The Pittsburgh Steelers are days away from beginning a highly anticipated 2022 season as they will compete on Sundays for the first time in almost two decades without quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. The initial depth chart was released on Monday and aside from a small clerical error, the team announced who would be starting where on both sides of the ball. This is all bound to change due to injuries throughout the season and poor play. Many players may see their roles change throughout the year. These are the guys who could see themselves rise on the Steelers depth chart based on preseason play and the impact they could have if given the chance.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker, Mark Robinson (#93) at 2022 training camp. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
1.) Mark Robinson, Linebacker
The play from Devin Bush is going to be aggressively analyzed to begin the year. Fans have been critical of his play after returning from an ACL injury he suffered during his sophomore season. His performance was far from impressive in the first two preseason games, but showed flashes of his ability a bit more in the last exhibition match-up versus the Detroit Lions. That didn't secure his spot as the guy playing alongside newcomer, Myles Jack for the entire season however.
The Steelers took a chance on Robinson in the seventh round of April's NFL Draft. He has already displayed a strong work ethic and willingness to hit people. The organization wouldn't be mad if he turned out to be a reliable guy at the position. Retired linebacker Vince Williams believes that Robinson is more talented now than he was as a young buck.
Mark Robinson is better than I was as a rookie. I hope he keeps #93
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) August 24, 2022
The decision to draft Robinson was low-risk, high-reward. The rookie only played one year at linebacker when he attended Ole Miss, but looked fast and talented on defense throughout August. If Bush plays bad and his competition impresses in practice, Pittsburgh could make the decision to move on from Bush permanently and substitute Robinson in at inside linebacker next to Jack.
2.) Kenny Pickett, QB
Roethlisberger recently gave his opinion on the quarterback situation and said that he hopes Pickett doesn't play this year because that would mean Mitch Trubisky is performing well enough to keep him on the sidelines. This is spot on and strong play from Trubisky could lead to the Steelers exceeding expectations early. With that said, it might be a short leash for the veteran with how Pickett played in the preseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) participates in the 2022 preseason finale against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28th in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
While the stat line for Trubisky will be a partial measurement of his success, it all comes down to wins and losses. If the offensive line begins to gel as the season progresses and the team is still subpar offensively and potentially looking at missing out on the playoffs, head coach, Mike Tomlin could input Pickett into the lineup. This will be closely monitored all season and if it happens that the Steelers need a boost offensively, Pickett will hear his name called.
3.) DeMarvin Leal, DL
The franchise selected Leal in the third round this year and he was impressive during his first NFL action in August. The Achilles heel of what shapes up to be a very dominant defense is their performance against the run last season and in the preseason. Currently, Leal sits behind all defensive linemen on the depth chart, but don't expect that to be the case for very long.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Leal is still going to get in-game reps to begin the season and could rise above Isaiahh Loudermilk rather quickly. The first depth chart has an "or" next to the two names, but Leal is listed last.
Having the chance to showcase his talents and receive a mini promotion are certainly in the cards for Leal. Once he jumps Loudermilk, he's going to have to wait a little for the starting job, though, as team captain and heart of the defense, Cameron Heyward sits atop the totem pole.
Which Steelers players do you think will move up on the depth chart before the season ends? Let us know in the comments below!
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