Mike Tomlin always releases his first depth chart early into the training camp process. Every year it is looked over closely, even though Tomlin says to not read into it too much. There are plenty of changes that will likely happen to the first depth chart released for camp, but it does provide plenty of clues for what the club will likely shape out to be.
Steelers specialists depth chart predictions
Kicker: Chris Boswell (1), B.T. Potter (2)
Noting too earth-shattering here as Chris Boswell has a 95% chance of keeping his job heading into camp. He did struggle last season, but most are chalking that up as a result of a nagging injury last year. If he struggles throughout the pre-season, there could together competition brought in to really push Boswell for his job.
Punter: Pressley Harvin III (1), Braden Mann (2)
Perhaps the most interesting situation when it comes to the specialists will be the outcome of the punting job. Braden Mann is an experienced punter and has better numbers over his career overall than Pressley Harvin III. It seems like Harvin's job to lose, especially with the familiarity and snapping recovery that he possesses.
Long snapper: Christian Kuntz (1), Rex Sunahara (2)
His seat just got a little bit hotter to make the final roster, but this is Christian Kuntz's job to lose heading into camp. A lot of people on the team like him and he has been a reliable player in his role to this point in his career. Rex Sunahara has some decent experience, but it will be an uphill battle for him to make this roster and jump Kuntz on the depth chart.
Steelers QB depth chart predictions
First team: Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett is the starter and will remain in that role for the foreseeable future unless an injury occurs. The Steelers feel like they saw enough to have him come into camp as their unquestionable guy at the position. This is going to be a big year for Pickett as he needs to show progress from his rookie season to now.
Second team: Mitch Trubisky
Mitch Trubisky returns and even got re-signed this past offseason to stick around for a while longer. He went to Pickett's wedding, so it seems like any sort of tension between the two from last year’s competition is gone. Trubisky is a reliable backup with a lot of starting experience that can keep you in games if something were to happen to the starter.
Third team: Mason Rudolph
Perhaps one of the most shocking returns this offseason was when Mason Rudolph decided to re-sign. He was slotted as the starter at the start of camp last year but slowly got downgraded to third-string duties. Rudolph is a strong third option at quarterback and Tomlin will be pleased to have some quality depth with so much experience behind Pickett.
Fourth team/leftover snaps: Tanner Morgan
Much like last year, Tanner Morgan is going to get the Chris Oladokun treatment. Morgan is an undrafted guy coming out of Minnesota, which only saw him produce one strong season during his collegiate career. He will get a couple of snaps during practice, but it is unlikely that he sticks around the team. The Steelers might even look at outside options for potential practice squad guys.
Steelers RB depth chart predictions
First team: Najee Harris
Starting with the obvious choice here as Najee Harris will remain the starter with the black and gold if his contract permits. He had a rough start to last year, but he was able to start showing signs of getting back to his rookie form. Although he will get the bulk of the carries on offense, he has another back that will command some snaps too.
Second team: Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren was one of the topics that shocked people coming out of camp last year. He went from being an undrafted free agent to a significant role player for the Steelers rushing attack last season. Warren should be able to take another step again this year and provides comfort to those that are concerned if Harris were to go down with an injury.
Third team: Anthony McFarland Jr.
Right now, it seems like the third spot will be Anthony McFarland's to lose heading into the preseason. He has been very close to making this roster before, but now there are no clear threats blocking his path. There is a potential dark horse that could threaten his job, but it will be difficult for McFarland to lose out this time around.
Fourth team/the rest: Alfonzo Graham, Jason Huntley, Darius Hagans,
Alfonzo Graham is a name to watch closely throughout camp. He was able to have a good enough minicamp portion of the schedule to get more chances. Both Jason Huntley and Darius Hagans seem like they will have a tiny chance of making the team. Graham has the best shot out of the three listed above to push McFarland for the third spot on the depth chart.
Steelers WR depth chart predictions
First team: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson
A camp battle that will be interesting to watch play out during the early portion of training camp is the slot receiver role. Chase Claypool was given a bunch of opportunities to thrive in that spot on offense, but that never materialized. Allen Robinson will get a chance there and both Diontae Johnson and George Pickens will be the top guys on the outside.
Second team: Calvin Austin III (RS 2), Gunner Olszewski (RS 1), Miles Boykin
A couple of different iterations could happen here but Calvin Austin III gets a chance as a slot receiver and gadget guy. Both he and Gunner Olszewski will also challenge for a returner role on this club. Miles Boykin provides some sizable depth and special teams contributions as well after showing great skill in that phase of football.
Third team: Hakeem Butler, Dez Fitzpatrick, Cody White
Hakeem Butler had a good season in the XFL and provides some interesting options to round out the roster. Dez Fitzpatrick has done a good job in minicamp and OTA's, so it is possible he could get some looks as a returner and in the slot. Cody White has been around the Steelers for a while now, but he will be trying his best to stick around for the practice squad.
Fourth team: Ja'Marcus Bradley, Jordan Byrd (RS 3), Dan Chisena,
None of these three have a big opportunity in front of them to make this team. They will be low on the depth chart unless they really blow the coaches away and make something out of nothing. All of them could possess different special teams’ contributions and that could be the best way for them to stick around the team.
Steelers TE and FB depth chart predictions
First team: Pat Freiermuth, Connor Heyward (FB)
Pat Freiermuth is one of the top tight ends in the NFL right now and should only get better. He and Pickett seem to have good chemistry. Connor Heyward will be an interesting player to watch this pre-season as coaches try and find different ways of getting him on the field. He seems to be getting ready to be the main fullback and play some tight end.
Second team: Zach Gentry. Monte Pottebaum (FB)
Zach Gentry will be the backup for some time this upcoming season as coaches try to slowly bring in Darnell Washington. He is a reliable guy that can be almost like an extra offensive lineman out there with his blocking ability. Monte Pottebaum will get some looks at fullback, but he will only have a realistic shot at making the team off his special teams’ performance.
Third team: Darnell Washington, Kendrick Green (FB)
Washington will probably have some time before he starts getting significant snaps going his way this year. That will make fans groan in disappointment, but luckily the tight end group is strong and has depth. What about Kendrick Green at fullback? Why not? He would be a nice addition as an extra offensive lineman out in space but might as well give him one last shot at multiple spots on offense.
Fourth team: Rodney Williams
One would have to assume that most of the snaps might go in Heyward's direction here, so he does not get too stale at the tight end position. Rodney Williams likely has almost zero shot at making the roster, but he could show enough to keep around to develop on the practice squad. Gentry will likely leave following this season so having a replacement ready would be beneficial.
Steelers OL depth chart predictions
One thing that normally happens this time of year is immediate up and arms from the fanbase once the initial depth chart is revealed. Do not be shocked when Tomlin and company have certain veterans above some new players on this club. That is how things start and normally the better players work their way up to bigger roles.
First team: Dan Moore Jr. (LT), Isaac Seumalo (LG), Mason Cole (OC), James Daniels (RG), Chuks Okorafor(RT)
Again, do not expect a bunch of changes on the offensive line to start the pre-season, but change could come later. Isaac Seumalo is the only different starter along the five as he takes over the left guard spot that used to belong to Kevin Dotson. There will be some interesting battles to watch in camp when it comes to roster positioning.
Second team: Broderick Jones (LT), Kevin Dotson (LG), Kendrick Green (OC), Nate Herbig (RG), Le'Raven Clark (RT)
Broderick Jones will start on the second team but could drop to the third team initially if Le'Raven Clark can play on the left side. Kendrick Green is the backup center and can move over to guard as well, but he has an uphill battle to make this team. Other than Green, this is a strong second unit behind the starters.
Third team: Dylan Cook (LT), William Dunkle (LG), Ryan McCollum (OC), Spencer Anderson (OC/RG), Jarrid Williams (RT)
Both tackles have very little chance of making the roster and will likely only play the tail end of pre-season games. Ryan McCollum is an interesting guy entering camp as he could become the prime backup at center if he can show enough. Spencer Anderson is another interesting player as he can play multiple positions, but he needs quality snaps.
Steelers IDL depth chart predictions
There are four spots locked up across the defensive line for the Steelers heading into camp. It is likely that Tomlin and company will decide on keeping two, maybe three more players in the trenches on defense. That means five players will enter the arena trying their best to get noticed by coaches in a positive way to beat out two or three of their competitors for a job.
First team: Cam Heyward (DT), Montravius Adams (NT), Larry Ogunjobi (DT)
Some might not like the idea of Montravius Adams anchoring the nose tackle spot to open camp, but it's unusual for a rookie to get a big role before playing a snap. Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi are obvious and will retain their starting roles from last season. Adams will struggle to keep his starting spot at nose tackle, especially if Keeanu Benton lives up to the hype.
Second team: DeMarvin Leal (DT), Keeanu Benton (NT), Armon Watts (DT)
Many have forgotten about DeMarvin Leal, but he will be back and hopefully taking another step forward in year two. Benton will likely take over the nose tackle role and gain snaps at defensive tackle, but he starts camp at this spot. Armon Watts is a quality veteran against the run and a dark horse to make this roster.
Third team: James Nyamwaya (DT), Breiden Fehoko (NT), Manny Jones/Jonathan Marshall (DT)
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises on this initial depth chart is Breiden Fehoko being this far down the depth chart to start. He will likely make the team, but he will have to move in front of Adams, Watts, and others to get significant playing time. Fehoko is another solid run stuffer and should be able to do enough this pre-season to carve out a role.
Steelers EDGE depth chart predictions
It cannot be repeated enough that you cannot read too deeply into the depth chart starting off training camp. The Steelers always have veterans above rookies to start in a normal year and the pre-season balances everything out. This is not the final depth chart that will be put out to the public when the regular season kicks off against the San Francisco 49ers.
First team: T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith
No doubter here as these two are one of the most dominant tandems in the NFL when they are healthy. T.J. Watt has been trying some different ways to train this offseason with his health the main priority. Highsmith will have his contract be one of the biggest storylines of camp as Omar Khan tries to sign him to a long-term contract.
Second team: Markus Golden and Quincy Roche
Markus Golden is a savvy veteran player that will fill the third outside linebacker role behind the starters well. Quincy Roche is the shocker here as he comes into camp higher on the depth chart than the fourth-round pick. Nick Herbig. Roche has an uphill battle to make this roster and will likely fall behind Herbig on the depth chart, just not at the start.
Third team: Nick Herbig and David Perales/Toby Ndukwe
Even though Herbig starts off here, he will be the fourth, and likely final outside linebacker to make the final roster. He needs to show some quality snaps, but it is unusual for a fourth-round pick to not make the club his rookie year. He should improve with time. David Perales is another undrafted sleeper to keep an eye on as he should be able to generate pressure.
Steelers LB depth chart predictions
Overall, the worst position in terms of weakness on this roster remains at middle linebacker. Khan and his front office tried to turn things around with a new room this year, but it still lacks quality and remains a quantity-driven position right now. The Steelers could still look for outside options for potential upgrades, and that is probably the best course of action.
First team: Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts
Cole Holcomb is going to be the top dog in the linebacker group for this season unless something unexpected happens. Elandon Roberts will likely get a lot of chances to become the second linebacker on the field when this defense calls for it. Both are run stuffers, but their coverage abilities are lacking with Roberts struggling more in that aspect than Holcomb.
Second team: Nick Kwiatkoski and Tanner Muse
Linebacker was a position that got targeted early and often in free agency for the Steelers. Tanner Muse is mostly a special teams guy, but rumor has it that coaches have liked what they have seen in practice with his coverage abilities. Nick Kwiatkoski could be a Tyler Matakevich-type player as he can play special teams and start if you need him to.
Third team: Mark Robinson and Chapelle Russell
It is unlikely that Chapelle Russell makes this roster, let alone climbs the depth chart throughout the pre-season. Mark Robinson is kind of a shocker to start this low on the depth chart, but it would be a motivational move by the coaches. He will not start for this team, at least early on, but he could carve at a significant role if he has a good start to the year.
Steelers CB depth chart predictions
There are a handful of different concerns about the cornerbacks on this roster heading into training camp. The main concern is at slot corner with the lack of experience that the club has on its roster currently, besides Chandon Sullivan. Perhaps an outside free agent addition after final cuts roll through is the best choice, but there is an internal option that could make these worries dissipate.
First team: Joey Porter Jr., Levi Wallace, Patrick Peterson (slot)
Joey Porter Jr. will be starting for this Pittsburgh defense, it just matters where. Levi Wallace could also be keeping his starting job on the outside if Patrick Peterson works out in the slot. Tomlin seems content with trying to move Peterson around the secondary but namely becoming the top potential replacement as the main slot cornerback for the Steelers.
Second team: James Pierre, Luq Barcoo, Chandon Sullivan (slot)
James Pierre could be a surprise cut when it is all said and done if certain situations play out into reality. Luq Barcoo is a sleeper to make this roster after having a tremendous season as the best cover corner in the XFL. Sullivan is the only corner on the roster with significant experience in the slot role, so he will make this team as the backup there.
Third team: Cory Trice Jr., Madre Harper, Elijah Riley/Tre Norwood (slot)
Cory Trice Jr. might have been a seventh-round selection in this past draft, but he is getting some hype heading into the preseason. Madre Harper is more of just an extra body heading into camp and would have a steep uphill battle to make the club. Both Elijah Riley and Tre Norwood are safeties, but they will likely get some looks in the slot.
Steelers SAF depth chart predictions
The starters at safety are all but set unless Keanu Neal finds a way to lose his job in camp. There are three spots that seem locked into place when it comes to roster spots already being filled before camp even starts. The Steelers will likely only keep one or two more after that so there will be a lot of competition to fill out this position.
First team: Keanu Neal (SS) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS)
Again, both starters at safety seem direct unless Neal loses his job this pre-season. That would put the Steelers in a predicament at strong safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a special player and is regarded as one of the best in the NFL. Expect him to have another strong season as his safety partner will hopefully be able to hold up his end of the bargain.
Second team: Damontae Kazee (SS) and Tre Norwood (FS)
Damontae Kazee played well for Pittsburgh when he returned from his injury. He was a nice addition last offseason and re-signed with the Black and Gold this past offseason too. Tre Norwood needs to take a jump this year as he has been with the Steelers for a significant chunk of time. Showing some quality snaps in the slot would help his cause.
Third team: Elijah Riley/Miles Killebrew (SS) and Kenny Robinson (FS)
Kenny Robinsons is someone that does not have a great shot at making this team unless he can show enough on special teams. Elijah Riley is getting some attention heading into camp as he seems to show some position flexibility. Miles Killebrew is a stronger option to be a leader for the Steelers like in years previous and plays spectacular special teams snaps.