The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their initial depth chart for the 2025 season ahead of their preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 9. The chart, which was made public from the team’s training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, outlines the lineup and reflects changes in NFL personnel strategies.
In line with current league trends, the Steelers’ depth chart features 12 players listed as “starters” on both offense and defense. This approach acknowledges the use of various personnel packages that have become common across teams.
On offense, the starting line includes Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and Troy Fautanu. The tight end position lists both Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith as possible starters at one spot, with Darnell Washington at another. Connor Heyward is named as the starting fullback and Jaylen Warren as running back. Wide receivers DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III are also marked as starters. The quarterbacks are ranked according to practice participation: Aaron Rodgers leads, followed by Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson.
Backup positions along the offensive line include Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Max Scharping, and Dylan Cook. Kenneth Gainwell is second-string running back with Kaleb Johnson third; their game time will depend on specific packages rather than strict order on the chart. Rookie DJ Thomas-Jones is backup fullback to Heyward.
On defense, a traditional 3-4 alignment is shown with an additional nickel back included as a starter. Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and rookie Derrick Harmon make up the defensive line. Payton Wilson is ahead of Cole Holcomb at inside linebacker next to Patrick Queen. Jalen Ramsey appears as nickel cornerback alongside Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay at outside cornerbacks; DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill are listed at safety.
Among backups on defense, Yahya Black holds a spot as third nose tackle—a placement attributed more to his rookie status than performance so far in camp. DeMarvin Leal is listed only at outside linebacker behind T.J. Watt.
Special teams designations list Corliss Waitman or Cameron Johnston for punter/holder duties; Austin returns punts while Gainwell handles kickoffs. Chris Boswell remains placekicker with Christian Kuntz long-snapping.
The team noted that special teams roles beyond specialists are not reflected in this chart and that roster decisions may ultimately be influenced by contributions in these areas.
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