The Steelers released their first official depth chart of the season on Friday, and while there really wasn’t anything earth-shattering, there were some noteworthy revelations.
The depth chart at quarterback matches how the reps have been distributed since OTAs — Mitch Trubisky is the starter followed by Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett and Chris Oladokun, respectively. From left to right on the offensive line is Dan Moore Jr., Kevin Dotson or Kendrick Green, Mason Cole, James Daniels and Chuks Okorafor.
As expected, the starting wide receivers are Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and George Pickens. Pickens is the No. 3 wide receiver. Pat Freiermuth is the starting tight end, Najee Harris is RB1, and Derek Watt is the starter at fullback. Benny Snell is listed as the No. 2 running back, while Anthony McFarland is slotted as the No. 3 running back.
As with Green and Dotson, the Steelers placed an “or” between Devin Bush and Robert Spillane at left inside linebacker, which is pretty surprising since Bush was the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft. Myles Jack was listed as the starting right inside linebacker.
On the defensive line, Cam Heyward, Tyson Alualu, and Larry Ogunjobi are the starters. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are the starting outside linebackers. Cam Sutton is the starting right cornerback, while there’s an “or” designation between Ahkello Witherspoon and Levi Wallace for the starting left cornerback position. Arthur Maulet is slotted as the starter at nickel, and the duo of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds are the starters at safety.
In regards to special teams, it’s status quo with Chris Boswell being the starting placekicker, Pressley Harvin III as the lead punter, and Christian Kuntz as the head long snapper. Gunner Olszewski is the main kickoff and punt returner, while Calvin Austin III is his backup at both spots.
The NFL requires every team to submit a depth chart, but if it was up to Mike Tomlin, he probably wouldn’t release one, as it really doesn’t mean a whole lot, especially in early August.