Evaluating the talent on the Steelers first edition of their 2023 Practice Squad

Depth across the defensive line is exciting on the practice unit

Perhaps one of the strong areas of this team has been at the defensive line throughout the preseason. Many wondered if the Steelers would end up keeping eight defensive linemen for their first edition of the 53-man roster. The club did not go with that idea and made their most noteworthy cut down to 53 players when they released Breiden Fehoko.

Many assumed that he would make the team after he showed great promise at training camp practices and during preseason games. His run stuffing ability is what makes him good in the NFL, but that was not enough for Pittsburgh to employ him on the active roster. Fehoko did make it through waivers and was signed to the practice squad.

Jonathan Marshall also made the practice squad which was always the more realistic route to sticking with the team for him. The defensive line group is too talented and deep in front of him to have had a realistic shot at making the team. Marshall is a developmental piece that is entering his third year in the NFL.

Another deep area on the roster right now is at outside linebacker, otherwise known as the edge rusher position. David Perales had a tremendous collegiate career rushing the passer and translated that into his preseason performances. He did enough to stick on the practice squad and could get a shot this season if injuries start to pile up.