The Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL draft class wasn't star studded but the front office was able to do a lot of future planning with their picks. As we've had some time to not only process the draft but the current roster as well, there are several veterans on the current roster who are in serious danger of losing their spots and being replaced by rookies on the depth chart or roster altogether.
It's also no surprise that most of the names on this list are on offense. The Steelers went heavy on offense in the draft and this side of the football needs the most work.
Johnson is quickly staring down the potential of being a full-blown draft bust. Johnson was relegated to third string last season and the Steelers quickly signed Nico Dowdle in free agency, leaving him as the No. 3 back. Then the Steelers selected do-it-all back Eli Heidenreich in the draft and his versatility and athleticism might mark the end for the former third-round pick.
If we assume that Aaron Rodgers eventually signs, the addition of rookie Drew Allar means Rudolph is the odd man out. Head coach Mike McCarthy has already praised second-year quarterback Will Howard so we struggle to see a place for Rudolph on the depth chart.
The Steelers drafted not one, but two wide receivers and the writing is on the wall for Roman Wilson. Another pick, similar to Kaleb Johnson who had high hopes but fell flat. Even if the Steelers keep six wide receivers, adding Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen puts Wilson on the roster bubble.
We don't think Anderson is in fear of being released. But we do think the selections of Gennings Dunker and Max Iheanachor tells us the team isn't confident in Anderson being the long-term starter on the left side at either guard or tackle.
Drafting Daylen Everett gives the Steelers their latest highly athletic project cornerback. If Pittsburgh plans to stash Everett away and coach him up in hopes of turning him into a starter, there's no spot for their last highly athletic cornerback, Cory Trice. Pittsburgh has held onto Trice for a long time despite his injury issues and that time might be coming to an end.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 Steelers who could lose their spots on the depth chart after the NFL Draft