RADIO
RotoBaller's Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart predictions for 2025. Who will start for the Steelers in 2025 following the 2025 NFL Draft?
Steelers 2025 Depth Chart Predictions
Read the two-deep depth chart predictions for QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, S, CB, P, and K below. These depth chart predictions include future free-agent signings and 2025 NFL Draft picks.
Quarterback
Starter: Aaron Rodgers
Backup: Mason Rudolph/Riley Leonard (R)
While Aaron Rodgers has not signed in Pittsburgh yet, it is likely a matter of time before it happens. Many believe the future Hall of Famer will wait until after the 2025 NFL Draft to sign to keep the Steelers’ compensatory picks in place. In this projection, we have the Steelers using a Round 7 pick on Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard to compete with Mason Rudolph.
Running Back
Starter: Kaleb Johnson (R)
Backups: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell
The Steelers moved on from four-time 1,000-yard rusher Najee Harris this offseason and need a bruising back to play alongside Jaylen Warren. If Pittsburgh had a second-round pick, Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins would make sense. However, we’re projecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson to fall into the Steelers’ lap in Round 3.
Wide Receiver
Starters: DK Metcalf, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III
Backups: Roman Wilson, Isaac TeSlaa (R), Ben Skowronek
The Steelers sent a second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire star wide receiver DK Metcalf this offseason, pairing him with emerging pass-catcher George Pickens. While both wideouts have earned a reputation for being hotheads on the field at times, they’re tireless workers who will block their tails off in the run game. Add Calvin Austin to the mix, and the Steelers have a high-flying wide receiver room.
Tight End
Starter: Pat Freiermuth
Backup: Darnell Washington
The Steelers should be in no rush to address the tight end spot, as the Freiermuth-Washington pairing is a fun one. Both tight ends can block at a high level, and Freiermuth should see more room to operate given the Steelers’ offensive additions.
Offensive Line
Starters: Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu
Backups: Calvin Anderson, Spencer Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Steven Jones, Doug Nester
The Steelers have had subpar offensive line play for the last handful of seasons. That’s not the way Mike Tomlin wants things to operate, and the upside of the starting five is promising in 2025. Frazier, McCormick, and Fautanu are all entering Year 2, and for all the criticism Arthur Smith gets, he knows how to coach the offensive line and the run game.
Defensive Line
Starters: Isaiahh Loudermilk, Walter Nolen (R), Cameron Heyward
Backups: Dean Lowry, Keeanu Benton, Daniel Ekuale
With the Steelers adding Aaron Rodgers to fill the QB1 job in this scenario, we predict Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolan to be selected with the No. 21 overall pick to Pittsburgh. Nolan is a disruptive interior defensive lineman who would add even more firepower to the Steelers’ pass rush led by T.J. Watt. You need a strong interior when facing Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Derrick Henry multiple times per season.
Linebacker
Starters: T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen, Peyton Wilson, Alex Highsmith
Backups: Nick Herbig, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, DeMarvin Leal
T.J. Watt is one of the best players in the NFL, and this is arguably the best linebacker group in the league. Alex Highsmith has 33.5 sacks over the last four seasons and could be due for a bounce-back campaign after missing six games a year ago.
Cornerback
Starters: Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr., Brandin Echols
Backups: Cory Trice Jr., James Pierre, Upton Stout (R)
After a strong career with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, Darius Slay is now with the Black and Yellow. Joey Porter Jr. could emerge as an All-Pro caliber corner in 2025, and Brandin Echols was solid in New York. This group has a lot of promise.
Safety
Starters: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DeShon Elliott
Backups: Miles Killebrew, Juan Thornhill
Five-time Pro Bowler Minkah Fitzpatrick leads a solid safety group full of heavy hitters and veterans. DeShon Elliott had a strong first year in Mike Tomlin’s defense a season ago, so this should be another well-above-average unit.
Special Teams
Kicker: Chris Boswell
Punter: Cameron Johnston
Kick Returner: Kenneth Gainwell/Cordarrelle Patterson
Punt Returner: Calvin Austin III
Chris Boswell earned his first All-Pro honor in 2024 and led the league in scoring. He’ll head into his 10th season with the team in 2025.
