An annual rite of passage… Our Training Camp Previews for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concept here is pretty straightforward; we’ll take a look at each position. Who is vying for a place on the 53-man roster and how will that happen? Obviously there are some spots much each easier to break down than others but we’ll do our best to cover it all. Today we cover the Offensive Line.
Zach Frazier, 2nd Season
While the plan wasn’t necessarily for Zach Frazier to start as soon as he did, when Nate Herbig went down with s serious injury, Frazier was the next man up and he didn’t disappoint. Frazier made numerous ‘All-Rookie’ teams blending a nice mix of power, quickness and smarts. There is work to be done and Frazier knows it better than most, but the foundation has been laid. I see no reason why he can’t be the anchor for the Steelers’ OL for the next decade.
Ryan McCollum, 3rd Season
Last season when Frazier missed a couple of games due to injury, Ryan McCollum stepped in admirably. He is not flashy and he isn’t going to challenge anyone across the NFL for a starting spot and that’s OK. McCollum understands his role as a backup center. He has to be ready to start or step in at a moment’s notice and that’s his role right now.
Mason McCormick, 2nd Season
Much like Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick wasn’t supposed to be a starter as quickly as he was. Fate had other plans. When James Daniels went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, McCormick was forced into duty. Coming from the FCS level where he tossed around opponents like rag dolls, there were concerns about the jump in competition. While McCormick is still a work in progress – especially in pass protection – his experience last season was invaluable. Also like Frazier, he could be around for years to come.
Isaac Seumalo, 10th Season
My guess is that if you asked Isaac Seumalo about his 2024 campaign, he wouldn’t exactly gush with pride. That’s not to say he wasn’t a solid player, but due to some nagging injuries and the youthful shakeup along the front, he didn’t have his best year. As he gets closer to the end of his career, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him have a really solid season. Pencil him in as your starter at left guard as always.
Nick Broeker, 3rd Season
Broeker has appeared in 12 games (no starts) during his first two years when he was in Houston. Originally a seventh round pick of the Bills, Broeker finds himself battling for a roster spot in Pittsburgh. It’s going to be a tall order for him for sure.
Steven Jones, 1st Season
The former Oregon Duck spent his rookie season on the Jacksonville Practice Squad. He has tremendous size at 6’4″ and 340lbs and will likely have to make his home at guard where the competition will be stiff.
Doug Nestor, 1st Season
Nestor spent his first season in the NFL on the Steelers’ Practice Squad. The size (6’6″ 305lbs) is certainly there but he’ll need to up his game and get some breaks in order to make the roster.
Max Scharping, 7th Season
The Steelers are Scharping’s third team since being drafted by the Texans in the second round of the 2019 draft. During his career he has started 33 games but none over his last three seasons. Scharping can play tackle if needed but he will be largely focusing on being the top reserve at guard. There’s no doubt at this point, he’s looking to revitalize his career a bit.
Aiden Williams, Rookie
Williams is a rookie from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. While he played tackle in college, the lack of length in the arms likely sees him making the transition to guard. He’s a perfect Practice Squad candidate who could use the time to learn, get strong and get more technically sound.
Spencer Anderson, 3rd Season
The Steelers are hopeful that Spencer Anderson can become the ‘Guard/Tackle’ combo that they love. The third-year man from Maryland has appeared in eight games over two seasons but has yet to start a game. He also has valuable Center experience as well. There’s no doubt that this is a big year for him as the team needs him to make that jump.
Calvin Anderson, 7th Season
The hope here is that Calvin Anderson is that “veteran offensive reserve” that the Steelers love to have on the roster. He’s played in 50 games (14 starts) over his career with none of those in Pittsburgh. I view him as a backup and spot starter only right now. He’s just never acquired that level of strength needed for the position and his technical skills are lacking. As long as the starters are healthy in front of him, Anderson is fine as a reserve but as a long-term starter? I don’t think so.
Dylan Cook, 3rd Season
A former quarterback, Dylan Cook has yet to make his NFL debut but the Steelers like the direction of his game. He brings ideal height and weight to the position but has needed to add strength to his game. This season will likely be a ‘make or break’ campaign for him and the odds are long. He’s got several guys in front of him that will make it difficult for him to make the roster.
Troy Fautanu, 2nd Season
It’s easy to forget that Troy Fautanu actually started a game last season before suffering the season-ending injury in practice. All signs point to him being healthy and 100% ready to prove his first round worth. He’s a devastating run blocker with the athletic ability to also shine as a pass protector. He has the demeanor and style the Steelers have been looking for in their offensive linemen. Here’s hoping that health is on his side for the next decade.
Gareth Warren, Rookie
Warren appeared in 34 games for Lindenwood during his career there. He will likely be a tackle prospect as he stand 6’6″ and 335lbs. He’s definitely a Practice Squad candidate.
Broderick Jones, 3rd Season
There are a couple of ways to view Broderick Jones‘ career so far. In some instances, he could be seen as a guy who hasn’t lived up to his first round draft status yet. His play has been up and down but the effort has been there. On the flip-side, he’s been played almost entirely on the right side away from his more natural left and he’s played through injuries as well. All of that will no longer matter however in 2025. Jones will move back to the left tackle spot where he’s expected to be for the next several years. If he should struggle, then the ‘first round bust’ term will be used. Fair for a guy that has started 27 games in his first two seasons? That’s not my call.
How It Shakes Out
The starting five are as clear cut as they could be. Jones, Seumalo, Frazier, McCormick and Fautanu are your top five. In some years I might suggest that there’s a player or two that could challenge but I’m not overly impressed with the depth they’ve built. If Mike Tomlin keeps nine, I would add McCollum, S. Anderson and C. Anderson along with the veteran Scharping. I won’t be surprised if someone pushes for a final spot but I feel pretty confident about this group as of now.
