The Steelers have released their first depth chart of 2023, and it has some notable things that reveal where the team stands at this point in Latrobe. But it should be noted that most of the depth chart is based on the start of training camp, with little changes to the depth chart since then, so this is a preliminary scan of things from the top down.
For one, there are zero starters that are rookies. Dan Moore Jr. holds the candle at left tackle over Broderick Jones. Keanu Benton is third team nose tackle behind Montravius Adams and Breiden Fehoko. Darnell Washington is fourth team tight end behind Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, and Connor Heyward. Lastly, Joey Porter Jr. checks in behind Levi Wallace.
However, there are some other interesting takeaways. For example, Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal are listed as co-starters at strong safety. Kwon Alexander appears to be the top backup at inside linebacker behind Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Chandon Sullivan currently holds the mantle as the starting slot cornerback with Elijah Riley and Duke Dawson right behind him.
The biggest takeaway could be Calvin Austin III being the top return man option. But even then, the Steelers have groomed him for that role. Gunner Olszewski remains the backup at both spots and is listed as Austin’s backup at slot receiver on top of all of that.
The Steelers’ first depth chart should be looked into that much, as they often shift the pieces around heavily by the end of the preseason. Pittsburgh will play their first preseason game on Friday when they are welcomed to Tampa Bay by the Buccaneers. Following that, they will welcome the Buffalo Bills on August 19th to Acrisure Stadium before heading down to Atlanta for the final preseason game on August 24th.