The NFL preseason is often dominated in the headlines by rookie quarterback performances and position battles. But the players outside of those storylines have their own stories too. Whether they improve or regress, their performance throughout the preseason and training camp goes a long way in determining how much they'll contribute during the regular season.
The 2024 preseason wasn't the cleanest for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it was far from a disaster either. Much of the positive takeaways for the Steelers in the preseason was the growth of some key depth pieces.
These players improved more than the rest heading into the 2024 regular season.
Cory Trice, CB
For Cory Trice, the idea of his improvement is rather simple: he was available. Trice simply having the opportunity to be on the field is a massive win for him. Earning a preseason start against the Lions is a clear indicator that he's progressed nicely now that he's been able to take some reps.
Trice will likely be deep on the Steelers depth chart when the roster is trimmed to 53, but the former seventh-round pick will have opportunities to contribute on special teams and potentially in dime packages.
Miles Killebrew, S
Miles Killebrew is one of the best special teams players in the NFL, but his improvements are noted in the secondary as he begins his 9th NFL season. Seasoned vets can progress too, after all.
Killebrew isn't contending for a starting safety spot and in the best-case scenario he plays as few defensive snaps as possible in the regular season. However, the idea of him being a more reliable backup in the secondary has been acknowledged for a couple of years.
Based on his preseason performance, which included an interception and a couple of tackles, it's safe to say he's a more polished reserve than in his first few seasons in Pittsburgh.
Spencer Anderson, OL
Spencer Anderson is the only offensive player mentioned here and odds are he won't be the team's top backup guard. That speaks volumes to the new faces on offense and some regression as well.
Nonetheless, Anderson still put good film out in a preseason that seemed largely negative for the Steelers offensive line. He's shown versatility, playing at both guard spots and even right tackle against the Lions, and showed great progress overall.
He wasn't perfect by any means, and rookie Mason McCormick will likely hear his number called if a guard has to step in for Pittsburgh, but Anderson has shown himself a valuable depth piece and fighter for a spot on the final 53.
Nick Herbig, EDGE
Nick Herbig's trajectory is exponential. The former Wisconsin Badger plays every rep as if it were his last. As a result, he makes plays consistently no matter the competition level.
Herbig racked up a handful of sacks throughout the season, establishing himself as the Steelers' unquestioned EDGE-3. He'll rotate with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith all season to keep them fresh and take advantage of every rep as he always has.
DeMarvin Leal, DL
Where Herbig already flashed in his rookie season, DeMarvin Leal has been a player trapped in limbo for the first few seasons of his career where he couldn't seem to fit as an EDGE or down lineman in Pittsburgh's scheme.
Thankfully, in a way, that appears to have changed in 2024. Leal has slimmed to 275 pounds and is still primarily a down lineman. However, he's shown progression inside and out. He's taken on some EDGE snaps this preseason and has shown he could very well be the team's fourth EDGE if they want to save a roster spot.
He's also performed much better on the interior. His speed has been his biggest strength all along, but now it seems his frame and experience are matching up to make him a more rounded player.
Leal will be a depth rotator this season. When he's called upon to assist the defense, fans should feel a bit more at ease with #98 on the field.