Pittsburgh Steelers release unofficial depth chart for Week 1
With the NFL set to start this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers released their unofficial depth chart for the 2021 season. Pittsburgh kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
Coming off of a 12-4 finish and a loss in the wild card round of the playoffs, the Steelers have big expectations for this year. They expect to contend with Baltimore and Cleveland for an AFC North title.
Below is a look at the unofficial starters for Week 1.
Quarterbacks — Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins
In what is the least surprising part of the Pittsburgh Steeler depth chart, Roethlisberger will again lead the offense in his 18th NFL season. Former Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph will back him up. Rudolph started eight games when Roethlisberger was injured in 2019 and finihed with 1,735 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Dwayne Haskins also brings starting experience from his two seasons in Washington.
Running backs — Najee Harris, Benny Snell Jr., Kalen Ballage
The rookie out of Alabama gets the starting nod after the Steelers selected him 24th overall in the 2021 draft. He rushed for 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns while helping the Crimson Tide to a national title this past season. Snell was the back up last year and will again take on that role. Ballage is on his fourth team in as many seasons. He spent last year on both the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers.
Wide receivers — JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson
The Steelers have one of the deepest receiving corps in the NFL with three pass catchers who could start anywhere in the league. Pittsburgh is rolling out the same starters as last season with James Washington as the top reserve.
Tight ends — Eric Ebron, Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry
Eric Ebron begins the season as the starter again after starting in nine of the Steelers 15 games a year ago. Many believe Freiermuth could overtake him before the end of the year. Pittsburgh used a second pick to take the Penn State product this offseason.
Offensive line — Chukwuma Okafor (LT), Kevin Dotson (LG), J.C. Hassenaur (C), Trai Turner (RG), Joe Haeg (RT)
The Steelers did not name a starter at right tackle, as Haeg is listed on the second team. Dan Moore Jr., Kendrick Green and Rashaad Howard are also on the second team. Steelers quarterbacks were sacked the least of any team in the NFL this past season at just a 1.9% rate.
Defensive line — Cameron Heyward (DT), Tyson Alualu (NT), Chris Wormley (DE)
Wormley earned a starting spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart with Stephon Tuitt on injured reserve. Tuitt hasn’t been at practice since the beginning of training camp as he is dealing with the loss of his younger brother in a hit-and-run incident. Right now the Steelers are ready to go if Tuitt is still unavailable, but they are awaiting his return all the same.
Linebackers — T.J. Watt (LOLB), Devin Bush (LILB), Joe Schobert (RILB), Alex Highsmith (ROLB)
Schobert is the touted addition to this linebacker group led by fringe MVP candidate T.J. Watt, who finished with 15 sacks this past season. His ability to play pass coverage at corner will pair him with Bush as the starting coverage unit in the Steelers’ base defense. He’s expected to be the defensive play-caller as well.
Cornerbacks — Joe Haden (LCB) and Cameron Sutton (RCB)
Sutton will take on a much larger role this year after starting in just six games this past season. He looks to be used as a corner in base defense and a slot corner in nickel sets. Haden returns to hold down the secondary after a team-high 12 pass break ups in 2020.
Safeties — Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS) and Terrell Edmunds (SS)
Fitzpatrick led the Steelers with four interception and finished behind only Haden with 11 pass break ups last year. He and Edmunds will lead the safeties, where there isn’t much depth on the second team.
Special teams — Presley Harvin III (P and H), Chris Boswell (K), Christian Kuntz (LS), Ray-Ray McCloud (KR and PR)
Rookie Presley Harvin III, who won the Ray Guy award at Georgia Tech, is set to take over as the starting punter. He has an unbelievably strong leg and a big upside as he acclimates to the NFL. Kuntz edges out veteran Kameron Canaday to take over long snapping duties. McCloud will again handle kick and punt return duties.