Steelers’ initial depth chart for 2025 proves that promising rookie weapon has a long way to go and that TE No.1 is up for grabs
Here’s what’s of note.
It’s game week for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While it may only be an exhibition against the Jaguars, it’s the first time we will see an iteration of Steelers football in 2025.
With that comes the initial depth chart of the season for the Steelers, with some key takeaways…
Note: The initial depth chart is unofficial and subject to change as it does not come from any member of the coaching staff or Pittsburgh personnel. The depth chart’s are released by the team’s P.R. department.
Reaction to Steelers’ initial 2025 depth chart release
Let’s start on offense. Kaleb Johnson had and still has a chance to unseat Jaylen Warren as the running back one at some point this season. After a slow start last week in pads, he will be looking to show his worth in the first preseason game, as he currently sits not second, but third on the depth chart behind Kenny Gainwell.
Expect that to change.
There are no surprises along the offensive line or at quarterback, so let’s get to the pass catchers.
Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf ae your starting WRs, which comes as no surprise. What is interesting is that Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth are listed as co-starters at tight end. Perhaps Jonnu Smith supplants Muth by the time the season rolls around or within it, but I think this the Steelers telling you what we have known all along about Jonnu Smith…
He’s going to be on the field as much as possible. If it’s 11 personnel, with only one true in-line tight end, he will be your slot WR. If it’s a bigger personnel grouping like 12 or 13 personnel with multiple tight ends, he will be there as well.
Regardless, expect to see a lot of Jonnu Smith and Muth at the same time.
Defensive and special teams takeaways
The defensive side of the depth chat is as chalk as it gets. Derrick Harmon is being named a starter so it comes as no real surprise given that he was a first-round pick, drafted to replace a former starter in Larry Ogunjobi.
Jalen Ramsey is listed as the starter at nickel (which comes as no surprise), but he will likely mix and match all over the backend of the defense.
As for special teams, Mike Tomlin said last week that it’s open season for competition at kick returner after the Steelers fired Cordarrelle Patterson on his day off, and the man with the upper hand right now is Kenny Gainwell.
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They’re looking forward to the weekend.
