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Steelers Training Camp Outlook: WR Depth Chart
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent’s College in Latrobe (Penn) from July 24 through August 12, 2025, Steel City Underground presents outlooks on each positional group’s depth chart and offers insight on how those players may fare ahead of the NFL regular season.

With the Steelers having reported for training camp, it’s time to take a look at our last position group to preview for the offseason: the wide receivers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver group in 2025 is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the arrival of a proven superstar and the continued development of promising young talent. The team also said good bye to a promising talent who brought controversy with him both on and off of the field.

With a new quarterback in Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Steelers’ passing game is poised for a fresh chapter, and the wideouts will play a crucial role in its success. Let’s have a look at those players the former Super Bowl MVP will be throwing to this year.

Wide receivers group: Calvin Austin III, Brandon Johnson, Montana Lemonious-Craig, Lance McCutcheon, DK Metcalf, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Roc Taylor, Ke’Shawn Williams, Roman Wilson, Robert Woods

The new sheriff in town

The Steelers made one of their biggest splashes for the team, and possibly around the league, by acquiring DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. At the time, the thought was Metcalf would offer a true WR1 to complement the budding talent of 2022 second-round pick George Pickens. However, Pickens was sent to the Dallas Cowboys in a trade weeks later, leaving Metcalf atop the pecking order of Pittsburgh pass catchers.

Metcalf’s elite physical profile, including rare speed and size, makes him a formidable threat on every down and a clear-cut WR1. Metcalf is known for catching passes in traffic, and along with his freak athleticism, he will bring the big-play potential that’s been consistently missing in Pittsburgh.

While known for his contested catch ability, Metcalf’s overall athleticism and big-play potential are expected to provide a significant boost to the Steelers’ offense. His chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be a key storyline to watch throughout the season.

Two fast options for WR2

Behind Metcalf, the Steelers boast a mix of evolving young players and experienced veterans.

Calvin Austin III is projected to take on a prominent role, potentially as the WR2. Austin has shown flashes of his speed and route-running prowess, and 2025 is seen as a crucial year for him to solidify his place in the offense, especially as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. While he was also the primary punt returner in previous seasons, look for head coach Mike Tomlin to trial other players in that role, should Austin receive a bulk of snaps on offense.

2024 third-round draft pick Roman Wilson is another young receiver with significant upside. After missing nearly all of his rookie season due to injury, Wilson is anticipated to make a jump in his development and contribute to the rotation, potentially vying for significant snaps in the slot or outside.

Austin and Wilson each recorded fast 40-yard dash times (4.2 and 4.3 respectively) at their NFL Combines, which gives the Steelers an intriguing pair of fast receivers to match with Metcalf’s playmaking ability.

Versatile veteran depth

Further veteran presence comes from Robert Woods, who enters his 13th NFL season at age 33. While his age raises questions about his remaining offensive output, Woods offers valuable experience and reliable hands.

He will likely provide depth and a steady presence in the locker room. He could also be tasked with return duties and could make for an interesting pairing with return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson on special teams.

Other receivers such as Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller provide further depth. Skowronek offers a larger, physical target who made several splash plays on special teams last season. Miller is another speedy receiver who is also versatile, up to holding for Chris Boswell on kick attempts in Week 1 last season.

Potential for Further Additions and Depth Battles

With Metcalf, Austin, Wilson, and Woods, at least four receivers spots are potentially spoken for. The Steelers have retained as many as five, and sometimes six players at the position on their 53-man roster, making the competition for the remaining spot (or spots) fierce.

Undrafted free agents like Roc Taylor and Ke’Shawn Williams will be pushing for a role on the practice squad.

Taylor compiled an impressive 2,033 receiving yards with 6 touchdowns during his last two seasons at the University of Memphis. He averaged 15.1 yards during that span and would give the Steelers a slightly larger, and more physically imposing receiver on their roster.

The smaller Williams had a breakout year fifth collegiate season at Indiana in 2024, grabbing 448 yards and score five receiving touchdowns. He will be in the return game mix, something he had more experience with in his previous stint at Wake Forest.

However, keep an eye on general manager Omar Khan, who has been keen on upgrading the position in recent years, and is unafraid to wheel and deal to acquire necessary talent. Should a veteran player land on a team’s chopping block, be on the lookout for a late addition via a lower round draft pick or waiver wire claim. The Steelers could have as many as twelve selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing them to use several of their picks as ammo to stock this year’s roster.

This article first appeared on Steel City Underground and was syndicated with permission.

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