The Pittsburgh Steelers are wrapping up their first week of training camp, and it has been an eventful time to say the least. We are starting to see the core of the roster come together, and depth chart battles are starting to heat up.
With the second week of camp beginning, all eyes are shifting from practice to the preseason. These games will go a long way in determining who ultimately makes the initial roster once camp wraps up.
With a few practices under our belt, it seems like the right time to update my roster predictions. There have certainly been some major changes since my initial guess a few weeks back. Here is my updated 2025 Steelers roster prediction.
Steelers Offense (24):
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
I still don’t have Will Howard’s name written in pen, but all signs point to him still being the favorite to be the quarterback three this year. Beyond that, this room is set in stone with Aaron Rodgers starting and Mason Rudolph serving as the backup.
Running Back: Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell
I’ve dabbled with the team keeping four backs before, and given the loss of Najee Harris, it could still happen, but it feels like right now the team can keep an extra back on the practice squad in case of injury. The top three are mostly set (Kenneth Gainwell still isn’t a lock), and this group should be fun to watch in 2025.
Wide Receiver: D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek
Simply put, there isn’t a sixth receiver worth keeping on the roster right now. That could change down the road, but no one can justify being held onto right now.
The last two names aren’t locks. Ben Skowronek has a big leg up given his special teams play, while Robert Woods can be a dependable veteran if needed. Unless this group signs a veteran, it seems like the roster is set.
Tight Ends: Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
The top three are set with no risk to their roster spot. They each should play notable roles for the offense. The last spot is completely up for grabs right now, but it seems like the Steelers will keep four players here.
With no one standing out enough to unseat him, I’ll keep Connor Heyward as the fourth option. He can play special teams and wear a few different hats on offense. That said, his spot is tentative at best.
Offensive Line: Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Anderson, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson, Max Scharping
The top five are set, and unless they struggle for the remainder of the offseason, Spencer Anderson and Calvin Anderson seem like locks as backups. That leaves two more spots up for grabs.
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Dylan Cook makes his way back to the roster after a disappointing 2024. He can play tackle and guard and has the frame that the Steelers love. Max Scharping stuck around in 2024, can play anywhere on the line, and has pedigree and experience as a backup.
The notable name missing is Ryan McCollum. While he looked ok in limited action last season, an early injury in camp has paved the way for Scharping. I think this is a battle the veteran can win.
Steelers Defense (26):
Defensive Line: Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Yahya Black, Logan Lee
The battle along the defensive line is just eating up. With the offense only carrying 24 players, it lets the defense stay a little heavy along the line.
While the top four names are locked in, and rookie Yahya Black feels close to being a lock, the last two spots are up for grabs. I go with the steady known veteran and the plucky young draft pick from 2024, but neither of their spots is secure. Expect this battle to continue through the preseason.
Edge Rusher: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
This group is set in stone and one of the best-looking depth charts on the roster. The starters are one of the best duos in the league, while each of the backups looks stout. No question who makes this team.
Off-Ball Linebacker: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Carson Bruener
While Cole Holcomb isn’t a lock, he looks like he has picked up where he left off following his injury. Malik Harrison’s contract means he will make the team. The only question is Carson Bruener or Mark Robinson on special teams. I feel like the rookie still has the early edge.
Defensive Back: Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Miles Killibrew, Beanie Bishop, Brandon Echols, James Pierre
Lumped the safeties and corners into one group, because I believe there will be a lot of mixing and matching. Outside of Juan Thornhill, the starters are set, although where everyone plays is still up in the air.
If I had to guess, Jalen Ramsey works in the slot, at outside cornerback, and even at safety. The safety room now feels full with Chuck Clark in the room. It makes the cornerback battle that much harder.
With that in mind, I have Cory Trice Jr. missing the roster. While fans love him, his play has been up and down, and his injury history is bad. He isn’t a lock right now, and other cornerbacks have garnered more buzz than Trice.
Steelers Specialist (3):
Specialists: Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnson, Christian Kuntz
No reason to assume anyone else will make it here. While Ben Sauls and Corliss Waitman are better than average backups, and either could potentially be traded, I don’t see them unseating the incumbents. As for Christian Kuntz, he does a fine enough job, so not worried about him losing his spot.