A deep rookie class including talented offensive linemen and linebackers could mean trouble for Steelers veterans
Following an aggressive offseason in which the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen while trading Kenny Pickett, the team made its intentions clear during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Steelers took three offensive linemen with their first four picks, with the only non-lineman being Michigan wideout Roman Wilson. In the later rounds, Pittsburgh added defensive depth at key positions.
As a new-looking Steelers team looks to end its postseason struggles in 2024, its success could depend on the success of its young players. With so many talented rookies on the roster, here are two Steelers veterans who could find themselves fighting for playing time this season.
Elandon Roberts (ILB)
In an inside linebacking corps devastated by injuries last year, Elandon Roberts was the lone backer to make it through the 2023 season unscathed for the Steelers. Despite the turmoil around him, Roberts produced the best season of his career. A free agent signing from the Miami Dolphins, the eight-year veteran started 15 games and led the Steelers with 101 tackles. His Pro Football Focus Player Grade of 72.5 put him firmly in the “Above Average” category for the first time.
This year, Roberts — alongside Cole Holcomb — is one of the few holdovers from the rotating group of inside linebackers from 2023. The Steelers made a notable addition by signing All-Pro linebacker Patrick Queen from the Baltimore Ravens. They also drafted Payton Wilson in the third round while letting Kwon Alexander and Mykal Walker go in free agency. Queen is the only guaranteed starter among the bunch, so Roberts will find himself battling with Holcomb and Wilson for playing time.
The rookie Payton Wilson is easily the most intriguing prospect of the bunch. The North Carolina State product won every conceivable award in his final college season. The linebacker earned the Chuck Bednarik Defensive Player of the Year Award and Butkus Award (given to the nation's top LB). He was also a First-team Associated Press All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Wilson ran a blistering 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, but concerns about his history of knee injuries allowed the NC State backer to drop to the Steelers late in the third round at pick #98.
Elandon Roberts is the safe option, but Payton Wilson has tremendous upside — making the battle for the second inside linebacker spot in the Pittsburgh lineup an intriguing tussle to follow this summer.
James Daniels (RG)
Along with their inside linebacking corps, the Steelers also revamped their offensive line during the offseason. The team drafted three 0-linemen — Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick — with their first five picks in the NFL Draft. Fautanu figures to slot in at right tackle, Frazier should take over at center, and McCormick is a contender to start at the right guard spot. Left tackle Broderick Jones and left guard Isaac Seumalo are secure in their spots, leaving James Daniels as the only returning lineman worrying about his starting role.
Daniels has made 32 starts during his two seasons in Pittsburgh, and while he has hardly been a standout player, he was among the more consistent players on a mediocre line — allowing just one sack during this period. With two rookies likely slotting in as day-one starters in this offensive line, the Steelers are in no rush to make Mason McCormick the third rookie starter. But if the South Dakota State product impresses in training camp, James Daniels could start the season on the bench.
