The Pittsburgh Steelers are just over a week from training camp, and the roster prediction is already dropping some heavy news. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to sign soon, which is massive, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Behind the big name, the team has some serious questions about depth and performance expectations that are starting to show.
Big Names, Big Questions at Skill Positions
Yeah, Aaron Rodgers is coming, but who is he throwing to? Drew Allar and Will Howard will be battling it out for that backup spot behind him. At wide receiver, the top three guys, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard, are getting love, but the bottom three , Roman Wilson, Kaden Wetjen, and Ben Skowronek , are a real concern for depth. That’s a potential problem right there. Running back isn’t much clearer. Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are in, but it “wasn’t easy” to give Kaleb Johnson a spot, and the prediction sees “no value” in fullback Riley Nowakowski. Ouch. Tight end is slightly better, with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington locked in, but that third spot is “wide open,” with Jaheim Bell getting the nod for now.
Defense Under the Gun
You want to talk about pressure? The defensive line is feeling it big time. Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Logan Lee are the projected six, but there’s “a ton of pressure” on Benton and Harmon to step up their game. It doesn’t get easier for the linebackers either. The outside guys, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer, are the “usual suspects,” but they “just need to play much better.” And the inside crew, Payton Wilson, Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison, Carson Bruener, and Cole Holcomb, despite “plenty of talent,” also “just need to play better.” That’s a lot of “needs to play better” for groups that are supposed to be the backbone.
Emerging Strengths and Bubble Battles
It’s not all doom and gloom. The cornerback room looks stacked. Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, Asante Samuel Jr., and Daylen Everett make for a “great group with a ton of depth and talent.” The “emergence of Everett” at camp is a big boost there. Safeties DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, and Robert Spears-Jennings are in, with Sebastian Castro a possibility if there’s room. Offensive tackle is solid too, with Troy Fautanu, Jack Driscoll, Dylan Cook, and Max Iheanachor loved as a group. As training camp kicks off, S Darnell Savage, S Sebastian Castro, QB Mason Rudolph, and RB Eli Heidenreich are all “on the bubble,” meaning their performances over the next few weeks will decide if they make the cut. Every snap counts for these guys.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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