Steelers' 90-Man Roster Depth Chart Projection: A new lead dog at the RB position and a starting QB not named Aaron Rodgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers made seven draft selections, and now the roster outside of the starting quarterback is set. Here is what the team projects to look like when the depth chart is released ahead of training camp… Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2025 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers made seven draft selections, and now the roster outside of the starting quarterback is set.
Here is what the team projects to look like when the depth chart is released ahead of training camp…
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2025 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2025 undrafted free agents.
Quarterbacks
- Starter: Mason Rudolph
- Depth: Will Howard*, Skylar Thompson
Analysis: Aaron Rodgers will likely be in the Black and Gold by the time the Steelers get to Latrobe, but in the case he's not, this is what the depth chart will look like in the QB room.
Running backs
- Starter: Kaleb Johnson*
- Depth: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Cordarelle Patterson, Aaron Shampklin, Evan Hull, Jonathan Ward
Analysis: The Steelers used the 83rd overall pick on Friday night to find their current future starter at the running back position. With Jaylen Warren on a one-year deal, he will serve in a similar role, and new signee Kenny Gainwell takes over for Patterson as the third-down back.
Wide receivers
- Starters: George Pickens, DK Metcalf, Robert Woods
- Depth: Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Taylor Roc**, Brandon Johnson, Lance McCutcheon, Ben Skowronek
Analysis: This position grouping seems fairly cut and dry after the acquisition of DK Metcalf, and with George Pickens escaping the trade rumors, or at least for now. Signing Robert Woods on Monday gives Pittsburgh the slot WR they need.
Tight ends
- Starter: Pat Freiermuth
- Depth: Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, Donald Parham Jr. DJ Thomas-Jones**, JJ Galbreath**
Analysis: The signing of Parham Jr. this offseason will likely replace MyCole Pruitt come the regular season. The top three of Muth, Mt. Washington, and baby Heyward are chalk.
Offensive line
- Starters: Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu
- Depth: Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Max Scharping, Ryan McCollum, Aiden Williams**, Lecitus Smith, Steven Jones, Doug Nester
Analysis: After a heavy approach in the draft and free agency along the offensive line the past two offseasons, the Steelers didn't use any draft capital or sign anyone of starting quality in 2025. Safe to say they think they have their team up front.
Defensive Line
- Starters: Derrick Harmon*, Keeanu Benton, Cam Heyward
- Depth: Danile Ekuale, Yahya Black*, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee, Otomewo, Esezi, Domenique Davis, Dean Lowry, Jacob Slade
Analysis: Time will tell who plays the nose tackle position, but it's safe to assume that the trio of Harmon, Benton, and Heyward will be starting up front come Week 1.
Linebackers
- Starters: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson,
- Depth: Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer, Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb, Jeremiah Moon, Mark Robinson, Carson Bruener*, DeMarvin Leal, Thomas Rush, Devin Harper, Eku Leota, Julius Welschof
Analysis: The outside players are set with Watt and Highsmith. I expect Payton Wilson to take on a bigger role in year two alongside Patrick Queen as one-half of the inside linebacking duo.
Cornerbacks
- Starters: Joey Porter Jr. Darius Slay, Brandin Echols
- Depth: Beanie Bishop, Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre Donte Kent*, D'Shawn Jamison, Sebastian Castro**, Kyler McMichael, Cameron McCutcheon
Analysis: Beanie Bishop could take the reins as the team's starting slot CB, but for now, Bandin Echols will likely be the team's starter at the slot position. The outside is set with Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay.
Safeties
- Starters: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott
- Depth: Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Ryan Watts, Joshauh Bledsoe
Analysis: The acquisition of Thornhill this offseason will replace Damontae Kazee and give the Steelers more opportunities for their big nickel package.
Specialists
Starters: Chris Boswell, Cameron Johnston, Christian Kuntz
Depth: Corliss Waitman, Ben Sauls**
Analysis: It will be interesting to see how well Johnston has recovered from his knee injury last season, but right now, he should be favored over Waitman in the punter battle.
