With training camps for all 32 NFL teams are less than a month away, and that means it is pretty safe to put a bow on the offseason for most teams. Could other moves still happen and alter a roster? Absolutely, but at this juncture those moves are more the outlier than the norm.

Recently ESPN ranked all 32 projected NFL rosters, and where the Steelers fell worth noting. In fact, some might say their ranking was very telling, as it also could shed some light on what lies ahead for the Steelers. But first, let’s show you ESPN’s Top 10 projected roster:

1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. New York Jets
5. Detroit Lions
6. Dallas Cowboys
7. Cincinnati Bengals
8. Houston Texans
9. Buffalo Bills
10. Philadelphia Eagles
…

So, where did the Steelers end up? They ended up in the bottom half of the league…

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest strength: Edge rusher. T.J. Watt has been a first-team All-Pro in each of his past four healthy seasons, and he has a league-high 96.5 sacks since entering the NFL in 2017 (no one else has more than 88.5). Running mate Alex Highsmith has played a massive 85% of the defensive snaps over the past two seasons and sits 12th in the league in sacks (21.5) during the span. Depth is a minor concern, though second-year Nick Herbig impressed on 201 snaps as a rookie. — Clay

Biggest weakness: Wide receiver. A long-time strength has become a concern spot following the offseason trade of Diontae Johnson to Carolina. George Pickens has elite upside, but the position simply isn’t otherwise a priority for the new-look Arthur Smith-led offense. Van Jefferson and third-round rookie Roman Wilson will battle for No. 2 duties, with Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller among those battling for situational work. — Clay

X factor for 2024: Rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. Rookie offensive linemen, even first-round rookie offensive linemen like Fautanu, are typically below average in their first season. So while both Fautanu and Frazier (a second-round pick) offer upside given their draft pedigree, odds are they will represent weak points in the offensive line. — Walder

Non-starter to know: Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. Pittsburgh’s nose tackle in base defense, Benton had complicated stats in his rookie season. He had 14 pressures, a surprising number for a player who mostly plays in run situations. However, his average run-game tackle came after a gain of 3.4 yards, which ranked 91st among qualifying interior linemen. Given the way they use him, the Steelers probably wouldn’t mind sacrificing some of that pass rush to get more power in stopping opposing running backs. — Schatz

The ranking might seem low for the most die hard black-and-gold fan, but the Steelers projected roster has a lot of question marks within it, none larger than the rookies who are expected to have a significant role on the team. But to rub salt into the wound, ESPN also had the Steelers ranked 4th in the AFC North in these rankings.

Do you agree with any of this? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason and training camp.