Post 2016 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The outlook for the Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart looks much different after the draft where they added some impact talent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart is interesting because they have some positions that look really strong but others that are major concerns. A good example of that is the depth at running back while the left tackle position is a question mark.
Quarterback
Starter: Ben Roethlisberger
Backups: Bruce Gradkowski and Landry Jones
With Ben Roethlisberger’s injury history, I was surprised the Steelers didn’t make a better effort to improve the backup quarterback position. Neither Gradkowski or Jones are strong backup candidates with each having their share of issues.
Running Back
Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Backups: DeAngelo Williams, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Daryl Richardson
The thought is that Le’Veon Bell will be back by the start of the season, but if he’s not DeAngelo Williams is more than capable of stepping into the starters roll. Pittsburgh has the luxury of slowly working Bell back into the lineup.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton
No. 3: Sammie Coates
Backups: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Eli Rogers and Issac Blakeney
Suspended: Martavis Bryant
Martavis Bryant’s suspension is a major blow to this team by taking some of the offensive’s explosiveness away. The Steelers are hoping that Sammie Coates can continue his development and reach his potential.
Tight End
Starter: Ladarius Green
Backups: Matt Spaeth and Jesse James
Ladarius Green is the best athlete the Steelers have had at the tight end position in years. However, he faces the tough task of replacing Heath Miller. What Miller lacked in quickness he made up for with strong route-running and the knack for finding open holes in the defense.
Left Tackle
Starter: Ryan Harris
Backup: Alejandro Villanueva
The starting left tackle job is still up for grabs with Harris and Villanueva expected to compete during training camp. I have the edge to the veteran Harris, but things could easily go the other way.
Left Guard
Starter: Ramon Foster
Backups: Jerald Hawkins and Cole Manhart
Foster is a steady performer and one of the anchors of this offensive line.
Center
Starter: Maurkice Pouncey
Backup: Cody Wallace
Pittsburgh really needs to get a healthy season from Maurkice Pouncey as they lack depth across the entire offensive line.
Right Guard
Starter: David DeCastro
Backups: Jerald Hawkins and Cole Manhart
David DeCastro has lived up to his high draft status and has become one of the better guards in the league.
Right Tackle
Starter: Marcus Gilbert
Backup: Alejandro Villanueva
Gilbert is locked in as the starter and will be counted on to be a leader of this group.
3-4 Defensive End
Starters: Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt
Backups: Javon Hargrave and Leterrius Walton
Both Heyward and Tuitt are high-impact players who anchor the defensive line. Look for rookie Javon Hargrave to have an immediate impact as part of the rotation.
Nose Tackle
Starter: Daniel McCullers
Backup: Javon Hargrave
For most of his football career, Daniel McCullers has been a flash player more about upside than production. Things are starting to shift has he’s finally becoming a steady performer.
3-4 Outside Linebacker
Starters: Bud Dupree and James Harrison
Backups: Jarvis Jones, Arthur Moats and Travis Feeney
Pittsburgh is counting Bud Dupree to build off his rookie season and become the team’s top pass rusher. This is far from certain which is why James Harrison remains one of the more important players on the team.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons
Backups: Vince Williams and Travis Feeney
Shazier and Timmons make a lot of plays from sideline to sideline. The overall stability of the inside linebacker position is strong thanks to Williams and Feeney in the backup role.
Cornerback
Starters: William Gay and Artie Burns
Nickelback: Senquez Golson
Backups: Ross Cockrell and Doran Grant
The Steelers are counting on two unknown commodities in Artie Burns and Senquez Golson to play a major role this season. Both have plenty of talent but will go through their share of ups and down this year.
Safety
Starters: Mike Mitchell and Sean Davis
Backups: Shamarko Thomas and Robert Golden
Mike Mitchell is the enforcer in the back end of the defense which makes Sean Davis a natural fit as his running mate. Davis is a strong coverage guy who has quickness and ball skills to be a turnover machine.