Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp Report Card: Who’s Rising and Who’s Falling

ELI5 Summary: Think of this like a mid-season report card for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The new coach, Mike McCarthy, is watching practice to decide who makes the final team. Some players are "acing the test" (Stock Up), while others are "struggling in class" (Stock Down).

What’s Happening at Camp?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA for training camp. This is where players put on full pads and hit each other — the real test after months of light workouts.

New Head Coach Mike McCarthy is evaluating everyone for the first time live. He likes what he sees from several players, but others are on the hot seat.

Important Callout:
Roster Math: NFL teams can only keep 53 players on the main roster. Others go to the Practice Squad (like a "junior varsity" team that practices but doesn’t play games unless called up). Making the 53 is the goal!

STOCK UP: Players Helping Their Cause

These players have impressed coaches and teammates so far.

1. Mason Rudolph (Quarterback #2 Battle)

Why he’s up: Coach McCarthy is "incredibly pleased" with the veteran backup.
Key detail: He’s adapted well to new footwork drills in "QB School" and throws the ball better than expected up close.
Bottom line: He’s the clear favorite to be Aaron Rodgers’ primary backup.

2. Roman Wilson (Wide Receiver #3)

The backstory: Disappointing first two years; was a healthy scratch (inactive) last season.
Why he’s up:
- Speed threat "over the top" (deep passes)
- Improved on option routes, crossing patterns
- Aaron Rodgers says: "He looks more dynamic… confident… personality coming out."
- OC Brian Angelico: "On the same page… playing relaxed, not thinking."

3. Asante Samuel Jr. (Cornerback)

The backstory: Missed last half of 2024 (spinal fusion surgery) and all 2025 camp.
Why he’s up:
- Stepping in for injured Joey Porter Jr. as starter opposite Jamel Dean
- McCarthy: "Love his ball skills, instincts, awareness… great offseason, better camp."
Note: Dean has injury history; Samuel could play significant snaps if Dean struggles or gets hurt.

4. Pat Freiermuth (Tight End)

The change: Jonnu Smith is gone, clearing the depth chart.
Why he’s up:
- Played only 51% of snaps last year (career low)
- Now a central piece — especially in two-minute drills over the middle
- Angelico: "Controlling the middle of the field… wins one-on-ones."

5. Robert Tonyan (Tight End)

The connection: Caught 11 TDs with Rodgers in Green Bay (2020 MVP year).
Why he’s up:
- Rodgers calls him "Bobby"; they bonded at Kennywood amusement park
- Rodgers: "Played really, really well."
- Decision looming: Practice squad (insurance) vs. 53-man roster (contributor) — leaning toward 53-man roster.

6. Derrick Harmon (Defensive Line, 2nd Year)

Preseason hype: Media predicted him as team’s breakout player.
Why he’s up: Physicality, strong hands, quick hips — winning 1-on-1 drills vs. offensive linemen. On track to justify 1st-round pick.

7. Payton Wilson (Inside Linebacker, Base Defense)

The battle: Who starts next to Patrick Queen in base (run-heavy) defense?
Why he’s up:
- Getting 1st-team reps
- Known for coverage; now showing block destruction (critical for run downs)
- McCarthy: "Motor shows up even more in pads."

8. Gabriel Rubio (Defensive Line, 6th Round Rookie)

The backstory: Missed final 6 games at Notre Dame; not on draft analyst Dane Brugler’s top 2,700 list.
Why he’s up:
- Playing nose tackle; noticeable in 1-on-1s
- McCarthy: "He definitely belongs… passes the ‘do they belong?’ test."
- Coach thinks 10+ DL could make roster/practice squad — Rubio’s 53 chances rising fast.

9. Robert Spears-Jennings (Safety, 7th Round Rookie)

Why he’s up:
- 4.3 speed + 6’2" frame = ideal special teams traits (required for backup safeties)
- Getting 1st-team reps due to injuries to DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker
- Now 3rd or 4th safety on depth chart.

10. Brandon Smith (Wide Receiver)

The surprise: Wore #87 with 1st-team offense Day 1; wasn’t on radar.
Why he’s up:
- Knows McCarthy (Dallas 2021-22) and Rodgers (Jets 2024-25)
- Rodgers: "Best playmaker at Saturday Night Lights… leaner, moving better, crafty."
- Current WR pecking order:
  1. DK Metcalf
  2. Michael Pittman Jr.
  3. Roman Wilson
  4. Next group: Smith, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Max Hurleman
- Team kept 5 WRs last year; likely 6 this year (Metcalf, Pittman, Wilson, Bernard, Skowronek, Kaden Wetjen). Smith = next man up / practice squad candidate.

11. Max Iheanachor (Defensive Line, 1st Round Rookie)

The label: "Raw" — didn’t play football until after high school.
Why he’s up:
- Further along than expected
- McCarthy: "Passed the first test in pads… jumped out at Senior Bowl."
- Caveat: Still rehabbing injury; won’t play Thursday’s preseason game. Missed time may delay Week 1 start push, but ahead of schedule.

STOCK DOWN: Players Fighting Uphill Battles

These players have work to do to make the 53.

1. Malik Harrison (Inside Linebacker)

The fall: Signed last year to start in base defense → now 3rd-team behind Queen/Payton Wilson AND 2nd-team (Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener).
Cap savings if cut: $4.75 million — a strong incentive to move on.

2. Gennings Dunker (Right Guard, 3rd Round Rookie)

The issue: McCarthy: "Better in the run right now than the pass pro." Translation: Struggles in pass protection 1-on-1s.
Strength: Run blocking (Iowa ran heavy run offense).
Depth chart: Clearly behind Spencer Anderson (starter) and Brock Hoffman.

3. Kaden Wetjen (WR / Return Specialist)

The role: Lock for starting punt/kick returner.
Offensive concern:
- Only 23 catches in 4 years at Iowa (zero 20+ yard catches)
- 5’9" = small target radius
- Struggles catching outside his frame (back-to-back drops in 2-min drill)
- Verdict: Return specialist only for now; offense = long-term project.

4. Eli Heidenreich (Running Back, Local Favorite)

The hype: Mount Lebanon (PA) native, Navy background → fan favorite.
The reality: 6th RB on depth chart behind:
1. Jaylen Warren
2. Rico Dowdle
3. Kaleb Johnson
4. Travis Homer
5. Lew Nichols
Prediction: Practice Squad all year. Only path up: Wetjen injury → returner elevation.

5. Kaleb Johnson (Running Back, 2nd Year)

The concern: Disappointing rookie year; still waiting for "the spark."
Specific issues:
- Rarely creates more than what’s blocked (lacks explosiveness)
- Dropped a pitch in Saturday Night Lights practice
- Scheme fit: West Coast offense needs RBs who catch well — not his strength.
Status: Still in RB3 mix, but not separating.

6. Free Safety Depth (Position Group Concern)

The problem: No true "centerfield" free safety on roster.
Current guys: Elliott, Brisker, Rayshawn Jenkins → all best in the box (near line of scrimmage).
Spears-Jennings is a "Stock Up" player relative to expectations, but doesn’t solve the true FS need.
Plan B: Hope a veteran FS gets cut by another team on final cut-down day (late August) — Steelers would pounce.

Key Takeaways (Numbered for Clarity)

QB2 is settled: Mason Rudolph has seized the backup job.
WR3 found: Roman Wilson has finally "clicked" with Rodgers.
CB depth upgraded: Asante Samuel Jr. looks like a starter-quality #3 corner.
TE room clarified: Freiermuth is THE guy; Tonyan pushing for 53-man spot.
DL depth is SCARY GOOD: Harmon, Rubio, Iheanachor + veterans = tough cuts coming.
ILB base role: Payton Wilson winning the job next to Queen.
Safety shuffling: Spears-Jennings rising fast due to speed + injuries above him.
RG battle: Rookie Dunker losing to veterans Anderson/Hoffman in pass pro.
RB3 messy: Johnson, Homer, Nichols, Heidenreich — no clear separator.
True FS missing: Biggest roster hole; may require waiver wire claim.

Summary

Camp is about separation. With pads on, the real evaluations begin. Mike McCarthy likes his quarterback room, tight end room, and defensive line depth. He’s found a WR3 (Wilson) and a starting ILB (Payton Wilson) in camp.

Concerns remain at right guard (rookie struggles), running back #3 (no playmaker), and true free safety (none on roster). Final cuts are coming — expect the Steelers to scour the waiver wire for a centerfield safety.

Bottom Line: This looks like a deeper, more competitive roster than last year — especially up front and at skill spots — but the bottom of the 53 will be decided by special teams value and injury luck.

FAQ (Beginner-Friendly)

1. What does "Stock Up/Stock Down" mean?

It’s a Wall Street metaphor. Stock Up = player’s value rising (making the team likely). Stock Down = value falling (cut or practice squad likely).

2. What’s the difference between the 53-man roster and the practice squad?

53-man roster: Plays in games, gets full salary, counts against salary cap.
Practice squad: Up to 16 players. Practice only, lower pay, can be promoted to 53 (max 3 times/year) or signed by other teams.

3. Why is "special teams" so important for backups?

Only ~45 players dress for games. If you’re not a starter, you must contribute on kickoffs, punts, returns — or you don’t dress. That’s why Spears-Jennings’ speed matters.

4. What is "base defense" vs. "sub packages"?

Base defense: 3-4 or 4-3 alignment vs. 2 RB/2 TE/1 WR (run-heavy). Uses 2 ILBs.
Sub packages (Nickel/Dime): Extra DBs for passing downs. ILBs often come off field. Payton Wilson earning base role = he’s trusted vs. run.

5. What happens on "cut-down day"?

Final Tuesday after last preseason game. Teams trim from 90 → 53. Veterans with vested rights (4+ accrued seasons) become free agents immediately. Others hit waivers (24-hour claim window). Steelers may claim a cut FS here.

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