Van Jefferson, Steelers Who Boosted Stock with Strong Preseason Showing

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a second wide receiver to step up in preseason to partner George Pickens and replace Diontae Johnson.

Van Jefferson showcased in August that he could fill that role for the AFC North side.

Jefferson was one of a few players who shined in preseason to not just earn roster spots, but significant playing time in the regular-season opener.

The Steelers got more of those types of preseason performances on defense. where holes in the secondary and linebacker needed to be filled.

Van Jefferson

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 6: Van Jefferson #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers works out during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Van Jefferson enters the regular season as the clear No. 2 wide receiver on the Steelers depth chart.

Pittsburgh did everything it could to land Brandon Aiyuk in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, but while the failed negotiations happened, Jefferson shined in training camp.

Jefferson needs to parlay the strong preseason into an impressive regular season so that the Steelers can have a functional passing game with whomever starts at quarterback.

Pickens will still be the primary target, but if the Steelers get a solid year out of Jefferson, it will increase their chances of challenging in the AFC North..

Nick Herbig

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 09: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans scrambles under pressure from Nick Herbig #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Nick Herbig was arguably the Steelers' best player in preseason.

The linebacker produced seven tackles, four quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Herbig more than earned additional playing time at linebacker. He could be a strong asset behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith at the position.

Watt and Highsmith will receive a bulk of the defensive snaps on the edge, but if Herbig plays well in the regular season, he could give the Steelers a solid rotation of players to count on at the position.

Beanie Bishop Jr.

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PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 09: Beanie Bishop Jr. #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Houston Texans on August 9, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Beanie Bishop Jr. went from undrafted free agent to on the 53-man roster.

Bishop took full advantage of his opportunity inside a Steelers secondary that is dealing with injuries and suspensions.

Bishop should be the starting nickel back for the Steelers. His long-term playing time will determined once Cameron Sutton returns from his suspension.

If anything, the Steelers have a chance to further evaluate Bishop at the start of the regular season.

If all goes well, Pittsburgh could have a deeper secondary than expected with Bishop, Donte Jackson, Joey Porter Jr. and Sutton when he is on the field.