OTAs just finished for the Steelers, and it was a week that showed potential depth chart outcomes going into training camp.
Sometimes the black and gold play coy with their intentions heading into training camp regarding their depth chart. Mike Tomlin hates releasing his initial depth chart as it routinely gets dissected by fans and the media. He won't have to release his first depth chart until training camp, but if he had to release one today, it could look like the one in this article.
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kyle Allen, John Rhys Plumlee
No shocker here as Russell Wilson remains the starter with Justin Fields behind him. The Steelers will try and find a role for Fields, we just have to wait and see what that becomes. Kyle Allen won't lose his spot unless an injury happens. John Rhys Plumlee might make the practice squad, but he won't get many opportunities in camp.
Running back: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Cordarrelle Patterson, La'Michal Perine, Jonathan Ward, Daijun Edwards
Obvious three at running back, but after them things get foggy.
It seems like the Steelers might only carry the top three running backs on the roster, but they could keep a fourth with Cordarrelle Patterson being a gadget guy. Maybe La'Michael Perine or Jonathan Ward can lean on their NFL experience and find a way to make the roster as the fourth guy on the depth chart.
Fullback: Jack Colletto, Connor Heyward
Don't forget about the fullback position people!
Jack Colletto could shock everyone and sneak his way onto the roster as the only true fullback option heading into training camp. Connor Heyward has worked on his versatility in OTAs and could be an option at the position. We will see how the black and gold value this position during the preseason process.
Wide receiver: George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins, Denzel Mims, Marquez Callaway, Dez Fitzpatrick
Receiver is an interesting position as many believe the Steelers still need an upgrade at a starting spot. We will see how things play out regarding that situation. It will be interesting to see who the club has at certain spots on the depth chart. Will they envision Roman Wilson in the slot or the second option on the outside? Will Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Calvin Austin III, or Quez Watkins be on top of the order for a starting spot after OTAs?
Tons of quantity at this position that will be sorted out during training camp as a true competition.
Tight end: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, MyCole Pruitt, Rodney Williams
Nothing too mind-boggling here as the top three from last year carry over. Heyward will have competition from MyCole Pruitt and Rodney Williams. Special teams will be the determining factor at tight end. Heyward remains on the upper hand as his position flexibility should help his cause. He had a strong OTA by most accounts.
Left tackle: Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, Devery Hamilton
Fans are going to groan when Dan Moore Jr. shows up as the starting left tackle at training camp.
He has not been a favorite of the fans since becoming a starter, but Tomlin is going to make this happen. He wants Broderick Jones to win the job and have Troy Fautanu get the starting gig on the right side. Make no mistake about it, Moore will have to win his starting job.
Left guard: Isaac Seumalo, Nate Herbig, Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick
Nothing to write home about when looking at left guard in general. The starting spot is cemented, and Nate Herbig will be the primary backup. Ideally, Mason McCormick will push him for the backup role, but he will start behind Herbig no matter what. Not much movement on the offensive line in OTAs since little physicality is allowed.
Center: Zach Frazier, Nate Herbig, Ryan McCollum, Spencer Anderson
Here is where the Steelers could veer away from their norm.
Sliding a rookie into a starting spot immediately is something the Steelers rarely do. Zach Frazier will be the exception this year unless they keep Herbig there in a shocking move. Frazier is the most talented even though he has no NFL experience yet.
Side note, this is a big camp for Spencer Anderson who needs to prove he can be a quality depth piece both at guard and center.
Right guard: James Daniels, Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Anderson Hardy
Just like at left guard, the right side will have no surprises barring injury. James Daniels has been solid since signing with the Steelers a couple of years ago. He could be in line for a contract extension. Mason McCormick should be the backup guard, but Anderson could push at that role to begin training camp.
Right tackle: Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Dylan Cook, Tyler Beach
The situation at left tackle will directly affect the outcome at right tackle.
Seems pretty obvious coming out of OTAs that Troy Fautanu will be playing right tackle for the Steelers. Jones will remain the starter on that side unless Fautanu can show he can start the regular season. If not, then it'll be the same starting duo at tackle for Pittsburgh to open the season.
Defensive end: Cam Heyward, Dean Lowry, Keeanu Benton, Logan Lee
Cam Heyward missed the majority of OTAs in search of a new contract. He will probably land that. Expect Dean Lowry to get most of the backup snaps and Keeanu Benton to grow his role in year two. Logan Lee has an uphill battle to make the roster as a rookie, but he has a good shot, especially if he can play some special teams.
Defensive end: Larry Ogunjobi, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton
Both Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal will be playing for their jobs come training camp.
It has been a while since Leal and Loudermilk joined the Steelers. Neither has progressed to the Steeler's liking and that could leave them without a job after the preseason. Larry Ogunjobi remains the starter, which should surprise no one.
Nose tackle: Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams, Breiden Fehoko
Benton proved to be a quality nose tackle last season, so he remains in that starting spot. He should be able to get extra snaps elsewhere on the defensive line which could open up a bigger role behind him. Expect Montravius Adams to hold down the backup role here with Breiden Fehoko rounding out the depth chart.
Outside linebacker: T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon, Julius Welschof
Big season looming for Nick Herbig as he will be the primary backup at outside linebacker.
T.J. Watt holds the starting spot with Herbig behind him. Situating who will fill out the depth chart will be tough. Unless Markus Golden returns, there is no obvious choice. It will be interesting to see how they deploy Jeremiah Moon as he could play any linebacker spot.
Outside linebacker: Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, David Perales
Again no shocker here as Alex Highsmith remains the starter with Herbig as the primary backup. Don't forget about David Perales as he remained with the team last year on their practice squad. He could make a push as the last edge rusher on the team. The Steelers could always look to add someone on the waiver wire once final roster cuts happen.
Inside linebacker: Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb (IR), Mark Robinson
Unless Payton Wilson has a stellar training camp, expect him to be the primary backup at inside linebacker. Technically Cole Holcomb is on the roster, but he won't be on the depth chart much. He is listed here so you don't forget about him.
This is the make-or-break year for Mark Robinson. He needs to earn some play time this season.
Inside linebacker: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Jacoby Windmon, Tyler Murray, Kyron Johnson
Patrick Queen should be the best inside linebacker on the Steelers roster. Behind some of the top-depth pieces, there aren't too many quality guys coming out of OTAs. Jacoby Windmon is an interesting name to watch as the undrafted free agent could surprise some people and sneak onto the final roster.
Cornerback: Joey Porter Jr., Cam Sutton, Darius Rush, Anthony Averett
Cam Sutton just signed with the Steelers, and he should have a big role on defense.
Even though Sutton just signed, expect him to land in the slot, but be a primary backup on the outside. Darius Rush needs to have a good preseason or he could be a potential shocking roster cut. Anthony Averett can play inside and outside, so he won't rise too much at either spot.
Cornerback: Donte Jackson, Cory Trice Jr., Ryan Watts, Beanie Bishop
Donte Jackson seems cemented as the other outside cornerback for now. Cory Trice needs to stay healthy this time around. If he could play as good, or better than what he showed last training camp before his injury, then he might challenge for a starting spot. Ryan Watts and Beanie Bishop both need to show stuff on special teams and some versatility.
Slot cornerback: Cam Sutton, Grayland Arnold, Josiah Scott, Ryan Watts, Anthony Averett, Beanie Bishop
Sutton was just signed at the end of OTAs but he will be the starter at slot cornerback to start training camp. Grayland Arnold was just added to the roster recently too, but he has a good chunk of experience in the slot. Josiah Scott has some momentum heading to camp. All three of Watts, Averett, and Bishop have an uphill battle to make the team if they can't show up on special teams.
Free safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Damontae Kazee, Jalen Elliott
No shocker at free safety here as the star player remains on top.
We will see how Damontae Kazee does in training camp as he will need to prove his worth to the team again. His number of NFL starts will help matters, but his suspension issues could make him on the outside looking in. Jalen Elliott will push for a roster spot, but he needs to overcome the odds.
Strong safety: DeShon Elliott, Trenton Thompson, Miles Killebrew, Nathan Meadors
Tons of injuries hampered the Steelers at safety last season, but it allowed certain players to take advantage of the opportunity. Trenton Thompson almost seems like a lock when you look at the current depth chart. Miles Killebrew is one of the best special teams players in the league.
DeShon Elliott is the difference maker here as he should allow Minkah Fitzpatrick to get back to his best style of play.
Specialists: Chris Boswell (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
Zero surprises here and there will be no changes barring injury. Cameron Johnston is the new guy on the block, but he just signed a big deal in free agency to join the Steelers. He won't be going anywhere. Both Chris Boswell and Christian Kuntz are reliable guys who provide quality special teams play. Neither of them will be challenged.
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