Updated Steelers projected depth chart after the 2024 NFL Draft
By Tommy Jaggi
NFL rosters look a whole lot different following the 2024 NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to add seven players in the draft and signed a handful of undrafted free agents when shortly after the draft concluded.
With the value they found in the 2024 draft, it's not hard to see a route where three draft picks are starting as rookies, and even more, could see the field for regular season action.
Meanwhile, some Steelers veterans will either see their roles reduced or will be sliding to the bench altogether following Pittsburgh's draft results. Here's a look at the updated Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart ahead following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Note: Bolded names deonte Steelers' rookie draft picks.
Projected Steelers depth chart 2024: Offense
Position | Starter | 2nd string | 3rd string | 4th string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
QB | Russell Wilson | Justin Fields | Kyle Allen | |
RB | Najee Harris | Jaylen Warren | Cordarrelle Patterson | Aaron Shampkin |
WR | George Pickens | Denzel Mims | Marquez Callaway | |
WR | Van Jefferson | Quez Watkins | Dez Fitzpatrick | Duece Watts |
WR | Roman Wilson | Calvin Austin III | Keilahn Harris | |
TE | Pat Freiermuth | Darnell Washington | Connor Heyward | MyCole Pruitt |
FB | Jack Colletto | |||
LT | Troy Fautanu | Dan Moore Jr. | Kellen Diesch | Devery Hamilton |
LG | Isaac Seumalo | Mason McCormick | Joey Fisher | |
C | Zach Frazier | Nate Herbig | Ryan McCollum | |
RG | James Daniels | Spencer Anderson | Anderson Hardy | |
RT | Broderick Jones | Dyan Cook | Tyler Beach |
On offense, Russell Wilson is expected to start with Justin Fields beginning his Steelers career as a backup. In the third round of the draft (pick 84 overall), the Steelers added Michigan WR Roman Wilson. Wilson is a bit undersized (5'10 3/4'') and may begin his career as the team's starting slot receiver.
The Steelers picked three offensive linemen inside the top four rounds this year. Troy Fautanu was the 20th overall pick in the first round by Pittsburgh. There has been much debate as to whether or not he will be a left or right tackle in the NFL.
The team made it clear that they would like to move Jones back to left tackle, but that was before they drafted Fautanu. For now, I have Jones sticking at RT and Fautanu sliding in at LT -- kicking Dan Moore Jr. to the bench.
On the interior offensive line, the Steelers added center Zach Frazier (pick 51) and guard Mason McCormick (pick 119). I have Frazier slotting ahead of Nate Herbig as the team's projected Day 1 center. McCormick, who was a left guard at South Dakota State, will slide in behind Isaac Seumalo on the depth chart as the second-string left guard.
Projected Steelers depth chart 2024: Defense
Position | Starter | 2nd string | 3rd string | 4th string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DT | Larry Ogunjobi | Isaiahh Loudermilk | DeMarvin Leal | |
NT | Keeanu Benton | Montravius Adams | Breiden Fehoko | Jonathan Marshall |
DL | Cameron Heyward | Dean Lowry | Logan Lee | Jacob Slade |
EDGE (R) | Alex Highsmith | Nick Herbig | Kyron Johnson | Julius Welschof |
EDGE (L) | T.J. Watt | Jeremiah Moon | David Perales | |
LILB | Patrick Queen | Cole Holcomb | Mark Robinson | |
RILB | Elandon Roberts | Payton Wilson | Tyler Murray | |
RCB | Joey Porter Jr. | Darius Rush | Kalon Barnes | |
LCB | Donte Jackson | Cory Trice Jr. | Ryan Watts | |
SCB | Josiah Scott | Thomas Graham Jr. | Beanie Bishop Jr. | |
FS | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Damontae Kazee | Jalen Elliott | |
SS | DeShon Elliott | Trenton Thompson | Miles Killebrew | Nathan Meadors |
Three of Pittsburgh's seven selections in the 2024 NFL Draft came on defense, but their first pick on this side of the ball (LB Payton Wilson) didn't come until the 98th overall pick. Wilson has the talent to be a starting NFL linebacker as a rookie, but I have him slotted as a second-string linebacker behind Elandon Roberts for now.
Pittsburgh's other two rookie draft picks on defense are hoping to show enough in training camp to stick around on the 2024 regular season roster.
Logan Lee joins a crowded group on the defensive line. Players like DeMarvin Leal and Isaiah Loudermilk could be his biggest competition. Ryan Watts could be viewed as a safety with his size and tackling ability, but I have him slotted as a third-string boundary cornerback.
Projected Steelers depth chart 2024: Special Teams
Position | Starter | 2nd string | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
K | Chris Boswell | Matthew Wright | ||
P | Cameron Johnston | |||
LS | Christian Kuntz | |||
KR | Cordarrelle Patterson | Quez Watkins | ||
PR | Calvin Austin III |
Pittsburgh's special teams depth chart remains unchanged following the 2024 NFL Draft. Chris Boswell will resume kicking duties with Cameron Johnston as the punter and Christian Kuntz as the long snapper.
The Steelers did not draft a player with ample punt return or kick return experience. Roman Wilson returned 6 kicks and 0 punts at Michigan and is unlikely to be used as a return specialist. Cordarrelle Patterson is expected to be the kick returner with Calvin Austin III continuing his punt return duties.
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