Projecting Steelers’ Week 1 Starters Right Now

QB: Aaron Rodgers — The least shocking revelation of this projection. Rodgers is in his last dance, not just in Pittsburgh, but of his decorated NFL career.

RB: Jaylen Warren/Rico Dowdle — It’s become evident that these two will split carries and be used in different roles. Dowdle will likely serve as an early-down running back, while Warren will be used on all three downs. The sky is the limit for this duo.

WR: DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson — Metcalf and Pittman are locks, but Wilson should get the starting nod in Week 1 when the Steelers go with 11 personnel. Then, we’ll really see the progress he has made and the chemistry he developed with Rodgers during training camp.

TE: Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington — Similar to the running back situation, it’s unlikely that either of these players will significantly out-snap the other. However, Washington will serve as an all-purpose tight end, while Freiermuth specializes as a passing-down option.

OL: Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Zach Frazier, Spencer Anderson, Dylan Cook — Though Ryan McCollum looked like he had a chance to push Anderson, it feels like Anderson will still get the nod. Cook will win the right tackle job by default, with Broderick Jones still getting back into a groove and Max Iheanachor dealing with an in-camp injury.

DEFENSE

EDGE: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith — The Steelers will more than likely deploy a heavy rotation at EDGE, but it’s still one of the least surprising revelations that Highsmith and Watt will be the starters.

DT: Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton — Heyward is a given. Benton, though, will rotate with Sebastian Joseph-Day. That said, Benton and his fresh contract make him the starter at defensive tackle.

NT: Yahya Black — Domata Peko has been working extensively with Black to prepare him for this role. Black should also be an effective defensive tackle outside of the 0- and 1-tech alignments.

ILB: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson — Wilson was challenged in camp, and he answered the call. Don’t be surprised if Elandon Roberts takes the field in run-down situations.

CB: Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey — No surprises here. However, Ramsey could take on an interesting dime role after Asante Samuel Jr. broke out during the preseason and training camp.

S: DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker — These are the most likely starters, but … TBD.