The Pittsburgh Steelers are more than halfway through their scheduled public training camp practices, and the depth chart is slowly starting to take form. As we prepare for an eventful preseason, some players are ahead of the competition while notable players—and even a few high draft picks—are falling behind.
The first two weeks of Steelers training camp taught us plenty about this roster and who's hot as we gear up for exhibition action. Here are the biggest winners and losers from Week 2 of Steelers camp, based on the buzz from beat reporters and those in attendance at Latrobe.
Winners of second week of Steelers training camp
Steelers' defense
There's credit to pass all around here. The defense has completely dominated the offense over the first two weeks of camp, and it's hard to see that changing anytime soon. Defenders are swarming to the ball and limiting any sort of consistency from the offense. Let's just give the whole unit a pat on the back.
Payton Wilson, LB
Linebacker Payton Wilson appears to be well on his way to a breakout season, and he's showing once again why the sky is the limit of his potential. Wilson has constantly been around the football as his impeccable instincts and athletic traits continually come into play. By all accounts, he had a strong week.
Yahya Black, DL
I don't know if anyone suspected Yahya Black would be on the winners' list in training camp. The fifth-round pick in 2025 has yet to play an NFL snap, but he's already putting his rare combination of length and power on display. Black continues to get his hands up in passing lanes and shows impressive power as a run defender and pass rusher.
Darius Slay, CB
Despite his age (34), Darius Slay is showing us that he still has more to offer. Slay was beaten early in camp in one-on-one drills, but has been strong in recent practices, locking down Roman Wilson. Slay is still showcasing sticky man-coverage ability after his second week of Steelers camp.
Roc Taylor, WR
Here's a name that came out of nowhere. Roc Taylor, an undrafted rookie, is turning heads at camp thanks to his strong hands and impressive body control. The big-bodied receiver is coming off a spectacular second week of Steelers camp, though he still has a tough path to the 53-man roster.
Jack Sawyer, EDGE
Jack Sawyer has been everything advertised and more so far at Steelers training camp. The fourth-round pick is playing like a much higher draft selection, as Sawyer has displayed a strong combination of power and pass-rush moves. The Ohio State product shows impressive backside pursuit and a strong pass rush plan that included some impressive wins in OL vs. DL reps.
DJ Thomas-Jones, TE/FB
DJ Thomas Jones has rarely seen the field since his injury scare, but he recently returned to practice. I have him as a winner simply because he avoided a dreaded Achilles injury that was initially feared. Now he still has a shot to keep his 2025 season alive and fight for a roster spot as a do-it-all fullback/tight end.
DeMarvin Leal, EDGE/DL
DeMarvin Leal is the former third-round pick who refuses to go away. Despite his unusual fit in the Steelers' 3-4 defense, Leal has had a terrific camp that continued with another strong performance in Week 2. Leal has impressive athleticism for his size and offers versatility as an edge rusher and interior defender, but his spot on the 53-man roster is far from secured.
Mark Robinson, LB
Mark Robinson has been the star of Steelers training camp at points in the second week of practice. The hard-hitting linebacker has been a tone setter in 'backs on 'backers, and has had a few jolting stops in the run game.
READ MORE: Steelers' first notable cut of training camp is already painfully obvious
Losers of second week of training camp
Cory Trice Jr., CB
This might be the most frustrating player of Steelers camp—not because he didn't perform well, but because he's proven once again that he can't stay on the field. Cory Trice Jr. has prototype traits and starting upside as a boundary cornerback, but a hamstring injury has held him out of the last few practices. Trice missed 11 games with a hamstring injury in 2024.
Kaleb Johnson, RB
We expected growing pains from the 21-year-old rookie running back, and he admitted that he needs to improve as a pass protector. These struggles have been on full display in recent practices, as Kaleb Johnson hasn't been able to keep defenders in front of him when attempting to block. Nobody needs to hit the panic button here, but Johnson still has a long way to go.
Broderick Jones, OT
Let's give credit where it's due: Broderick Jones finally strung together a few impressive reps at practice—particularly lately in OL vs. DL drills. However, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has still been disappointing overall. The fact that he missed time in the second week of practice due to a soft tissue injury also doesn't help his development.
Roman Wilson, WR
Roman Wilson had one massive play this past week, when he Mossed Joey Porter Jr. for a deep touchdown. Unfortunately, the 2024 third-round pick has been quiet outside of this. Wilson has been blanketed too often by Pittsburgh's physical cornerbacks, and he's failed to gain much of a connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Robert Woods, WR
Robert Woods hasn't been bad at Steelers camp, but it's not a good sign that Ben Skowronek seems to be running ahead of him as the team's No. 4 wide receiver. If this doesn't change, there's a chance Woods' job could be on the line, as the 33-year-old receiver doesn't offer much help on special teams.