LATROBE, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Steelers kick off their preseason with a game against the Jaguars on Saturday, August 9, at 7 PM. This means it’s time for the first depth chart of the 2025 season.
Typically, fans expect surprises, but this year’s chart reflects the evolving landscape of the NFL. Twelve players are listed as “starters” for both offense and defense, showcasing the diverse lineups teams often use today.
On offense, the starting offensive line features Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and Troy Fautanu. Interestingly, two tight end positions feature a dual listing: either Pat Freiermuth or Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington.
Jaylen Warren takes the running back spot, while wide receivers DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III are also in starting positions. The quarterbacks are listed in the order they’ve practiced at Saint Vincent College: Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson.
The backup offensive line remains consistent, featuring Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Max Scharping, and Dylan Cook. Running backs are arranged by experience; Kenneth Gainwell is No. 2, followed by Kaleb Johnson at No. 3. However, actual game play will depend more on specific scenarios rather than depth positions.
DJ Thomas-Jones, a rookie, backs up Connor Heyward at fullback. Interestingly, Mark Robinson, primarily an inside linebacker, has also taken snaps at fullback during practice.
Defensively, the Steelers utilize a traditional 3-4 alignment, with a nickel back rounding out the lineup. Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and rookie Derrick Harmon are the starting defensive linemen. Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen fill the inside linebacker spots, with Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay as cornerbacks. DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill take on the safety roles.
For the defensive backups, Yahya Black is noted as the No. 3 nose tackle. However, this may relate more to being a rookie than to performance levels in practice. DeMarvin Leal is designated only as outside linebacker, offering depth behind T.J. Watt and Jack Sawyer.
Special teams see Corliss Waitman and Cameron Johnston sharing punter and holder duties. Austin is the punt returner, while Gainwell handles kickoff returns. Chris Boswell continues as the placekicker, and Christian Kuntz is the long snapper.
It’s important to remember that depth charts can shift rapidly, especially in the realm of special teams, where key contributions can solidify or jeopardize roster spots.
### Additional Insights
In recent years, NFL teams have increasingly leaned on specialized roles, resulting in more complex depth charts. A 2023 survey showed that teams using varied personnel packages have a higher chance of winning games, reflecting a shift towards versatile players. Analysts highlight that innovation in strategies greatly influences the way teams approach game management and roster building.
Stay tuned as the season progresses—this depth chart is just the beginning, and the competition for spots will only heat up!
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