With the first preseason game just around the corner on Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Pittsburgh Steelers have released their first depth chart.
There aren’t a ton of surprises with many of the starting positions already decided, but there are still a few notable things to keep in mind. As always, these preseason depth charts should be taken with a grain of salt. They are subject to change between now and the start of the regular season, and even then nothing holds the Steelers to these decisions on paper once game day comes around.
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On offense, the starting offensive line is as expected from left to right with Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu set to be the starters. This is the first time in years that the Steelers have known their starting five entering the season, and they are finally all taking the field together at training camp after some minor injuries delayed the process.
Calvin Andeson is listed as the backup left tackle and the backup right tackle is Dylan Cook. With Anderson injured, Steven Jones is listed behind him as the third left tackle. Spencer Anderson and Max Scharping are the top depth options at guard and Ryan McCollum is once again the backup center.
Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are listed as co-starters at one tight end spot and Darnell Washington in the other top spot. Connor Heyward currently has the edge on JJ Galbreath, but the undrafted rookie has been impressing at training camp. Heyward is also the starting fullback with DJ Thomas-Jones behind him on the depth chart.
Kaleb Johnson might eventually start for the Steelers at running back, but they aren’t just going to hand him the starting job. He is currently third on the depth chart behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
Calvin Austin III is listed as the other starting receiver opposite DK Metcalf. Roman Wilson isn’t one of the primary backups with Robert Woods and Scotty Miller listed ahead of him. Roman Wilson is currently on the tier with Ben Skowronek on third-team offense.
On defense, rookie DT Derrick Harmon is listed as a starter. The Steelers rarely list rookies that way this early in the process, but Karl Dunbar made it clear he would be starting months ago, so this is no surprise.
The DL depth has been shaken up by injuries recently, but Daniel Ekuale is listed as the top backup at nose tackle while Isaiahh Loudermilk and Logan Lee are listed as the top defensive end depth options. Rookie DL Yahya Black is the third nose tackle option, but the Steelers have been deploying him at multiple spots. He has even been used as a first-team defensive end at times.
As for the corners, Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. are listed as the starting outside corners with Jalen Ramsey listed as the starting nickel option. Based on training camp practices, Ramsey will be used all over the place, including outside at times. Juan Thornhill is the top safety next to DeShon Elliott.
Cory Trice Jr. and Brandin Echols are the top depth corners on the outside with Beanie Bishop Jr. behind Ramsey in the slot. That could be the six CBs kept on the initial 53-man roster, but Trice is dealing with an injury and the Steelers may opt to keep seven with James Pierre an important piece of the puzzle on special teams. Rookie Donte Kent is the third slot option and has also been dealing with an injury.
There are no surprises at inside or outside linebacker other than Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal being listed as co-backups to T.J. Watt. Carson Bruener finds himself behind Mark Robinson at inside linebacker for the time being in a possible two-dogs-one-bone scenario.
Corliss Waitman and Cameron Johnston are listed as co-starters at punter, so that position battle will continue into the preseason games. Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren are listed as the kick returners. Calvin Austin III is the primary punt returner with Scotty Miller serving as the backup.
Several starters either won’t play or will play limited snaps on Saturday against the Jaguars, so expect to get a good look at many of the depth players. We will keep you posted on the next depth chart for any changes.
