With the first preseason game six days away, the Steelers first depth chart is out, and there’s not a ton of surprises on it when it comes to where players will line up against the Giants Saturday night.
The starting two WR’s will be Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton, a player the Steelers want to be a big part of the offense after he showed some signs last season in limited time as a rookie. Lance Moore, an offseason pickup from the Saints, is the third WR right now, Justin Brown is the 4th WR.
Darrius Heyward-Bey and then Martavis Bryant are behind Justin Brown, and Derek Moye and Kashif Moore are behind Moore.
Mike Adams is listed as the left tackle backup spot on the line. Chris Hubbard is the left guard backup, Cody Wallace the center backup, Bryant Browning at right guard, and Guy Whimper at right tackle.
Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth are the 1 and 2 TE’s, with Michael Palmer as the third for the moment. It will be interesting to see Spaeth after he was hurt a year ago in the preseason.
The running back spot is Le’Veon Bell as the starter, and free agent pickup LeGarrette Blount is behind him. Speedster Dri Archer is listed as the third RB, and Tauren Poole fourth.
Will Johnson is listed as the starting fullback.
The defense is the same as it was in minicamp as far as the starting 11 goes. Ryan Shazier has had a good camp, and is listed as a starter on the inside LB spot with Lawrence Timmons next to him. Vince Williams, who has had some big moments in camp, is listed behind Shazier.
Mike Mitchell is listed as the starting free safety despite being on the physically unable to perform list.
There’s new depth on the line, with rookie Stephon Tuitt listed as Cam Heyward’s backup at one of the DE spots, with Brian Arnfeldt behind Cam Thomas at the other end.
Hebron Fangupo is listed as the No. 2 nose tackle on this initial depth chart behind Steve McLendon.
Jason Worilds is the LOLB with Chris Carter behind him. Arthur Moats is behind Jarvis Jones at ROLB.
The defensive backfield will see Cortez Allen ahead of William Gay at the left spot, with Brice McCain behind Ike Taylor at RCB.
Antwon Blake is third at LCB, and Isaiah Green is third at RCB.
Troy Polamalu is the strong safety with Shamarko Thomas is listed as the No. 2. Will Allen is the second free safety behind Mitchell.
Adam Podlesh and Brad Wing are listed as co-starters at punder. Archer is the kickoff returner, with Antonio Brown as the punt returner.
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DrGeorge
August 4, 2014 at 7:41 am
The Post-Gazette just reported that the Steelers are asking Will Johnson to transition from FB to TE if he wants to stay with the team. Apparently, they will still use him as a FB on occasion, but they don’t plan to use a FB on a regular basis this year, according to the newspaper. Johnson has excellent hands and has played TE before, but not in the pros. He is making good progress learning the TE routes, according to Heath Miller.
I have a high regard for Johnson, and I’m glad they’re giving him the opportunity; but I question the strategy, given the inconsistency of our O-line. On running plays last year, Johnson opened lanes for Bell and picked up missed tackles. I can’t imagine how we can have a power running game without a FB. The Giants success in running the ball against the Bills in the HOF game last night demonstrated the point; their FB, Hynoski,is crucial to their running attack, as Johnson is to ours. I’m hoping the P-G overstated Haley’s intent to largely do away with the FB position. Arians tried it before when Dan Krieder was released, and it didn’t work out well.