PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers released their first depth chart of the 2021 season. A lot will change, but since it’s the first, let’s break down some of the positions.
OFFENSIVE LIVE
A former back-up at Alabama with four starts for the Steelers in 2020, JC Hassenauer is listed as the starting center with rookie Kendrick Green behind him. Hassenauer left practice on Saturday with an injury as did the third string center BJ Finney.
Rest of the offensive line is what you would probably expect—Chukwuma Okorafor at left tackle, Kevin Dotson left guard, Trai Turner right guard and Zach Banner right tackle.
Veterans Finney-left guard, Rashaad Cowher-right guard and Joe Haeg-right tackle join rookies, Green at center and Dan Moore, Jr-left tackle as the back-ups.
QUARTERBACK
Mason Rudolph is listed, no surprise, as the back-up quarterback with Dwayne Haskins as the third teamer and Josh Dobbs, fourth team.
RUNNING BACK
2021 first round pick Najee Harris is the starter with Benny Snell as the backup. Anthony McFarland is third team followed by Jaylen Samuels and free agent signee from the Chargers Kalen Ballage as the fifth option.
Running back Trey Edmunds, Terrrell’s brother, no longer listed at tailback, but the backup fullback to Derek Watt.
No surprises at the receiver position with Eric Ebron the starting tight end followed by second round pick Pat Freiermuth and then Zach Gentry ahead of Kevin Rader.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Alex Highsmith is the right-side starter with veteran Melvin Ingram as his backup three days into training camp. Cassius Marsh listed as the man behind TJ Watt with rookie Quincy Roche and Jamir Jones as third teamers.
NICKEL
Antoine Brooks, a sixth round pick released by the team last September, but signed back to the practice squad is the starter taking over for Mike Hilton. Brooks made it onto the active roster with a pair of tackles in four games in 2020.
Fifth year pro Arthur Maulet, who played 23 games the last two seasons with the Jets totaling 64 tackles, is the backup.
CORNERS
Cameron Sutton listed as first-team right cornerback followed by James Pierre and Matt Gilbert on that side with Justin Layne backing up Joe Haden.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Ulysees Gilbert and Marcus Allen are the backups to starters Devin Bush and Robert Spillane on the inside. Spillane made a highlight reel, one-handed interception on Saturday.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Veteran Chris Wormley joins Isaiah Buggs and Henry Mondeaux as backups. Rookie fifth round pick, 6’7” Isaiahh Loudermilk is third team with 6’9” Calvin Taylor at the ends.
Veteran Jordan Berry is the starting punter ahead of seventh round pick Pressley Harvin III.
Steelers play their first preseason game August 5 against Dallas in the Hall of Fame Game.