Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a slew of changes this offseason. The turnover on the roster is truly unprecedented, as the Steelers head into the 2025 season with nine new starters.
Despite the big changes, ESPN ranked the Steelers’ roster as the 19th-best in the NFL. Mike Clay of ESPN believes offensive tackle is the biggest question mark heading into 2025.
“Offensive tackle. Tackle is a major question, but there’s hope about who will protect Aaron Rodgers. Broderick Jones (2023) and Troy Fautanu (2024) were recent first-round picks who could make a big leap forward this season. After struggling at right tackle the past two seasons, Jones is set to take over for Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle this season. Fautanu (who played 49 snaps as a rookie) will replace Jones on the right side,” Clay wrote.
Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones will be protecting the blind side of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025. He’ll have to be on his ‘A’ game, as the offense will run through Rodgers. If Rodgers gets injured, the Steelers’ entire plans in 2025 will blow up in smoke.
The Steelers have a future star at center in Zach Frazier, but the rest of the offensive line will have to step up in 2025, especially at both tackle positions. The success of the Steelers offense this season will greatly depend on the play of the O-line.
To no surprise, ESPN believes the Steelers’ biggest strength is at edge rusher.
“T.J. Watt has been an All-Pro in each of his past five healthy seasons and has an NFL-high 108.0 sacks since entering the league in 2017 (only he and Myles Garrett have more than 83.0). Running mate Alex Highsmith missed six games last season, but he remained a full-time player when healthy and his 33.5 sacks over the past four seasons ranks 16th in the league. Nick Herbig (5.5 sacks in 13 games) was terrific in an expanded role last season,” Clay wrote.
When it comes to X-Factor, all eyes will be on the high-profile cornerbacks.
“The secondary. The Steelers’ recipe for success in 2025 is a passable offense with an elite defense. Regarding the latter, the pass rush is fully there. The questions are in the secondary,” Seth Welder wrote. “Can Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay play like their younger selves? Can Joey Porter Jr. get the penalties in check? Can Juan Thornhill be an adequate replacement for Minkah Fitzpatrick as the deep safety? If the answer to all three questions is “yes,” then the Steelers will be dangerous*.”*
One thing is clear — there’s a lot of question marks with the Steelers heading in 2025. More than in recent history, for sure. Offensive line and how Jones holds up at left tackle is at the top of the list.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: What’s the Steelers Biggest Weakness Heading Into 2025?
