The Pittsburgh Steelers first preseason sport is within the books, a 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a number of starters sitting, we had been capable of get a very good take a look at the depth of the 2025 roster.
On this article, I’ll present information from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) and takeaways.
Offense:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
Two gamers on offense. One of the best grade was WR Scotty Miller (88.4 grade, 9 snaps). Caught all 4 targets for 47 yards, highlighted by a pleasant explosive play of twenty-two yards that was large within the groups two-minute landing drive earlier than halftime.
TE Darnell Washington (84.4, 12) was on the receiving finish of the offense’s first landing, on a gap drive besides. It got here 19 yards over the center – refreshing to see from the purple zone. He was as excited (if no more) than most followers, dunking on the aim put up, drawing a penalty (not mad). Additionally posted 70-plus blocking grades (70.3 run block, 73.3 move block). Excited concerning the TE room this season.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
A whopping eight right here. WR Ke’Shawn Williams (78.6, 28) made his two targets rely. One was a 29-yard catch on third down with yards after catch, and the opposite a powerful 26-yard contested finish zone catch for the rating. Accounting for 2 of the groups longest positive aspects, and 2-of-5 explosive performs (20-plus yards) made an announcement.
QB Mason Rudolph (78.6, 15) received the beginning and performed nicely. Good total stats: 9-of-10, 84 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 1 sack, and a 135.0 QB ranking. Excellent completion price on the offenses opening drive, executing play-action at a excessive stage, attacking the center of the sphere, and capitalizing within the purple zone with the TD to Washington. He did cling on too lengthy on the sack he took, however high quality evening total.
RB Lew Nichols (78.0, 12) turned heads in an total underwhelming run sport. Led the crew with 31 rush yards on six makes an attempt (5.2 common). The opposite working backs averaged 2.5 or much less, and Nichols had the one plus-10-yard run (14-yards). His 5.17 yards after contact caught the attention, churning for yards. Sure, preseason caveat, however good exhibiting.
Aiden Williams (76.7, 54) entered because the second crew RG, taking part in all 54 of his snaps there, which tied for essentially the most on offense. He graded greatest in move blocking (82.5) which led the crew. One stress allowed, which was a rush. 70.9 run block grade additionally led the Steelers offense.
Spencer Anderson (75.6, 15) began at LG, taking part in all his alternatives there. Additionally had a stronger move block grade (81.6) than run blocking (75.6), which zero pressures allowed on 12 move blocking snaps.
WR Roc Taylor (71.9, 25) caught 2 of his three targets for 38 yards. Each had been chunk yardage, beginning with a 16 yard catch, together with an explosive 22 yarder deep on the appropriate sideline within the third quarter.
TE Connor Heyward (71.8, 33) additionally went 2-for-3 receiving, for 17 yards. PFF loved his move blocking (70.3), however run blocking was one other story (54.9) together with a holding penalty that had him greater than I anticipated, realizing how they’ve graded prior to now.
WR Lance McCutcheon (70.9, 25) reeled in each targets for 14 yards. Doesn’t sound like a lot, however each went for first downs, and one was contested.
The Unhealthy (Under 50 Grades):
Solely three. Troy Fautanu (48.1, 15) is first on the undesirable checklist. Began at RT, and was specifically dinged for a penalty. Whereas he didn’t stand out negatively to me, a 61.5 move block and 58.4 run block grade might stand to enhance in PFF’s eyes.
Newly acquired veteran Andrew Peat (42.6, 21) performed third-string LT. 47.8 move block and 53.2 run block aren’t the perfect first impression for the previous early first spherical choose, and had a penalty.
The bottom grade on offense was TE JJ Galbreath (39.6, 42). Had one catch on his lone goal for six yards in a quiet opener, with a 50.2 receiving grade. A 41.6 run block and 41.9 move block grade had been every worst on the crew. Not his forte, however hopefully he can development positively on this regard transferring ahead.
Protection:
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
The very best graded participant on protection and team-wide was CB Cameron McCutcheon (93.4, 14). He didn’t fill the stat sheet, however had a pleasant interception that was negated by a roughing the passer penalty. Doesn’t rely, however good that PFF gave him credit score. Sadly, his day was shortened by a hamstring damage, however the flip aspect is not any different accidents per Mike Tomlin.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
Three right here. S Juan Thornhill (88.2, 12) laid an enormous clear pop on a receiver for an over the center move breakup, coming aggressively downhill on the spectacular play. Opposing receivers possible took be aware, and refreshing to see Thornhill dole such a punishment out of the gate. Very becoming for a Steelers defensive again.
Rookie d-lineman Yahya Black (82.3, 10) was fairly spectacular in restricted taking part in time. He had at the least two high quality move rushes, with PFF charting him for one stress (a rush) and an 82.0 move rush grade. Paired with that was a pleasant 72.6 run protection grade. Every led the Steelers protection, and each of his tackles had been stops. Was charged with a missed sort out, however very stable debut.
LB Malik Harrison (81.6, 28) graded solidly in a number of points as a backup. A 78.4 move rush grade included a stress (hurry), together with a 73.8 tackling grade (one sort out, one help, one cease), and a 72.1 run protection grade (second on crew). A number of protection snaps (14), with a 66.9 grade, and wasn’t focused.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
5 gamers. CB Brandin Echols (77.9, 28) was a playmaker, stepping up with a number of starters sitting. 78.9 protection and 72.8 tackling grades, together with a stable sort out for a lack of three and a move breakup that he practically intercepted on a 3rd down cease. Run protection might seemingly enhance (61.6).
Rookie EDGE Jack Sawyer (73.6, 32) began, with the highest three on the place sitting. Led the crew in pressures with 4, doubling another Steeler in an in any other case quiet exhibiting. This additionally featured two hurries/hits. Nice to see from the fourth man on the depth chart so early. Wish to see extra as a run defender (56.7) and tackler (43.7), which included a miss.
CB D’Shawn Jamison (72.3, 25) had the protection’s greatest tackling grade (79.0). Three had been solo, one for a cease, and no misses. Allowed two catches on as many targets, for simply ten yards (71.1 protection grade). A 68.9 run protection grade additionally led Steelers defensive backs. Additionally offered a stress per PFF.
CB Beanie Bishop (72.2, 26) was one other nook that stepped up admirably. Getting the beginning, he was across the ball lots with 5 solo tackles (T-team lead) together with two stops, one on third down. Consistency is one thing I need to see extra of transferring ahead, contemplating he tied for a crew worst two missed tackles, and was next-to-last in run protection grade (38.8).
S Chuck Clark (71.3, 34) was one other new Steeler who didn’t disappoint. A 78.8 tackling grade was his greatest, offering two solo, one help, and a cease. Allowed an 11-yard catch, with a 66.2 protection being his lowest grade.
The Unhealthy (Under 50 Grades):
Sadly, seven gamers. DeMarvin Leal (49.1, 32) began at EDGE. His total grade was his lowest, in comparison with 49.7 run protection, 70.5 tackling, 53.1 move rush, and 61.0 protection. I’ve at all times discovered this complicated. Had a stress (hit), and one assisted sort out, so I’m not saying he lit it up by any means.
LB Carson Bruener (45.8, 23) had a crew worst 42.9 protection grade. Allowed 4 catches (5 targets) for 38 yards, specifically permitting a deep route over his head for an explosive play. He made different impactful performs that made his total grade appear low in my view, together with a pleasant sort out (cease) inside his three solos and one help on the evening (78.2 sort out grade).
S Miles Killebrew (43.2, 22) had an total grade worse than his different marks as nicely. A robust 77.5 tackling grade (one solo, one help), 60.0 run protection, and 45.7 protection. Allowed one catch on his lone goal for 14 yards. Not ideally suited, however PFF should have seen one thing I forgot about or missed.
LB Cole Holcomb (42.6, 25). Run protection was seemingly his bugaboo, with a crew low 34.8 grade. Will likely be price a glance on the All-22. His 57.1 protection grade was low, permitting one catch (ten yards) on three targets, together with a pleasant rep that led to an incompletion on a 3rd down.
DI Domenique Davis (40.8, 8) was on the sphere for only one run protection snap (60.0 grade). Was given a 53.7 move rush grade, with no pressures on seven move rush snaps. One other participant given a decrease total grade, over ten factors the truth is, than his particular person grades. What provides?
DI Logan Lee (39.4, 5) matches this invoice too, with a 60.0 run protection (one snap) and 55.5 move rush (4 snaps).
The worst defensive grade was DI Isaiahh Loudermilk (37.5, 29). This grade was comprehensible given his roughing the passer penalty that negated an interception, specifically. Additionally, no pressures (20 move snaps), a missed sort out (crew worst 27.0 grade), and a 41.3 in run protection.
Particular Groups (NOTE – Some names lacking, low snaps/common grade):
Wonderful (90-Plus Grades):
NONE.
Nice (80-Plus Grades):
The highest particular groups grade was ILB Devin Harper (85.6, 24), who had a solo and assisted sort out. Performed on 5-of-6 models together with kick return, kick protection, punt return, punt protection, and subject aim block.
Good (70-Plus Grades):
Three right here. Hurleman (78.7, 4) performed much less on particular groups, with a pleasant sort out on his lone punt protection snap. The remainder of his particular crew alternatives got here on kick return. Helped his trigger together with good playmaking on offense.
Trey Sermon (76.6, 12) had two solo tackles on six kick protection snaps, additionally taking part in a couple of snaps on every return unit that included a kick return of 26 yards.
Carson Bruener (75.4, 24) had two solo tackles and an help as a particular teamer, a powerful exhibiting that aids his possibilities transferring ahead in a stacked place room.
The Unhealthy (Under 50 Grades):
4 gamers. WR Ke’Shawn Williams (46.8, 6) had a missed sort out on particular groups, taking part in on each punt models. Did have a negated 26-yard punt return negated by penalty.
EDGE Eku Leota (43.8, 15) was additionally responsible of a missed sort out, and performed on three groups (kick return, punt protection, and subject aim block).
Lengthy snapper Christian Kuntz (33.4, 8) was not excessive on my radar of gamers to look at within the preseason opener, so not sure why PFF had him so low. The veteran will hopefully be stable transferring ahead, matching his current resume final season.
The worst grade from your entire crew was CB Cameron McCutcheon (29.1, 11). He had the lone particular groups penalty, negating the aforementioned punt return by Williams in an encouragingly clear sport from the Steelers total.
STEELERS PRESEASON WEEK 1 TOTAL SNAPS
| PLAYER | POS | PS WK 1 OFF SNAPS | PS WK 1 DEF SNAPS | PS WK 1 ST SNAPS | PS WK 1 TOT SNAPS |
| Doug Nester | G | 54 | 5 | 59 | |
| Max Scharping | C | 54 | 5 | 59 | |
| Aiden Williams | G | 54 | 54 | ||
| Skylar Thompson | QB | 51 | 51 | ||
| JJ Galbreath | TE | 42 | 19 | 61 | |
| Max Hurleman | RB | 35 | 4 | 39 | |
| Steven Jones | T | 33 | 5 | 38 | |
| Connor Heyward | TE | 33 | 33 | ||
| Dylan Prepare dinner | T | 32 | 5 | 37 | |
| Ke’Shawn Williams | WR | 28 | 6 | 34 | |
| Gareth Warren | T | 26 | 26 | ||
| Brandon Johnson | WR | 25 | 12 | 37 | |
| Lance McCutcheon | WR | 25 | 9 | 34 | |
| Roc Taylor | WR | 25 | 8 | 33 | |
| Kaleb Johnson | RB | 24 | 24 | ||
| Robert Woods | WR | 24 | 24 | ||
| Andrus Peat | T | 21 | 21 | ||
| Evan Hull | RB | 15 | 6 | 21 | |
| Broderick Jones | T | 15 | 15 | ||
| Mason McCormick | G | 15 | 15 | ||
| Mason Rudolph | QB | 15 | 15 | ||
| Spencer Anderson | G | 15 | 15 | ||
| Troy Fautanu | T | 15 | 15 | ||
| Zach Frazier | C | 15 | 15 | ||
| Trey Sermon | RB | 14 | 12 | 26 | |
| Lew Nichols | RB | 12 | 1 | 13 | |
| Darnell Washington | TE | 12 | 12 | ||
| Roman Wilson | WR | 10 | 10 | ||
| Scotty Miller | WR | 9 | 9 | ||
| Ben Skowronek | WR | 4 | 4 | ||
| Kenneth Gainwell | RB | 4 | 4 | ||
| Logan Woodside | QB | 3 | 3 | ||
| James Pierre | CB | 38 | 38 | ||
| Chuck Clark | S | 34 | 34 | ||
| Eku Leota | ED | 33 | 15 | 48 | |
| Julius Welschof | ED | 33 | 12 | 45 | |
| Jack Sawyer | ED | 32 | 18 | 50 | |
| DeMarvin Leal | ED | 32 | 5 | 37 | |
| Derrick Harmon | DI | 32 | 32 | ||
| Sebastian Castro | S | 31 | 18 | 49 | |
| Quindell Johnson | S | 31 | 11 | 42 | |
| Isaiahh Loudermilk | DI | 29 | 5 | 34 | |
| Brandin Echols | CB | 28 | 28 | ||
| Malik Harrison | LB | 28 | 28 | ||
| Kyler McMichael | CB | 27 | 2 | 29 | |
| Beanie Bishop | CB | 26 | 6 | 32 | |
| D’Shawn Jamison | CB | 25 | 20 | 45 | |
| Cole Holcomb | LB | 25 | 25 | ||
| Carson Bruener | LB | 23 | 24 | 47 | |
| Devin Harper | LB | 23 | 24 | 47 | |
| Daryl Porter | CB | 23 | 1 | 24 | |
| Miles Killebrew | S | 22 | 22 | ||
| Mark Robinson | LB | 19 | 19 | ||
| Esezi Otomewo | DI | 16 | 16 | ||
| Breiden Fehoko | DI | 15 | 6 | 21 | |
| Cameron McCutcheon | CB | 14 | 11 | 25 | |
| Daniel Ekuale | DI | 12 | 12 | ||
| Juan Thornhill | S | 12 | 12 | ||
| Payton Wilson | LB | 12 | 12 | ||
| Yahya Black | DI | 10 | 6 | 16 | |
| Kyler Baugh | DI | 9 | 9 | ||
| Domenique Davis | DI | 8 | 8 | ||
| Keeanu Benton | DI | 8 | 8 | ||
| Logan Lee | DI | 5 | 11 | 16 | |
| Ben Sauls | Ok | 11 | 11 | ||
| Christian Kuntz | LS | 8 | 8 | ||
| Cameron Johnston | P | 5 | 5 | ||
| Corliss Waitman | P | 3 | 3 |
PRESEASON WEEK 1 SNAP LEADERS
OFF – Doug Nester, Max Scharping, Aiden Williams
DEF – James Pierre
ST – Carson Bruener, Devin Harper
TOT – JJ Galbreath
