Happy Friday, and I hope yinz are doing well.
Well, the dog days of the offseason are upon us. Ten Steelers OTA practices are in the books, and most of the veteran players departed after minicamp wrapped up two weeks ago. Players and coaches now get their last chance for a vacation before the work begins again, and players will start tuning up for training camp before things really start to ramp up in late July.
While the Steelers are taking some time off, we aren’t doing so at Steelers Depot. There are a few new series to keep an eye on this week. One is our Depot Debates, with a few posted this week and more coming over the next few days. There are also two episodes of Depot Jeopardy over the last two weeks, which you are welcome to watch and play along with.
As always, we’re here with you throughout the weekend for whatever news comes our way.
Have a safe and happy weekend.
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Overall AFC North Rankings
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Fittipaldo Talks Will Howard’s Status
Steelers Make Multiple Roster Moves
Dulac Predicts Biggest Change With McCarthy
Peace and love, peace and love!
1 – Rank the AFC North’s teams in terms of overall roster strength.
2 – What is your biggest takeaway from the Steelers’ OTAs and minicamp?
3 – Name one dark-horse candidate to make the Steelers’ 53-man roster.
4 – Who is your favorite player from the Steelers’ rookie class?
5 – What Steelers news would be the best to hear before training camp? (Contract extensions, etc.)
Recap: Final Week Of OTAs Weekend: Steelers Friday Night Five Questions
Training camp can’t come soon enough!
Q1: Should the Steelers build a new stadium outside of Pittsburgh or renovate Acrisure Stadium instead?
Steelers Depot respondents overwhelmingly preferred renovating Acrisure Stadium rather than building a new stadium outside of Pittsburgh. Perhaps, they could rebuild near the current location. Rock3373 gave an outside the box alternative: “They should build it in the confluence. First-ever floating stadium? Seriously, it needs to stay at least close to where it is now. But a new stadium would be cool. Something original but modern. PNC is beautiful and impressive, but Acrisure is boring, IMO.”
Q2: On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), what’s your confidence in the Steelers’ ILB room?
Overall confidence in the Steelers’ inside linebackers is 6.5 on a 10-point scale. Hopefully, new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham maximizes their performance. WeWantDaTruth writes, “7 – hoping an improved DL keeps the ILBs clean to make plays.” ValyrianSteelerJedi added, “I’ll give them a 6 because of the new defensive coaches.”
Q3: Through his first two years, has Patrick Queen been more of an asset or a liability?
The majority believe Patrick Queen has been a liability. But some see it as a push. He’s been average but we expected more. Newguy68 captured the vibe: “For the amount of money and fanfare of the signing, he’s been average. I don’t think we are paying him to be average.” Chris92021 explains, “Liability. Queen has to play with a great defense and excellent coaching staff for him to look like he belongs. He makes too many mistakes for a man getting paid like a Pro Bowl LB.”
Q4: Will the Steelers’ offense score more points than their defense allows this season?
Everyone sees the Steelers’ offense scoring more points than the defense allows. Ted Webb confidently asserts, “Yes definitely!!! I’m all in with this offense and an offensive-minded coach.” Last year, the Steelers scored 397 points against 387 given up.
Q5: Will the Steelers’ offense fulfill Mike McCarthy’s wish of 55 touches per game this season?
An optimistic group of readers. The majority say the Steelers will have 55 touches per game. But John Stewart is skeptical: “No way they hit 55 as an average. The thought process though is groundbreaking in Pittsburgh! That design is elevating for this O! Think of how many times we abandoned the running game last year and in previous seasons! When you break down touches by player, it seems realistic. Love the focus on inputs to a game plan and not just results!” In 2025, the Steelers had 872 touches (407 rush attempts and 365 passing attempts) in 17 games. That is 51.3 touches a game.
Consensus vs. Correct Answers
Questions SD Consensus Correct Answers
Build new stadium or renovate Acrisure? Renovate Up to you!
Confidence in ILB room? 6.5/10 Up to you!
Patrick Queen an asset or liability? Liability TBD
Steelers score more points than they allow Yes TBD
Can Steelers average 55 touches per game? Yes TBD
With OTAs in the books, the Steelers will report for training camp in Latrobe on July 28.
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