free agent Sebastian Castro. He can play in the box and in the slot. Castro will help the secondary. Juan Thornhill remains the top backup, while Miles Killebrew continues as one of the best special-teams players in the NFL.
Specialists (3): Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Despite each player at the position possibly having "competition" at training camp, all three should win their roster spots. Chris Boswell remains the top kicker in the NFL after a monster season. Cameron Johnston is the only one who must prove himself. He is coming off a substantial injury and must beat out Corliss Waitman. Christian Kuntz isn't going anywhere.