The Steelers released their initial depth chart ahead of their first preseason game against the Texans this week. While a first depth chart is bound to change by the time the regular season comes around, there are some things worth noting. It certainly gives some indication of how the team views some of their players.
Steelers offensive depth chart surprises
The quarterback room is as expected. Russell Wilson is the starter with Justin Fields as the backup. While unlikely, I thought there could have been a chance that the team put Fields ahead of Wilson given his better health and overall strong camp. Seeing Wilson as the number one though is no big shock.
Ditto goes to the running backs. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are the top two names with Cordarrelle Patterson while La’Mical Perine gets the nod as the third-string option. We will have to see if Perine can hold onto that spot, and this first game will be a good opportunity. The tight-end room is also chalk with MyCole Pruitt and Rodney Williams being listed as the co-fourth string options.
We have some intrigue at fullback! Jack Colletto has been getting some notable work at the position in recent practices but he is still listed behind Connor Heyward. I’m beginning to wonder if the Steelers will ultimately keep both on the active roster this season.
There is a bit to note in the receiver room. No big shock with the top three names, as George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin have all seen the most first team work. I did think Austin could have seen some more outside work but the team seems to like him in the slot.
Rookie Roman Wilson is the backup slot receiver, notable given the fact he hasn’t played due to injury for a while. Poor Scotty Miller seems to be outside of the roster bubble right now. Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick are unsurprisingly the backup outside receivers.
The most radical news on the offensive depth chart is along the offensive line. No one should be shocked that the rookies are listed as backups. Dan Moore has continued to see first-team reps in a rotation. I would have been shocked if he was a backup for the first preseason game. The same goes for Nate Herbig, as he has had a strong camp. Zach Frazier is stacking good games and will get there though.
What has me really concerned is the tackle lineups. Broderick Jones is on the right side while Moore and Troy Fautanu are on the left. This seems counter-intuitive to what the Steelers claimed they wanted. My biggest complaint with this depth chart is that Jones is still on the right side.
Steelers defensive depth chart surprises
A lot more to react to on the defensive side of things. The line’s starters are as expected, but in a shocking twist, DeMarvin Leal has been named one of the top backups ahead of Isaiahh Loudermilk. Considering Loudermilk jumped Leal last year, this could be a sign that things are reversing this offseason.
We also see some intrigue in the edge room. The starters are no shock and Nick Herbig as a top backup was expected, but Jeremiah Moon is listed ahead of veteran Markus Golden. While Golden was a recent addition, he played last year with the team with good success. Moon running ahead of him is certainly notable. Golden is no lock to make this roster, and even if he does this team could carry five edge rushers.
Off-ball linebacker sees Payton Wilson already as one of the top backups with Tyler Matakevich his running mate. This confirms that Mark Robinson has been kicked back down the depth chart. Even if he squeaks onto the roster, I think his time in Pittsburgh is coming to a close. Cole Holcomb is also buried on the depth chart, but his injury is likely in play there.
The safety room is as expected, although seeing Ryan Watts there confirms his transition from cornerback to safety. Outside cornerbacks also have some surprises with the backups. While Darius Rush was regularly running with the second team, it took a while for Cory Trice to get there. They are both listed as the backup outside cornerbacks though and have a huge opportunity in this game to get some traction.
Beanie Bishop is making this roster. I have zero doubts now. He is listed as the starting slot cornerback and is the only rookie listed as a starter on the depth chart. Chandon Sullivan was the initial starter there last year and he went into the season retaining that role. He also held off Grayland Arnold who had a few good practices himself. If Bishop can turn into a capable starter it would be a huge help for this defense.
And let's not forget about special teams. No shock with the starters, as the expected trio retained their jobs. Austin is your primary punt returner while Patterson is listed as the kick returner. Unfortunately, there is no second or third kick returner, so we will have to wait for the game to see who else is being considered there.
Again, this is only the first rendition of the depth chart and a lot will change. My biggest takeaways are Bishop starting in the slot, the receiver layout, and Leal getting the nod over Loudermilk. I’m not at all concerned with Frazier and Fautanu starting off as backups. Their time will come. That said, the Steelers need to decide what side each tackle is going to be playing and stick to it at this point.