The Steelers’ final preseason game is just a day away. Soon, the focus will be on the regular season.
In the last week of exhibition games, Read & React will be looking at some of the top storylines from the preseason. Plus, we’ll unveil our 53-man roster predictions — we’ll be reacting to the real thing next week.
Preseason storyline watch
The games don’t count yet, and we’re already in overreaction season. What narratives have some weight? Which ones matter as much as preseason scores? Ryland and Ryan tell you if these storylines
are overrated, underrated, or right on the money.
Roman Wilson is WR2
RB: What do you mean by WR2? When healthy, I’d expect Calvin Austin III to be Pittsburgh’s second-most productive wide receiver in 2025. But Austin should slide into the slot in 11 personnel, and Wilson has played well enough this preseason to establish himself as the boundary starter opposite D.K. Metcalf in those looks.
But while Wilson has done nothing but impress over the preseason, he’s essentially still a rookie with just five career regular season snaps. As such, it’s way too early to crown him as a starter the Steelers will be content with throughout all of 2025.
Tuesday’s Gabe Davis visit seemed to confirm that, and I’d expect names such as Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek to rotate into that “WR2” spot at times this season as well.
As of now, Wilson has played well enough to be one of the Steelers’ top three receivers in 2025. As I mentioned in my Sunday takeaways column, Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is doing a good job of using the Michigan product in a role he excelled in during his time in college.
I wouldn’t say I’ve boarded the hype train yet, but I’m excited to see what Wilson brings to the table in his first full season.
Kaleb Johnson is Najee Harris 2.0
RP: In what will be a theme of this segment, the response to this recent narrative might tell us more about the person reacting than about Johnson himself.
If you’re trying to imply that Johnson won’t consistently create explosive plays, then I think you need to understand that speed and playmaking at the running back position isn’t as clear-cut as a 40-yard dash time.
Is Kaleb Johnson the type of running back who hits full speed instantly? No, he isn’t built like a Chris Johnson or Jahmyr Gibbs. He isn’t a size-speed unicorn on the level of Saquon Barkley either.
But that doesn’t mean he is slow.
Successful running backs can come in all shapes and sizes. Jerome Bettis, easily the most beloved Steelers running back of the past 25 years, ran a 4.70 40-yard dash back in his day. Around these parts, saying he wasn’t an explosive playmaker is a good way to get your clock cleaned.
Bigger backs like Johnson aren’t typically built to stop on a dime and then immediately kick back into full speed.
During the draft cycle, I often described Johnson as “Kirkland brand Derrick Henry.” Not only do the two backs have a similar, upright running style, but a lot of their measurables and testing figures are comparable.
Henry’s strengths are a combination of his vision, light feet, size, and his top-end speed once he reaches it. To stop him, the book on Henry for his entire career has been to hit him behind the line of scrimmage before he gets a full head of steam. If you don’t, he’s equally capable of outrunning you, running you over, or stiff arming you straight to Hell with his long, 33” arms.
Kaleb Johnson possesses many of the same skills, with similar athletic qualities. While he isn’t quite as big as Henry, I’d argue he has the more nimble feet. Once Johnson gets up to full speed, he’s capable of running away from defenses and hitting speeds over 20 miles per hour. He’s also shown off a nasty jump cut that saws off defenders who have overpursued. But he — just like every back — needs the offensive line to do their part. As long as he isn’t getting hit in the backfield, Johnson has the juice to keep an offense moving.
So is Johnson Najee 2.0? Why don’t we let the kid play some games and just worry about being Kaleb Johnson? There’s no need for comparison, especially if we’re just going to parrot a Combine result every time the offensive line lets defenders into the backfield, or the defense sets an edge.
Troy Fautanu is a rising star
RB: While I’m cautiously optimistic regarding Roman Wilson, I’m all in on Troy Fautanu – another 2024 draftee who missed most of his rookie season. Why? The tape has been that good.
Fautanu looked incredibly promising in the one regular season game he appeared in last year, and he’s only built on that performance now that he’s healthy again in 2025. He plays with a wide base, fantastic mobility, and active hands. It’s fair to say he’s been the Steelers’ best offensive lineman over the preseason.
Fautanu’s knees were flagged pre-draft and he missed his rookie season with a knee issue, so health is the only big worry regarding his NFL future. The good news is there haven’t been any health rumors since his rookie year.
On the field, he’s looked great. The hype is real with Fautanu.
Broderick Jones has turned a corner
RP: At the risk of sounding pessimistic, I’m going to say this is overrated. Jones’ struggles and development since being drafted have been a constant roller coaster of emotions and hot takes from Steelers fans. I’ve lost count of how many times he’s either “started to figure it out” or been labeled a bust by Yinzers. It’s like living through real-life versions of the “It’s so over/We’re so back” memes.
Until we see Jones in the regular season, I don’t think anyone can speak definitively on how well he will play. To my eye, Jones has taken strides as a pass protector, and the move back to left tackle, his more natural position, has given us reason for optimism. That said, Jones still has misfired punches and other gaffes on his tape, and he can struggle to consistently create a push in the run game.
His reps against Tampa Bay are a great example. In the first two plays below, Jones shows his increased comfort handling pass protection, and he keeps Mason Rudolph clean. In the third clip, he fails to move his assignment — and, in fact, doesn’t stop backpedaling — allowing his defender to disengage and assist on a tackle of the running back at the line.
In the next clip (0:17), Jones gets confused on the twist, taking a stab at the defensive end, then lunging and dipping his shoulder as the linebacker loops around to fill the B-gap. The result is that Jones is spun around without impeding the rushing linebacker in the slightest, and that defender assists in stopping the running back for a minimal gain.
So is Broderick Jones getting better? Yes, but he’s still a work in progress. There is too much slopiness on his tape to declare Jones a franchise cornerstone at this point. Here’s hoping he continues to improve with more reps as the season goes on.
53-man roster projections
Key: +RP selection; *RB selection; Both selected
Quarterback
RB (3); RP (3)
Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard
RB: Skylar Thompson has looked great this preseason, muddying what was a clear quarterback hierarchy entering the summer. However, I don’t see the Steelers moving on from Rudolph, who’s had success starting for Pittsburgh in the past, or Howard, a sixth-round rookie who had a solid training camp by all accounts.
If the former Ohio State passer’s broken hand is bad enough to land him on designated-to-return injured reserve to start the year, maybe the Steelers still squeeze Thompson onto the roster. But if not, I think Thompson has still played well enough to land a roster spot elsewhere.
Running back
RB (3); RP (4)
Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell, Trey Sermon+
RP: The first three backs on the roster should be a virtual lock and no surprise to anyone. Warren may not be an elite back, but he does enough of the little things well to be a useful member of a running back rotation. He faces questions about his durability, and he’s due to be a free agent following the season, but his place on the 2025 roster is a lock. The same goes for the rookie Johnson and free agent acquisition Gainwell.
Johnson will serve as the 1B starter and will likely shoulder a sizable workload to help keep Warren fresh. Gainwell is an undersized back with a complementary third-down skill set that should be a welcome addition to the Pittsburgh backfield. The Steelers could easily call it a day there, but something tells me they’d like to keep one more back with Warren’s injury history and Gainwell’s specialized role.
Lew Nichols has had a few moments this preseason, but I don’t find him to be a particularly explosive back, and Sermon has looked adequate in a goal-line role in preseason action. In a close battle for one of the final roster spots, that goal-line ability earns him the nod from me.
RB: While Sermon has looked fine this preseason, I just don’t see a reason for the team to keep four running backs on the final roster. They have a fine range of skill sets already: Warren is great in pass protection and a solid all-around weapon; Kaleb Johnson has a bigger, durable build; and Kenneth Gainwell is the prototypical third-down back with returner experience. And in the tight end room, Connor Heyward can fill in as a fullback.
As Ryan points out, this room has concerns, but with practice squad elevation rules, I think the Steelers can stash a running back or two on the practice squad (shout out Lew Nichols) and give the roster spot to a position that could use a bit more depth.
Wide receiver
RB (6); RP (6)
D.K. Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, free agent signing
RB: I’ve firmly been of the opinion that the Steelers will keep just five wide receivers in 2025, but remember that initial 53-man rosters are rarely representative of what the team will do through the entirety of the upcoming season.
With both Calvin Austin III and Ben Skowronek dealing with injuries this preseason – neither of which seem severe enough to land them on injured reserve – I think the Steelers add a sixth name here to ride out the storm. With Gabe Davis visiting again on Tuesday, I think it’s obvious the Steelers are still on the lookout to add some more talent to this room. They can drop down to five once the room recovers to full health.
RP: Davis, Amari Cooper, or a receiver cut from another team could all be options for a late addition by the Steelers. Collectively, this feels like a C+ position group at best. Metcalf is the clear top dog, but after him, the Steelers are putting a lot of hope into Wilson and Austin. Miller is a good story, but not even a third option in a serious offense, while Skowronek is most useful blocking and playing special teams. Here’s hoping the Steelers revamp this room next offseason as aggressively as they did the cornerback room this spring.
Tight end
RB (4); RP (4)
Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward
RP: It should be no surprise that the Steelers’ top three tight ends are roster locks. Freiermuth inked an extension just last year, Smith has a long history with Arthur Smith and was part of a blockbuster trade, and Washington is essentially Pittsburgh’s de facto third offensive tackle any time he takes the field.
While I regret to predict another year of the younger Heyward taking up a roster spot, none of the other tight ends fighting for the final spot have done enough to convince me the Steelers won’t trot Heyward out there for another year. The idea of Heyward is intriguing on paper — a tight end/fullback hybrid — but the year-after-year results have been unsurprising, and one might argue Skowronek plays a better fullback than Heyward.
Offensive line
RB (9); RP (10)
Broderick Jones, Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Spencer Anderson, Calvin Anderson, Ryan McCollum, Dylan Cook, Andrus Peat+
RB: The starting five is set, and the depth remains a little worrisome. This is a spot where the Steelers could still add another name.
But for the time being, the versatile Spencer Anderson remains the top O-line backup and Dylan Cook has looked solid over the preseason. Calvin Anderson and Ryan McCollum have yet to play this year, but the fact they’re still on the team – and their replacements haven’t looked great – is a good endorsement of their roster chances.
RP: I agree with Ryland, but I also have former Pro Bowler Andrus Peat making the roster, and the player I think most likely to fill in at guard or tackle in the event of injuries. He’s seemingly made a quick impression since joining the Steelers, and I think he finds his way on the roster.
Keep an eye on the Steelers making any additional outside moves to address the line. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that free agent Dalton Risner is considering a visit to Pittsburgh as he talks with other teams and weighs his options. That makes me think the Steelers might be open to making another interior lineman signing if an obvious upgrade to Spencer Anderson, McCollum, or Cook presents itself.
Defensive line
RB (6); RP (6)
Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Esezi Otomewo*, Logan Lee+
RP: Once again, the top end of the depth chart seems obvious, with Heyward, Benton, Harmon and Black all looking like they’ll be key members of the defensive line rotation.
I would prefer to see the Steelers move on from Loudermilk, but looking at the current options available on the roster, I believe Tomlin and Austin will stick with the familiar.
Where Ryland and I differ is on who the remaining spot will go to.
Lee, a sixth-round pick last year, is a versatile, if unspectacular, lineman at this point in his development. Still, he’s been getting some light praise from coaches and teammates this summer, and with long snapper Christian Kuntz dealing with a broken sternum, Lee’s ability to serve as an emergency long snapper might give him extra value in the eyes of the Steelers’ coaching staff.
RB: You can go in a number of directions with the Steelers’ D-line depth. I’ll be honest that I haven’t done a deep dive comparing Lee to Otomewo, but I’ve always been a bit more intrigued by the latter, and he’s made a few good plays this preseason. He’s a well-built lineman and a good athlete who signed with the Steelers this offseason.
Ultimately, I don’t feel overly confident in this prediction when it comes to the exact names. Lee has a solid chance at a roster spot, but I don’t think his long snapping ability gives him a huge edge — if Christian Kuntz isn’t good to go Week 1, I think the Steelers will just roll with a replacement signing.
Outside linebacker
RB (4); RP (4)
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer
RB: Jack Sawyer hasn’t been that impactful in his preseason reps, but it’s hard to imagine the rookie fourth-rounder not making the 53-man roster. And of course, the three names ahead of him are practically set in stone. DeMarvin Leal or Julius Welschof might fill a spot briefly if there are any lingering injury concerns with Highsmith or Herbig, but these are the four.
Inside linebacker
RB (5); RP (4)
Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Carson Bruener*
RP: When filling out our 53-man predictions, inside linebacker, both lines, running back and safety were the positions where I ultimately had to do some number crunching. When push came to shove, inside linebacker was the group I felt most confident the Steelers could go a little thin on.
Queen and Wilson’s spots are not in question. The Steelers have been patient with Holecomb’s return from injury, and he seems primed to step into the role recently vacated by Elandon Roberts.
Choosing the final spot came down to three players: Harrison, Mark Robinson, and the rookie Bruener. Truthfully, you could flip a coin to decide, and I’m not sure you’d get a significant difference between the three.
I went with Harrison, the free agent signing, because of his ability to stop the run and play special teams. The thing is, that’s the same skillset Robinson and Bruener have. Harrison’s perhaps better against the run at this moment than the other two, and his contact is a tiebreaker for me, even though I don’t think it’s prohibitive should the Steelers choose to go a different route.
Robinson has never developed to be more than a special teamer, so this could very well be the end of the road for him in Pittsburgh.
As for Bruener, he is a late-round pick whose father, Mark, was a first-round pick of the Steelers in 1995 and is currently a scout for the organization. That makes him a prime practice squad candidate.
RB: This is absolutely a spot where the Steelers could reduce to four players, especially with the resurgence of Cole Holcomb. But it also feels like a position where the team can stash an extra special teams ace for Danny Smith. And for what it’s worth, they kept five last year.
For me, that final spot was a toss-up between Mark Robinson, who’s developed into a core special teamer over the last few years, and Bruener, the seventh-round rookie. I ended up choosing the latter. Bruener was a special teams ace in college, is a member of the current rookie class, and brings some more coverage upside to the table.
Robinson dabbling at fullback in training camp also felt like a subtle cry of desperation for the veteran’s roster chances. But ultimately, it could go either way.
Cornerback
RB (6); RP (5)
Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols, James Pierre, Beanie Bishop Jr.*
RB: I originally wanted to sneak Cory Trice Jr. on the roster, but his lack of availability over the preseason shot a hole in that plan. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts the season with a will-return designation on injured reserve. James Pierre is a quality gunner with boundary experience and earns the last spot instead. Beanie Bishop Jr. probably starts the year as a gameday inactive.
RP: I wouldn’t be shocked if the Steelers end up keeping a sixth cornerback, but I was feeling the roster crunch as I rounded out the roster. The Steelers have a plethora of unproven, young corners on their preseason roster, and I expect more than one to end up on the practice squad. That could allow the Steelers to feel like they could survive with five corners on the active roster.
While Bishop has been a good story, the Steelers depth at the nickel and his slot-only skillset made him expendable.
Corey Trice Jr. was another difficult cut to make, but with him battling injuries yet again, I think the Steelers’ patience has run out.
Safety
RB (4); RP (4)
DeShon Elliott, Juan Thornhill, Miles Killebrew, Chuck Clark
RP: Elliott and Thornhill will be your starting duo, and Killebrew is a special teams captain who has earned an All-Pro selection in that role and has been selected to two straight Pro Bowls. That makes them all virtual locks. The final spot came down to Clark and rookie UDFA Sebastian Castro.
I think Tomlin tends to lean on veterans for his roster depth, so Clark gets the nod. Castro was my 54th man, and I fully expect the Steelers to add him to their practice squad, assuming he doesn’t get offered an active roster spot elsewhere.
Specialists
RB (3); RP (3)
K: Chris Boswell; P: Cam Johnston; LS: Christian Kuntz
RB: Boswell and Kuntz are obvious picks, assuming the long snapper can indeed suit up Week 1.
At punter, both Johnston and Waitman have played well enough for a roster spot, but I’ll predict Mike Tomlin goes with the veteran when forced to choose. Johnston’s cap hit is bigger, but this is punter money – not a big deal. Waitman should land a well-deserved starting job elsewhere.
Join in on Steelers R&R by sharing your takes on this week’s topics. What are your thoughts on the preseason’s top overreactions? What’s your 53-man roster prediction? Feel free to pitch future questions in the comment section or on Twitter/X: tag @_Ryland_B or @RyanParishMedia, or email us at steelersreadnreact@gmail.com.
