The Pittsburgh Steelers initial depth chart was released yesterday, and it was not without a few surprises.  Mike Tomlin has said repeatedly that he doesn’t put much stock in depth charts, so that must be kept in mind.  Having said that, it still is an important factor in determining where players are in the Steelers pecking order.  Let’s take a deep dive into some of the more interesting parts of this initial depth chart:

Kaleb Johnson RB3??:

The Steelers did indeed list rookie Kaleb Johnson third on the depth chart. This despite many people (including us) predicting he will be the eventual starter on this team.  This is the classic Mike Tomlin “making the rookies earn it” scenario.  There is no way he would put a rookie ahead of two established veterans.  Come the first week in September, you can bet this will look a lot different.

Two tight ends 1s!:

It’s time to embrace what is about to go down in Pittsburgh this season.  The Steelers are committed to a two tight end offense in 2025.  They have already shown three and four tight end sets so far in camp.  Mike Tomlin has wanted to run this “heavy” offense ever since Ben Roehtlisberger retired, and now he has all the pieces to do so.  You could even consider newcomer Jonnu Smith as the de facto wide receiver two on this team.  Look for multiple tight end sets to be the predominant offensive formation this season.

Roman Wilson third string:

Not even sure what to make of this.  Is he really behind the likes of Robert Woods and Scotty Miller??  Is Tomlin sending a message here, or is he really been that bad?  Multiple reports have Wilson struggling to get on the same page as Aaron Rodgers.  Some believe the Steelers are really high on Roman Wilson.  The things we are seeing, and hearing are telling us otherwise.

Conner Heyward FB1, TE2:

As much as we hate to admit it, Conner Heyward is going to make this team.  This is a player who gives the team virtually nothing beyond special teams.  Heyward does have to things going for him though.  He has position versatility, and is Cam Heyward’s little brother.  For those reasons alone, his roster spot is secure for at least one more year.

Defensive line depth, and some confusion:

The Logan Lee/Yahya Black situation is extremely confusing to say the least.  The Steelers have told us, and shown us they see the 350 pound Yahya Black as an end not a nose tackle.  And yet here he is listed as the third string nose tackle on the depth chart.  By all accounts the 290 pound Logan Lee has spent the majority of his time on the nose, despite being listed as the second string defensive end.  It seems to us it makes the most sense to play them as they are listed on the depth chart.  But the Steelers have done the exact opposite.  Make this make sense Mike Tomlin!

DeMarvin Leal officially an OLB….for now:

Leal comes in as the co-backup at left outside linebacker along with Jack Sawyer.  He has bounced around from defensive end to linebacker so many times we are having a hard time keeping up.  If you are getting some Sean Davis vibes here, you are not alone.  Leal is undersized to be a 3/4 defensive end so this is probably his best position.  Whether or not he has the athleticism to play outside linebacker remains to be seen.

Cory Trice CB2…….for now:

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.  Cory Trice was having a very good training camp until he got injured.  He has all the talent to be a starting corner in this league, and probably a pretty damn good one at that.  The simple fact is this man just can not stay healthy.  Cory Trice will most likely never make an impact on this roster.

Jalen Ramsey is the slot:

Although you can make the argument he is the best outside corner on the roster, it appears Jalen Ramsey will play in the slot for Pittsburgh.  There is speculation he will be the starting free safety in base, then move to the slot in multiple reciever sets.  It’s an interesting, and exciting way to use Ramsay’s talents.  We still have to wonder if he gets tired of being a gadget player, and ends up demanding to play outside corner again.  This is a player who’s never been shy to express his opinion.  Something to at least keep an eye on.

Don’t forget to check out the latest episode of the Steelers Sanctuary Podcast on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/SE6ayJ4l86g?si=QssuM6xQ-KXuC7Ng

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