The 2023 NFL season is extremely close for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the 31 other organizations in the league. Teams had to make several tough decisions at the end of August and cut down rosters to 53 players. It's always subject to change, but it gives fans a sense of what the coaching staff is thinking. Head Coach, Mike Tomlin and his group didn't have too many surprises when the original unit was released on Tuesday, but when one takes a look at Pittsburgh's depth chart, it is stacked with talent and the franchise has a chance to surprise the whole league this season.
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan speaks to members of the media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN. Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
The Steelers made it a point to bring in competition internally all over the field in 2023. All three phases of the game were affected, but General Manager, Omar Khan is being praised as a magician for the plethora of moves he made in his first full offseason as the head of the front office. The current depth chart that has been constructed is bound to change and certain players will move up throughout the season.
It's nearly impossible for a team to hold onto the same starting 22 players on offense and defense throughout a year and 2023 will be no different. The three players below are not starters according to the team's official depth chart entering September, but could absolutely see themselves playing huge roles once December rolls around.
1.) Calvin Austin III, WR
Calvin Austin III burst onto the scene in the 2023 preseason. He had multiple promising touchdown returns and showed extreme versatility on offense. He has lightning speed and the only thing holding him up offensively is veteran, Allen Robinson II being ahead of him. It's hard to imagine the Steelers not using either of them, so it will be interesting to see how the situation transpires throughout the year.
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Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) runs a drill during 2023 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The second-year wide receiver might as well be considered a rookie after losing his entire first season due to injury and he has the playmaking ability to take the league by storm. He currently sits behind Robinson on the depth chart, but don't be surprised if he is starting in the slot as the Steelers look to make a playoff push in the final weeks of the season.
2.) Broderick Jones, OT
It seems as if Dan Moore Jr. has won the battle to be Pittsburgh's starting left tackle to start the 2023 campaign. It is critical to have a solid blindside protector for Kenny Pickett and Moore only showed improvement throughout training camp. The Steelers have a tough schedule early on in the season when it comes to opposing edge rushers and someone like Moore with 33 starts under his belt is probably the right move out of the gate.
Broderick Jones wasn't drafted to ride the bench, however. Moore will have an extremely short leash and there's no reason to believe that Jones won't be inserted into the first team lineup at some point. When Tomlin believes he is ready, Jones is going to have his chance to start a professional game. Fans were not excited about the franchise trading up for Jones for him to end up being another Devin Bush.
Steelers left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. (#65) walks on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
3.) Kwon Alexander, ILB
Many would probably prefer to see Joey Porter Jr. here considering he is not technically listed as a starter on the team's official website, but the trio of him, Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace will all be active in the secondary. Alexander was a signing that came in late July. While Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts also looked solid this offseason, Alexander is a serious veteran presence who probably won't be kept on the sideline for long.
Alexander has eight years of NFL experience and the Steelers made a great move by signing him. He looked fresh in training camp and in his short amount of time during preseason contests. One of Holcomb or Roberts might not find themselves starting by year's end, but it's not a bad thing. The depth on both sides of the ball for the Steelers is stronger than it has been in years.
Who do you think will start the season on the Steelers second team, but receive a promotion during the 2023 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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