{"id":236829,"date":"2026-07-06T17:28:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T17:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/236829\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T17:28:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T17:28:10","slug":"5-steelers-rookies-who-are-flirting-with-massive-roles-heading-into-training-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/236829\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Steelers rookies who are flirting with massive roles heading into training camp"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although training camp has yet to begin for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their unusually big group of rookies should be excited. There is plenty of opportunity for the most recent ten draft picks<\/a> to make some noise on the roster. Believe it or not, some of these first-year players have a chance to shoot up the draft chart rather quickly and exceed early expectations this summer. <\/p>\n

Rookies on offense and defense could play massive factors during training camp. <\/p>\n

With countless job openings set on the depth chart, internal competition within the Steelers organization will make things contentious. It’s not common for rookies to emerge from those battles<\/a> with a starting gig, but it’s not impossible. There is a chance for many to take a step forward and earn a big role on the team.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers have rookies who could shoot up the depth chart at training campEli Heidenreich<\/p>\n

One of the more enticing late-round rookies is Pittsburgh-born Eli Heidenreich. <\/p>\n

He is an interesting player who brings versatility to the team. He has been mostly working at the running back position heading towards training camp, which puts him behind the eight ball. He must overcome a lot of talented players<\/a> in front of him on the depth chart, but the physical comparison to Christian McCaffrey will force many to keep tabs on Heidenreich.<\/p>\n

Daylen Everette<\/p>\n

One of the biggest winners at OTAs and minicamp was none other than Daylen Everette. He has flown under the radar since being picked in the third round in a class full of big-name rookies. Everette is someone who is experienced coming into the NFL and hails from a strong Georgia program. <\/p>\n

It’s an upgraded secondary for Pittsburgh this year, but Everette might force his way into a big role.<\/p>\n

Gennings Dunker<\/p>\n

Fans were thrilled when the Steelers drafted Gennings Dunker, but his stock has slid a little since. The coaching staff appears eager to see if Brock Hoffman or Spencer Anderson can hold onto the starting job over the rookie. <\/p>\n

Dunker is someone who should eventually take over the top spot on the depth chart, but it would take a strong training camp to bypass them in a hurry.<\/p>\n

Robert Spears-Jennings<\/p>\n

Robert Spears-Jennings could be a player who fights for a roster spot. Thus far, the Steelers could use someone to emerge<\/a> as a solid depth safety, and the hope is that Spears-Jennings is that solution. Pittsburgh has a strong group in the secondary, but for the most part, the safety position is light when it comes to the depth behind the starters.<\/p>\n

Kaden Wetjen<\/p>\n

Not many were fans of where the Steelers drafted Kaden Wetjen, but don’t be shocked if he has a solid training camp. He just comes off as a smart gadjet player who Aaron Rodgers might form a strong connection with. Mike McCarthy has an intense offensive mind, and it could bring Wetjen into the fold on offense more than one might think, beyond his immense special teams abilities.<\/p>\n

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