Steelers Depth Chart 2023: Analysis & Predictions
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the Pittsburgh Steelers' depth chart for 2023, analyzing key positions and making some bold predictions. With the season fast approaching, understanding the Steelers' roster composition is crucial for fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike. So, grab your Terrible Towels and let’s get started!
Quarterbacks: Pickett's Team
Quarterback is arguably the most critical position, and all eyes are on Kenny Pickett as he enters his second year. After a promising end to his rookie season, the Steelers are banking on Pickett to take a significant leap forward. His development will be pivotal for the team's success in a competitive AFC North.
Kenny Pickett: The undisputed starter, Pickett showed flashes of brilliance last season. His decision-making improved as the year progressed, and his connection with receivers like Diontae Johnson and George Pickens became more evident. The Steelers have invested in improving the offensive line, which should provide Pickett with better protection and more time to make plays. The team's offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, will need to tailor the offense to Pickett's strengths, allowing him to make quick reads and utilize his mobility.
Mitchell Trubisky: As the primary backup, Trubisky provides valuable experience and a steady hand if Pickett were to miss time. Trubisky's familiarity with the offense and his ability to make plays with his legs make him a reliable option. He'll need to continue to refine his accuracy and decision-making to be a more effective backup.
Mason Rudolph: Rudolph's presence adds further depth to the quarterback room. While he may not have the same upside as Pickett or Trubisky, Rudolph's experience in the system and his knowledge of the playbook make him a valuable asset. He’ll likely compete with Tanner Morgan for the QB3 spot and a place on the practice squad.
The Steelers' quarterback situation appears stable, with Pickett poised to lead the charge. The key will be his continued growth and the team's ability to provide him with the necessary support to thrive. Expect the Steelers to lean heavily on Pickett's arm and decision-making throughout the season, with Trubisky ready to step in if needed. The development of the passing game will be crucial for the Steelers to compete in the tough AFC North, which features formidable defenses and potent offenses.
Running Backs: Harris and Warren Lead the Charge
The running back position is anchored by Najee Harris, who has been a workhorse since entering the league. However, the emergence of Jaylen Warren provides a dynamic complement to Harris's power running style. Together, they form a formidable duo that can keep defenses on their toes.
Najee Harris: Harris is the bell-cow back, expected to carry the bulk of the load. His physicality, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield make him a valuable asset in all facets of the game. The Steelers will need to manage his workload effectively to keep him fresh throughout the season. Improving the run blocking will be crucial for Harris to maximize his impact.
Jaylen Warren: Warren's explosiveness and versatility make him a perfect complement to Harris. He provides a change-of-pace option and is a threat as a receiver. The Steelers should look to increase Warren's role in the offense, utilizing his ability to make plays in space. His elusiveness and speed give the Steelers' offense a different dimension.
Anthony McFarland Jr.: McFarland provides additional depth and speed to the running back corps. He'll need to showcase his ability to contribute on special teams to secure a roster spot. His explosiveness could make him a valuable asset in certain situations.
The Steelers' running game should be a focal point of their offense, with Harris and Warren leading the way. The team's commitment to improving the offensive line should pay dividends in the running game, allowing Harris to find more running lanes and Warren to exploit his speed and agility. Expect the Steelers to rely heavily on their ground attack to control the clock and take pressure off the passing game.
Wide Receivers: Johnson, Pickens, and a Promising Group
The wide receiver corps is led by Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, who provide a blend of route-running savvy and big-play ability. The development of young receivers like Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III will be crucial for adding depth and explosiveness to the passing game.
Diontae Johnson: Johnson is the team's most reliable receiver, known for his precise route running and ability to get open. He's a favorite target of Pickett and should continue to be a focal point of the passing game. Improving his consistency and reducing drops will be key for Johnson to reach his full potential.
George Pickens: Pickens is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to make contested catches and stretch the field. His size, speed, and athleticism make him a mismatch for opposing defensive backs. The Steelers will need to find ways to get Pickens more involved in the offense, utilizing his big-play ability.
Allen Robinson II: Robinson's arrival adds a veteran presence and a reliable target for Pickett. He's a proven receiver with the ability to make plays in the short and intermediate passing game. Robinson's experience and savvy should help him quickly integrate into the Steelers' offense.
Calvin Austin III: Austin's speed and explosiveness make him a potential game-changer. He missed his entire rookie season due to injury but is expected to contribute as a slot receiver and return specialist. The Steelers are excited about Austin's potential to add a new dimension to their offense.
The Steelers' wide receiver group has the potential to be one of the most dynamic in the league. The combination of Johnson's reliability, Pickens' explosiveness, Robinson's experience, and Austin's speed gives the Steelers' offense a variety of options. The key will be Pickett's ability to distribute the ball effectively and take advantage of the matchups that the receivers create.
Tight Ends: Muth Leading the Way
The tight end position is led by Pat Freiermuth, who has quickly become a reliable target in the passing game. His ability to block and catch passes makes him a valuable asset in all phases of the game. The Steelers will need to find ways to utilize Freiermuth's versatility to maximize his impact.
Pat Freiermuth: Freiermuth is the team's primary tight end, known for his strong hands and ability to make tough catches. He's a reliable target in the red zone and a valuable asset in the intermediate passing game. The Steelers should look to increase Freiermuth's role in the offense, utilizing his versatility as a blocker and receiver.
Darnell Washington: Washington's size and blocking ability make him a valuable addition to the Steelers' offense. He's a strong run blocker and has the potential to develop into a reliable receiver. Washington's presence should help improve the Steelers' running game.
The Steelers' tight end duo of Freiermuth and Washington provides a blend of receiving ability and blocking prowess. The team's commitment to utilizing the tight end position should make them a valuable asset in both the passing and running games. Expect the Steelers to rely on their tight ends to provide a physical presence and create mismatches for opposing defenses.
Offensive Line: A Work in Progress
The offensive line has been a point of concern in recent years, but the Steelers have invested in improving the unit through the draft and free agency. The development of young players like Broderick Jones and the addition of veteran James Daniels should help solidify the line.
Dan Moore Jr. (LT): Moore has been a consistent presence at left tackle, but he'll need to continue to improve his pass protection skills. He's a reliable run blocker, but his ability to handle speed rushers will be crucial for protecting Pickett's blind side.
Isaac Seumalo (LG): Seumalo's arrival adds a veteran presence and a proven performer to the offensive line. He's a strong pass protector and a reliable run blocker. Seumalo's experience and leadership should help solidify the interior of the line.
Mason Cole (C): Cole provides stability at the center position. He's a smart and reliable player who is responsible for making line calls and adjustments. Cole's consistency will be crucial for the Steelers' offensive line to function effectively.
James Daniels (RG): Daniels is a key addition to the offensive line, bringing a blend of athleticism and power. He's a strong run blocker and has the ability to pull and lead the way on outside runs. Daniels' presence should help improve the Steelers' running game.
Broderick Jones (RT): Jones is a highly touted rookie with the potential to be a dominant right tackle. He's a physical and athletic player with the ability to excel in both pass protection and run blocking. Jones' development will be crucial for the Steelers' offensive line to reach its full potential.
The Steelers' offensive line has the potential to be a strength of the team, but it will require continued improvement and development. The key will be the unit's ability to gel together and provide consistent protection for Pickett and open up running lanes for Harris and Warren. Expect the Steelers to continue to invest in the offensive line to ensure that it remains a solid foundation for their offense.
Defensive Line: Watt and Heyward Lead a Talented Group
The defensive line is anchored by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, who are among the best defensive players in the league. Their ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the running game makes them a nightmare for opposing offenses. The development of young players like DeMarvin Leal and Keeanu Benton will be crucial for adding depth and explosiveness to the defensive line.
Cameron Heyward (DT): Heyward is the heart and soul of the Steelers' defense, known for his strength, technique, and leadership. He's a dominant force against the run and a disruptive pass rusher. Heyward's presence makes the Steelers' defensive line one of the best in the league.
Larry Ogunjobi (DT): Ogunjobi is a key addition to the defensive line, bringing a blend of strength and athleticism. He's a disruptive pass rusher and a solid run defender. Ogunjobi's presence should help take some of the pressure off Heyward.
T.J. Watt (OLB): Watt is one of the best pass rushers in the league, known for his speed, power, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He's a game-changer who can single-handedly disrupt opposing offenses. Watt's presence makes the Steelers' defense one of the most feared in the league.
Alex Highsmith (OLB): Highsmith has emerged as a reliable pass rusher and a solid run defender. He's a valuable complement to Watt and should continue to improve as he gains more experience. Highsmith's presence gives the Steelers' defense a formidable pass-rushing duo.
The Steelers' defensive line is the strength of their defense, with Watt and Heyward leading the way. The team's ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt the running game will be crucial for their success. Expect the Steelers to rely heavily on their defensive line to set the tone for their defense.
Linebackers: Bush and Holcomb Hold Down the Middle
The linebacker corps has been revamped with the additions of Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Their physicality and tackling ability should help improve the Steelers' run defense. The development of young players like Mark Robinson will be crucial for adding depth and explosiveness to the linebacker corps.
Cole Holcomb (ILB): Holcomb is a key addition to the Steelers' defense, bringing a blend of athleticism and tackling ability. He's a solid run defender and has the potential to develop into a reliable pass defender. Holcomb's presence should help solidify the Steelers' linebacker corps.
Elandon Roberts (ILB): Roberts is a physical and aggressive linebacker who excels at stopping the run. He's a valuable addition to the Steelers' defense and should help improve their run defense. Roberts' presence gives the Steelers' linebacker corps a much-needed boost.
The Steelers' linebacker corps has the potential to be a strength of the team, but it will require continued improvement and development. The key will be the unit's ability to gel together and provide consistent run support and pass coverage. Expect the Steelers to continue to invest in the linebacker corps to ensure that it remains a solid foundation for their defense.
Secondary: Peterson and Wallace Lead the Way
The secondary has been bolstered by the additions of Patrick Peterson and Damontae Kazee, who bring experience and playmaking ability to the unit. The development of young players like Joey Porter Jr. and Tre Norwood will be crucial for adding depth and explosiveness to the secondary.
Patrick Peterson (CB): Peterson is a veteran cornerback with a proven track record of success. He's a smart and savvy player who is known for his ball-hawking skills. Peterson's presence should help improve the Steelers' pass defense.
Levi Wallace (CB): Wallace has been a consistent performer at cornerback, but he'll need to continue to improve his coverage skills. He's a reliable tackler and a valuable asset in run support. Wallace's consistency will be crucial for the Steelers' secondary to function effectively.
Minkah Fitzpatrick (S): Fitzpatrick is one of the best safeties in the league, known for his range, athleticism, and ball-hawking skills. He's a game-changer who can single-handedly disrupt opposing offenses. Fitzpatrick's presence makes the Steelers' secondary one of the most feared in the league.
Damontae Kazee (S): Kazee is a key addition to the Steelers' secondary, bringing a blend of experience and playmaking ability. He's a smart and versatile player who can play both safety positions. Kazee's presence should help improve the Steelers' pass defense.
The Steelers' secondary has the potential to be a strength of the team, but it will require continued improvement and development. The key will be the unit's ability to gel together and provide consistent pass coverage and run support. Expect the Steelers to continue to invest in the secondary to ensure that it remains a solid foundation for their defense.
Alright, folks, that’s a wrap on our deep dive into the Steelers' 2023 depth chart! What are your thoughts? Any surprises or bold predictions of your own? Let's hear them in the comments below! Go Steelers!