Ray Fittipaldo's first 53-man Steelers roster projection

[hawaiiansteel]

Ray Fittipaldo's first 53-man Steelers roster projection

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
AUG 4, 2025

The Steelers will travel to Jacksonville on Saturday to play the Jaguars in the preseason opener, the first opportunity for players on the 53-man roster bubble to make their pitch to be on the team.

Halfway through training camp and three weeks out from the Aug. 26 cut-down date, the Steelers are set at a few positions, but there is competition galore in other areas of the roster.

The strongest group from a talent and depth perspective undoubtedly is linebacker, while the receivers, offensive line and defensive lines are the weakest groups heading into the first game.

Here is my first-53-man roster projection:

Offense
Quarterbacks (3): Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard

Breakdown: There’s not much to debate here. Howard has taken the third-team reps over Skylar Thompson in camp and has performed well overall, while Rudolph is settling in as Rodgers’ backup.

Running backs (3): Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell

Breakdown: Warren has waited his turn and is at the top of the depth chart, but Johnson and Gainwell are expected to see plenty of action in the rotation. Gainwell is versatile and can play on third downs, while Johnson’s struggles in pass protection and catching out of the backfield could limit him to first and second downs only.

Receivers (5): DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods, Ben Skowronek

Breakdown: GM Omar Khan said he will evaluate this group in camp before making any decisions to add someone from the outside. It’s been underwhelming so far from this group. Metcalf, Austin and Wilson are locks, but I’m not sure anyone else is after that. Scotty Miller has been better than Woods and Skowronek thus far, so he definitely could make it over them. It might come down to Miller or Woods because Skowronek is so good on special teams.

Tight ends (4): Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward

Breakdown: Heyward could be on the bubble, but his special-team prowess should get him onto the roster in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. Rookies JJ Galbreath and DJ Thomas-Jones are candidates for the practices squad.

Offensive linemen (9): Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Ryan McCollum, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook, Max Scharping

Breakdown: This is definitely a position group the Steelers could address after other teams make their final cuts later this month. Calvin Anderson’s injury opens the door for Cook, but if Anderson returns, he’ll be in the mix for a spot. Anderson’s injury also gives Scharping a better chance to make the team. Scharping’s versatility gives him the edge over the other guards vying for a spot.

Defense
Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Isaiahh Loudermilk

Breakdown: This is another group Khan could address after final cuts. Black, the fifth-round pick out of Iowa, has been impressive, but no one else among the reserves has stood out. The Steelers have kept seven defensive linemen in the past, but I’m not sure this group warrants that kind of treatment.

Inside linebacker (5): Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson

Breakdown: This is the best group of inside linebackers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has had since taking over the defense in 2019. Rookie seventh-round pick Carson Bruener is pushing Robinson for the final spot, but the Steelers likely can sneak him onto the practice squad.

Outside linebackers (4): T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer

Breakdown: This is perhaps the strongest and deepest position on the defense. Herbig could start for a lot of teams, and Sawyer looks like he’s going to follow in his footsteps as a quality reserve. One note: DeMarvin Leal, a third-round pick in 2022, has played almost exclusively at outside linebacker in camp but hasn’t been all that noticeable. Unless they keep him as a hybrid player because of his versatility to go back to the defensive line, the Steelers could cut ties with him in a few weeks.

Defensive backs (11): Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay Jr., Joey Porter Jr., DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark, Brandin Echols, Corey Trice Jr., James Pierre, Miles Killebrew, Beanie Bishop

Breakdown: Keeping 11 defensive backs might be viewed as a luxury, but Pierre and Killebrew are core special teams players. Bishop is on the bubble but stays for now. His role, however, is unclear after the offseason acquisitions of Ramsey and Echols. He could be the odd man out if they only keep 10 defensive backs.

Specialists
Kicker: Chris Boswell

Punter: Cameron Johnston

Long snapper: Christian Kuntz

Breakdown: Corliss Waitman handled the punting duties last season after Johnston went on IR with a knee injury. Both have been really good in camp so far, but the Steelers are invested in Johnston, and they believe he can flip field position on a consistent basis.

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2025/08/04/nfl-training-camp-steelers-roster-projection/stories/202507310145

[Iron City Inc.]

I would keep Taylor over Woods. Too I keep Leal over Robinson.
Loudermilk, Heyward and Killebrew are players that may make the 53 but once other cuts come through those 3 who are 51, 52 and 53 may be moved.
First depth chart is now posted on the Steeler Official web site. This chart like our top 53 will change weekly between now and week 1. If Trey Sermon can make a mark on special teams he may find a way to the 53 as his rb skills are good. Someone to watch in the pre-season.

[The Standard]

Only 4 TEs???? I laugh in your general direction.

OL depth is scary.

Glad to see Holcomb is likely to make it. rooting for him.

Trice will get hurt reading the list.

[LPMAN]

Roc Taylor needs to mae this team when the WR core is so weak.

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers official depth chart lists 2 tight ends as ‘starters’

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025

Welcome to 12 personnel, Pittsburgh Steelers fans. And take note of coordinator Arthur Smith’s influence on the offense.

In a nod to a roster constructed with plenty of quality tight ends but thin on wide receiver talent, the Steelers codified their offensive philosophy in releasing their official depth chart Tuesday. It lists two tight ends and two wide receivers on its first-team offense.

Of course, the document is nonbinding. Releasing an official depth chart is league-mandated, and coach Mike Tomlin has openly said what is obvious to observers of football at all levels: do not read too much into who is listed where.

Still, listing a “starting” offense of “12 personnel” (parlance representing one running back and two tight ends) foretells the 2025 reality for the Steelers. In addition to fifth-year starter Pat Freiermuth, they added reigning Pro Bowl honoree Jonnu Smith via trade over the summer.

Those two have an “OR” between them as the top option at one “TE” spot. Darnell Washington is at the other, with Connor Heyward as the second name listed there.

Heyward is listed as the top fullback ahead of DJ Thomas Jones, who is not listed at tight end. That each side of the ball has 12 positions listed (the defense has a nose tackle and a nickel cornerback) shows both the triviality of the official depth chart and that the Steelers could have listed three wide receivers on the PDF document released over social media if they truly wanted to.

The starters at receiver are listed as DK Metcalf and Calvin Ausin III. The players listed as their respective backups are veterans Scotty Miller and Robert Woods.

Other items of note from the depth chart, which was made public in advance of Saturday’s preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars:

• Rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon is listed as the starter at nose tackle.

• Jalen Ramsey is listed as the No. 1 at nickel. This goes along with what has been often displayed at practice — Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay play outside corner — but still is interesting because Ramsey is a three-time AP first-team All Pro at cornerback.

• There an official “OR” at punter, and Corliss Waitman is the first one listed. Special-teams coordinator Danny Smith has repeatedly said it is an open competition, and this confirms that. That is notable because Cameron Johnston was signed to a three-year, $9 million contract in March 2024. Waitman performed admirably in Johnston’s stead, though, after Johnston suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1.

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-official-depth-chart-lists-2-tight-ends-as-starters/

[Iron City Inc.]

I don't know how the "Johnson Waitman" battle will end but Johnson is more consistent. He hit 4 punts 3 are 46 and 1 was 50. Waitman hits 3 50's and 1 30.yard oops. I have to admit I didn't monitor them all that close punting at camp but I did check my notes and thats what I jotted down. Waitman did have a hang time slightly better than Johnson. I know Johnson costs more but he likely will be the choice.

[NorthCoast]

Would like to see Heyward bumped off the roster and replaced with Galbreath. All I hear is the outstanding camp he is having. If true he'll get poached from the PS by, of all teams, the Ravens with Likely out injured.

[hawaiiansteel]

What's surprising, likely to change from the Steelers' 1st preseason depth chart

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers published their first depth chart of training camp on Tuesday. You can reference it here.

As preseason game No. 1 approaches on Saturday in Jacksonville, let’s examine any surprises or glaring omissions. We’ll also predict how this first template will look by the start of the regular season — and by the end of 2025.

Quarterback: No surprises here with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Skylar Thompson listed in that order behind Aaron Rodgers. Howard’s hand injury, suffered on Tuesday, temporarily changes that. But this is how it will shake out in the end.

Running back: Having Kaleb Johnson behind both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell feels like a forced “make the rookie earn it” ploy to me. That may be the way things are to start the season. My guess is, by year’s end, Johnson is the lead back. However, Gainwell has been quite good in camp so far this year.

And, yes, if a fourth back is kept, I’d expect it to be Trey Sermon. However, Evan Hull and Max Hurleman have certainly had their moments.

Wide receiver: I was hoping I’d click the link and see Terry McLaurin’s name alongside DK Metcalf as the two starters. No such luck.

Having Roman Wilson buried behind Calvin Austin, Robert Woods and Scotty Miller appears to be a motivational tactic.

Based on Tuesday’s practice, it’s working. Wilson may have had his best day of the summer.

Tight end: Having two tight end positions, with Darnell Washington listed at one starting in front of Connor Heyward, says a lot about how intermixed and pervasive this position group will be.

Does putting an “or” between Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith matter? If Wilson starts to perform well on a frequent basis as a third receiver, maybe. But given Arthur Smith’s fascination with using as many tight ends as possible, I bet those two are out there together a ton — and often interchangeably.

Fullback: Heyward is listed first here, for what that is worth. When healthy, D.J. Thomas-Jones is intriguing, although he isn’t at tight end at all.

Offensive line: Right now, the most important spot on the depth chart might be who the backup left tackle is to Broderick Jones. Currently, it is Calvin Anderson who has been banged up at Saint Vincent College. So my advice to him is to get healthy ASAP, and Dylan Cook had better stay light on his feet to potentially play both sides.

Defensive line: No surprises up front to start with Cam Heyward and Derrick Harmon on either side of Keeanu Benton. In time, I think Yahya Black will move in front of Isaiahh Loudermilk, Logan Lee or Daniel Ekuale.

Outside linebackers: Having an “or” between Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal is a moot point in my eyes. Sawyer should be the LOLB behind T.J. Watt with Nick Herbig backing up Alex Highsmith (who is currently injured with an apparent groin pull) on the right side.

Inside linebackers: Beyond Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen, Mark Robinson is listed behind Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison. I would still like to see one of these three emerge. Holcomb is still valiantly trying to come back from that horrible knee injury of two years ago. Robinson’s fierce enjoyment of contact could keep him viable on special teams, though, not to mention his potential use at fullback.

Secondary: Shaken up as this position group was after the Mikah Fitzpatrick trade, it’s settling in without much of a surprise. I was just curious, for the sake of nomenclature, how they’d list Jalen Ramsey (first-string nickel), Beanie Bishop (second-string nickel) and Brandin Echols (second-string RCB behind Joey Porter). Everything else is expected.

Kicker: Chris Boswell. Yup.

Punter: Best position battle on the team. It’s an “or” situation right now. I assume Cameron Johnston is going to win out because they want to see how that $9 million investment pays off for a full season after his knee injury last year. But Corliss Waitman is plenty deserving of a starting job and should latch on somewhere else quickly if he doesn’t land the starting gig here.

Returner: Having Gainwell (KR) and Austin (PR) in front of Warren and Miller looks like it could be a fluid thing depending on health and early-season effectiveness.

https://triblive.com/sports/depth-chart-bingo-whats-surprising-likely-to-change-from-the-steelers-1st-preseason-depth-chart/

[Oviedo]

I would keep Taylor over Woods. Too I keep Leal over Robinson.
Loudermilk, Heyward and Killebrew are players that may make the 53 but once other cuts come through those 3 who are 51, 52 and 53 may be moved.
First depth chart is now posted on the Steeler Official web site. This chart like our top 53 will change weekly between now and week 1. If Trey Sermon can make a mark on special teams he may find a way to the 53 as his rb skills are good. Someone to watch in the pre-season.

I'm keeping Leal over Robinson too. Leal helps at both DE and OLB