It is required that all teams release an NFL depth chart around this time every year. The Steelers finally let their initial depth chart out for the public to view as training camp is in full swing. Every year there are some interesting situations that are shown on the first depth chart. That trend continued this year as some roster positioning is clearer.
Don't read too deeply at some of these spots on the depth chart, as there is still a lot of time before week one of the regular season. Many of these players will likely rise up the depth chart while others sink. Although some might see a more positive light on their situation with the club right now, that could change within the next couple of weeks.
Keeanu Benton has a lot of ground to make up on the depth chart
It is always interesting to see where the rookies for the black and gold wind up on the first depth chart of the pre-season. It did not work out in any of their favor as no rookies are slotted into any starting spots right now. That will likely change within the coming weeks as this team will need help from their rookie class.
Keeanu Benton was not only left off the top nose tackle spot but he is currently positioned behind Montravius Adams and Breiden Fehoko. Both players in front of him are veteran guys with a lot of NFL experience. Expect Benton to pull in front of at least one of those players before the regular season starts. He will gain snaps with each passing week.
A veteran returner was not rewarded for his good start at training camp
One of the interesting spots on the roster is the depth spots at receiver. There is a mix of young guys with something to prove and veteran players that are trying to either regain a spot or hold onto one. The top three at receiver are decided for the Steelers and they should be cemented in their respective positioning for now.
Gunner Olszewski is a veteran player that saw time both as a receiver and returner last season with little success. He lost his spot as the top returner after ball security issues arose and was not getting quality snaps at receiver. Calvin Austin III was a rookie last season that seemed to be gunning for Olszewski's job before he was lost to a season-ending injury.
Most thought that Olszewski could become a top cut candidate once final cuts roll through later this month. He has been one of the most productive receivers in training camp thus far and has shown a routineness at the returner spot. Even though he has enjoyed a good start to camp, Austin remains in front of him both at receiver and returner.
Now it seems like Austin has both jobs in the bag unless he has an unexpected fall from grace before the regular season starts. The road to the roster for Olszewski is clear though if he can keep up his current performance or top it. He is a known returner in the league and has shown the ability as a receiver in the past too.
Patrick Peterson is not listed at the slot corner position on the Steelers yet
The roster is massive right now as each club sits at their 90-man limit during this portion of the football year. Eventually, that will need to be cut down to the final 53-man roster after the final pre-season contest is played in a couple of weeks. There are still question marks that need to be answered across a few spots on the club.
Patrick Peterson was one of the prized free agent additions to the Steelers team via free agency this past offseason. He is coming off strong seasons during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. He is getting older, but he has become a steady veteran that is willing to make moves to stick around the league for the foreseeable future.
Peterson will get an opportunity to become the slot cornerback on defense for Pittsburgh. He could always fill other roles across the secondary too as the team tries to figure out the best ways to utilize the veteran moving forward. Training camp has shown the coaches trying their best to see which schematic plays work best for Peterson and those around him.
The first depth chart left Peterson off the Nickle back spot on the roster and kept him at the top cornerback spot. That would likely leave someone like Joey Porter Jr. out of a starting spot when the regular season rolls around. Peterson seems like he will end up at different spots in the secondary when it is all said and done.
A name flying under the radar is holding onto his backup spot in the trenches
Mike Tomlin always claims not to read too much into the first depth chart of training camp, but it can give you some clues into what the coaching staff is thinking. One spot on the roster that still needs to be situated moving forward is across the defensive line. There are multiple roles and depth spots that still need to be figured out.
Nose tackle will probably end up being Benton's to lose when this season wraps up, but it will also be an open competition in camp. There are a couple of other spots at defensive tackle that will need to be fought over with the winners making the roster. Right now, it seems like Isaiahh Loudermilk and Armon Watts are battling for one spot.
Most have forgotten about Loudermilk as the former fifth round pick enters his third year in the NFL. This seems like a make-or-break moment for him in his career with the black and gold. He really needs to show some real progress moving forward or Watts could take his job. Normally the Steelers roll with who they know as the starters in the initial depth chart.
They like to go with the guys they are comfortable with initially before they decide to push someone in front of them. No matter if it is a newly acquired player via free agency or the draft, Pittsburgh usually makes those players earn it with some exceptions to that rule. Expect Watts to give it a run to the finish line to fill a depth spot on this team.
There is double trouble at safety for the Steelers first depth chart
Safety has become somewhat of a light concern heading into the release of the first depth chart of training camp. Minkah Fitzpatrick has missed a lot of time with an excused absence due to a personal reason that he had to deal with. That left the Steelers without their top safety and then some injuries started to pile up.
Damontae Kazee is seen as a potential option to fill some of the safety responsibilities left behind by Terrell Edmunds departure this past offseason. Kazee sustained a small injury just a couple of days into camp that knocked him out for a few days. His competition for the top safety spot next to Fitzpatrick has missed even more time than Kazee to this point.
Keanu Neal was signed via free agency this past offseason by Pittsburgh and will likely take over most of the responsibilities left behind by Edmunds. He is a tough and physical safety that might be a slight downgrade when compared to either Kazee or Edmunds. He has missed a lot of practices with a nagging injury and that has hurt him thus far.
Both Neal and Kazee are listed as the co-starters next to Fitzpatrick for the time being. No matter who wins the main job, the one that draws the short straw will have a big impact on this secondary this season. Both have their strengths and weaknesses in their respective games. It will be up to the coaching staff to put them in winning scenarios.