Like most National Football League coaches, Mike Tomlin enjoys releasing depth charts about as much as we fans enjoy Cris Collinsworth doing a Steelers’ game. Unfortunately the league requires that he do so at various points of the preseason and regular season. So earlier today, Tomlin begrudgingly posted the current depth chart which revealed very little in the way of surprises.
What Stood Out
There were three positions where Tomlin listed two players on the first team. At inside linebacker next to Myles Jack were Devin Bush and Robert Spillane. At cornerback opposite Cam Sutton were Ahkello Witherspoon and Levi Wallace. At left guard, Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green are battling. If you’ve paid any attention at all during Camp so far then these were not surprising. Spillane has played well while Bush still looks like the same guy we saw finish last season. As for the corners, that could be interesting. Witherspoon played well at the end of last year and Wallace was very good across from Tre’Davious White in Buffalo. I expect that battle to go one throughout the preseason. Dotson and Green have been like a couple of heavyweights going at it so far. Each guy lands some blows but neither can put the other away.
No Changes Under Center
Mitchell Trubisky is still the starter. Mason Rudolph is still the backup. Kenny Pickett is still third-string.
Until Pickett can show he knows the offense and can run it appropriately then he won’t move up the ladder. What will likely happen beforehand is that the Steelers would likely trade Rudolph before actually telling us they’re comfortable with Pickett. We are a ways off from that.
Also of Note
Calvin Austin III, the tiny speedster, is listed as a fourth team wideout. He’s had some great moments in Camp but it would appear to me that Tomlin wants him to prove more. He is a lock to make the team but a little motivation goes a long way… Conversely, George Pickens is listed as a first team wide receiver… Connor Heyward is listed as the third tight end. Many continue to believe he’s more of a fullback but that just isn’t the case… Despite being listed as a third team wide receiver, Gunner Olszewski is listed on the first team as both punt and kick returner.
