Exciting as draft weekend is for the rookie class and fans watching, it can be a different story for veterans watching new additions who could potentially take their job. While we’ll still analyzing the grades on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 class, here are the players already on the roster who “won and lost” based on the moves the team did – and didn’t – make. Some may not be true “veterans” but anyone who was on the roster last season qualifies.

WINNERS

WR Roman Wilson

Despite doing plenty of homework on this year’s class, Pittsburgh punted on drafting a wide receiver. That’s good news for a second-year player like Wilson who logged all of five snaps as a rookie and spent most of the year injured. Drafting a rookie, even a fourth-rounder, would’ve squeezed Wilson’s already narrow path to a role.

The No. 4 wide receiver behind George Pickens, DK Metcalf, and Calvin Austin III not to mention TE Pat Freiermuth and a running game that could again rank top-five in attempts, Wilson may not significantly factor into the passing game. But not having to battle a rookie is one less obstacle for him to overcome.

Maybe it would’ve been “best” for him to see George Pickens traded but overall, this draft class counts as a win in his favor and perhaps is a subtle vote of confidence from the team.

DL Cam Heyward & Keeanu Benton

Putting both of the Steelers’ starting defensive linemen here, though for different reasons. Normally, when you’re about to turn 36 and your employer spends a first-round pick at your position, as is the dynamic between Cam Heyward and Derrick Harmon, it’s a bad sign. And it’s clear Harmon is viewed as the potential heir.

But Heyward’s job isn’t in jeopardy here. In fact, Harmon might extend it. Pittsburgh finally made an effort of reducing Heyward’s snaps in 2024, giving him plenty of off-days in practice while keeping his snaps to about 70-percent, the lowest since he became a starter in a non-injury season. That approach paid off, keeping Heyward fresh and effective start-to-finish. Adding Harmon strengthens the team’s nickel rotation and will keep Heyward energized throughout the year.

Though Pittsburgh double-dipped along the defensive line, the Steelers didn’t add a nose tackle. At least, not in their minds. Mike Tomlin confirmed Harmon isn’t a nose and despite tipping the scales at 330 pounds, fifth-rounder Yahya Black was called a defensive end by DL Coach Karl Dunbar. Dunbar proceeded to vouch for Benton in the middle, showing no desire to change his position or role. That keeps Benton’s value to the team high and doesn’t shift him to end where he’d have to compete with Harmon and the others.

But more importantly, the team is still showing confidence in Benton as the man in the middle.

QB Mason Rudolph

Aaron Rodgers still looms and odds are, he will (eventually) sign. That will push Rudolph into a clear backup role. But had Pittsburgh drafted a quarterback early, it really would’ve felt like Rudolph was again getting the squeeze even if he would’ve still served as the No. 2. Will Howard was selected but in the sixth round, he’s a clear No. 3 who will have to battle with Skylar Thompson to secure his spot.

Rudolph is a “softer” winner than the two above him but even looking towards 2026, he still could be in the mix for the starting job. Knowing Pittsburgh was virtually guaranteed to draft a quarterback, there are far worse outcomes for Rudolph

LOSERS

EDGE Jeremiah Moon

Moon’s track to be the Steelers’ No. 4 outside linebacker seemed on solid ground heading into the draft. With Jack Sawyer’s addition, Moon’s odds of sticking tumble. An effective special teamer but underdeveloped pass rusher, Moon will battle Sawyer and the latter is highly-likely to make the 53-man roster as the team’s fourth round pick.

With inside linebacker looking crowded, the odds of Pittsburgh carrying five outside linebackers seem low. That could push Moon off the roster or at least require injury or something unforeseen for him to avoid starting the season on the practice squad.

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk

Dean Lowry would’ve been too easy to place on here and may not even make it to training camp. Pittsburgh thought enough of Loudermilk to re-sign him but it was a minimum-level contract. Given all the other investments made into defensive end, Daniel Ekuale, Esezi Otomewo, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black, (again, viewed more as a DE) and Loudermilk might get the squeeze.

It’ll be an all-out camp battle for the backup defensive end spots. Pittsburgh will likely keep two of that group with Ekuale having high odds of occupying one spot. Otomewo, Black, DeMarvin Leal, and Lowry (if he lasts) will compete with Loudermilk.

ILB Mark Robinson

Like Loudermilk, Robinson has additional competition. Seventh-rounder Carson Bruener has no guarantees to make the team but will push Robinson every step of the way. Bruener is an experienced and accomplished special teamer who played hundreds of snaps there at Washington before becoming a full-time starter in 2024.

Cole Holcomb was kept and Bruener added, meaning Robinson’s enters training camp with his roster spot on uneven ground.