• It seems impossible to look at this Steelers roster and not see that it has been upgraded.
The defensive line looks more talented and deep. The same could be said at both inside and outside linebacker, safety and even cornerback.
On the offensive side of things, Rodgers is a clear upgrade over the players the Steelers started in 2024. And while the Steelers will miss the 1,000 rushing yards they could write in at the start of all four of his seasons from Najee Harris, they promise to be more explosive there with the additions of Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Kaleb Johnson.
The offensive line is younger, but potentially more talented overall than the starting group at the opening of training camp a year ago. And the tight ends all have another year of experience under their belts and could all be reaching their prime together.
Some might look at wide receiver as an area where the Steelers did not upgrade. But that's also not necessarily true. While it would have been nice to see how DK Metcalf and George Pickens challenged defenses, Metcalf is a much more polished and accomplished receiver than Pickens.
That's no knock on Pickens. He's extremely talented.
Where things are different from a year ago is that Calvin Austin III took a big step forward last season. Heading into the season, he was more of an unknown.
And even though Roman Wilson didn't see much in terms of playing time in 2024 because of injuries, he was around the team all season and returned to practice late in the year.
The Steelers also didn't have Ben Skowronek on their initial roster in 2024, signing him only after the season began. He's a valuable member of this roster.
The Steelers have built a deep and talented roster, one that will surprise a lot of naysayers in 2025.
• John Norwig, the Steelers head trainer for 32 years, and Dick Hoak, who spent 45 years with the Steelers as both a player and coach, were both honored this week by the Pro Football Hall of Fame with "Awards of Excellence."
Anyone who knows both men knows that honor was well-deserved.
Norwig and Hoak embodied what it is to be part of the support staff that helps the team on the field. They often toiled in anonymity, but their efforts were much appreciated by the players over the years.
Just as importantly, both are outstanding human beings.
Congratulations to both, who will now be part of a display at the Hall of Fame.