State of the Steelers: 53-man depth chart projection post-training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put a bow on training camp and played two of three preseason games. That's more than enough of a sample size to predict the Steelers' depth chart come week one, so here we go: Note: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Aug 21, 2023 9:49 AM EDT

Aug 19, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts with teammates after Porter intercepted a Buffalo Bills pass during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put a bow on training camp and played two of three preseason games.

That's more than enough of a sample size to predict the Steelers' depth chart come week one, so here we go:

Note: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent 2023 undrafted free agents.

Position	Starter(s)	Backups
Quarterback	Kenny Pickett	Mitchell Trubisky Mason Rudolph
Running back	Najee Harris	Jaylen Warren Anthony McFarland Jr Connor Heyward
Wide receiver	Diontae Johnson George Pickens Allen Robinson II	Calvin Austin III Miles Boykin
Tight end	Pat Freiermuth	Darnell Washington* Zach Gentry
Offensive line	Dan Moore Jr. Isaac Seumalo Mason Cole James Daniels Chukwuma Okorafor	Broderick Jones* Kevin Dotson Kendrick Green Nate Herbig Dylan Cook
Defensive line	Larry Ogunjobi Montavius Adams Cameron Heyward	DeMarvn Leal Breiden Fehoko Keeanu Benton* Isaiahh Loudermilk
Outside linebacker	T.J. Watt Alex Highsmith	Markus Golden Nick Herbig*
Inside linebacker	Cole Holcomb Elandon Roberts	Kwon Alexander Mark Robinson
Cornerback	Patrick Peterson Levi Wallace	Joey Porter Jr. Chandon Sullivan James Pierre Elijah Riley
Safety	Minkah Fitzpatrick Damontae Kazee	Keanu Neal Tre Norwood
Kicker	Chris Boswell
Punter	Pressley Harvin III
Long snapper	Christian Kuntz
Kick returner	Anthony McFarland Jr.
Punt returner	Calvin Austin III

53-man depth chart projection post-training camp

It may come as a surprise to see no rookie starters, but the truth is, not only does Pittsburgh take the conservative route when it comes to first-year players, but the veterans in front of this draft class have just been better in camp and throughout the preseason.

I fully expect these rookies to be future starters and remembered as one of the best draft classes in some time for Pittsburgh, as their first five selections have all shown flashes.

But that is down the road, with the veterans holding off the rookies for now.