Pittsburg, PA
Comparing Arthur Smith's Pass Game Scheme To Pittsburgh's
After learning a lot about new Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s run types, I wanted to do a similar dive on his passing schemes as a play caller the last five seasons and compare that to Pittsburgh the last two years, considering the largely similar cast at hand for Smith in 2024.
First, here are tables of Smith’s schemes as OC in Tennessee (2019-2020), followed by his 2021-2023 head coach stint in Atlanta, along with Pittsburgh from 2022-2023, with takeaways and breakdowns to follow:
Curl, out, and screen were a top-five pass scheme for Smith and the Steelers in their respective spans. Curls led all groups in attempts, with Smith’s units averaging the highest COMP and Tennessee having the best 7.8 ANY/A (PIT 6.5).
Outs were second most common for each team, with Pittsburgh leading in attempts (142), COMP (71.1), and ANY/A (6.8). The attempts are notable, with Pittsburgh’s two-year sample eclipsing Smith’s last three in Atlanta, along with the Steelers having far more success. Smith’s results on out-schemes were much better in Tennessee, optimistically.
Screens have been a bugaboo in Pittsburgh, and their fourth-most attempts over the span. The strongest 89.9 COMP of the teams in our sights, but the lowest 4.4 ANY/A of the most commonly run schemes, which isn’t surprising. It was a top-five concept for Smith in both coaching spots as well, with lower COMP but healthier ANY/A (TEN-6.8, ATL-6.2).
Smith has run slant concepts more than the Steelers, with more success in COMP and ANY/A (TEN-9.7, ATL-8.8), music to my ears. Just 52 attempts for the Steelers the last two years, a poor 56.4 COMP, along with a 6.7 ANY/A that’s stale in comparison to Smith’s results. Hopefully, he can aid in much-needed screen and slant improvements for Pittsburgh in 2024.
Another concept Smith ran more was dig, fifth and sixth most common in both coaching spots (TEN-69 attempts, ATL-101), compared to it being 12th for Pittsburgh (27). The highest ANY/A was Tennessee, at a whopping 12.5. Atlanta was a different story, with an unfortunate 3.9 ANY/A, the lowest result of high usage concepts. Though Pittsburgh ran it far less, had the best COMP and a strong 9.1 ANY/A, so the data points to optimism with Smith at the helm.
The Steelers use flats a ton, the third most common concept in the last two years (91 attempts). Just 45 for Tennessee from 2019-20 (their seventh highest usage), then more commonly at fifth in Atlanta (177). The Titans 6.6 ANY/A led the group and 84.5 COMP, with Pittsburgh not far behind in the latter (82.8), but a 5.5 ANY/A. Maybe higher usage in other concepts will provide quality over quantity this season.
Another example of a varied scheme for Smith was drag routes, sixth most with Tennessee (47 attempts), eighth with the Falcons (54), compared to 28 Steelers attempts (tenth). Atlanta had the highest 79.9 COMP and 8.7 ANY/A, encouraging results for Smith more recently. In comparison, the Steelers had a 70.8 COMP and 5.8 ANY/A.
Unfortunately, broken plays happen far too often in Pittsburgh, with 64 the last two seasons (fifth most), and happened more for Smith with the Falcons (66, seventh most) over the three-year span, adding context to the Steelers’ high number. Interestingly, Pittsburgh fared best of the group in the undesirable situations, with a 50.8 COMP and 5.9 ANY/A.
Rounding out the top ten most common concepts for Smith in Atlanta was corner (53 attempts) and swing (52). The latter was less utilized with the Titans (22 attempts, T-12th), and even less for Pittsburgh (T-14th) from 2022-’23. The Falcons had the best swing numbers at 78.1 COMP at 6.3 ANY/A. Pittsburgh’s 77.7 COMP wasn’t far behind but was substantially lower by 4.0 ANY/A.
Corner is a more feast or famine concept, with Smith taking that risk more: (TEN-24 attempts, tenth), (ATL- 53 attempts, ninth), compared to just 18 for the Steelers, which ranked 19th in attempts per scheme. COMP in the situation is low in general, with Atlanta’s 43.8 number leading the pack. Pittsburgh cashed in on the low usage with a great 10.7 ANY/A, compared to Tennessee’s 8.0 and 7.2 for the Falcons. No risk it, no biscuit, and it will be interesting to monitor.
Fitting that bill is something Smith did often with the Titans: deep cross (40 attempts, eighth) and seam (35 attempts, ninth), aggressive concepts. That group also had the best COMP and ANY/A in each: deep cross (65.7 COMP, 12.7 ANY/A), seam (85.9 COMP, 21.5 ANY/A). Those seam numbers are impeccable and worthy of salivation. In the Falcon years, had more similar results on deep cross on less usage (64.8 COMP, 11.7 ANY/A), but seam expectedly came down to earth with a less talented roster (62.7 COMP, 6.0 ANY/A).
As expected, Pittsburgh utilized deep cross far less as their 18th concept ran, with abysmal results of 36.7 COMP and 3.4 ANY/A (gross). Also struggled to connect on their 22 seam attempts (42.9 COMP), but had a strong 9.7 ANY/A when they did. Explosion in the passing game is needed in today’s NFL, and hoping this is one of the biggest changes we see with Smith, complementing hopeful run game improvements and increased play-action.
While on that topic, go/fly scheme results are also encouraging, with Smith using it more in Atlanta (12 most common) compared to ranking 20th in Tennessee. A lot of that can be attributed to playing from behind more with the Falcons, but had better numbers in his three years there: ATL (31.1 COMP, 13.0 ANY/A), TEN (18.8 COMP, 8.9 ANY/A). Pittsburgh led the pack with 36 attempts (eighth-most common) and a 33.3 COMP, along with a healthy 9.9 ANY/A. Let’s hope that can be built on, with the data pointing to some optimism.
Best Pass Scheme ANY/A By Smith in Tennessee (2019-2020, listed by most attempts)
Curl (7.8), Screen (6.8), Slant (9.7), Dig (12.5), Flat (6.6), Deep Cross (12.7), Seam (21.5), Comeback (9.5), Post (18.6), Double Move Deep (15.3), Beneath (8.5), Whip (6.0), Angle (15.2), Wheel (15.4), Jerk (21.0).
The most common concept (curl) for all three teams was most successful in Tennessee. Slant was also a top-five concept for Smith in both coaching spots and won out with the Titans in ANY/A. With how much Pittsburgh has run flat (their third most common concept), the Titans leading in ANY/a is encouraging. Substantially more frequent and successful concepts with Smith and the Titans were: dig, deep cross, and seam, with the majority (15 of the 30) of Sport Info Solutions charted concepts leaning in Tennessee’s favor.
Best Pass Scheme ANY/A By Smith in Atlanta (2021-2023, listed by most attempts)
Drag (8.7), Swing (6.3), Fade (12.3), Over Ball (7.2), Go/Fly (13.0), Fade/Back Shoulder (12.6), Leak (28.0), Jet Sweep Pass (10.3).
Better results in Tennessee overall, no doubt. The tables highlight some strong numbers nonetheless, despite this list being shorter. Drag was a top ten most commonly run scheme for all three teams. Some other encouraging and more recent results for Smith in Atlanta, most meaningful in my opinion, were go/fly and fade – back-shoulder, which were the top ten most run concepts in Pittsburgh. Eight of 30 concepts went Atlanta’s way in terms of ANY/A.
Best Pass Scheme ANY/A By Pittsburgh (2022-2023, listed by most attempts)
Out (6.8), Corner (10.7), Broken Play (5.9), Check & Release (6.0), Double Move (4.3), Quick (6.0).
Pittsburgh ran outs, the second most common concept for all three teams, with the most success. Corner is encouraging while also considering healthy ANY/A numbers for Smith as well (TEN 8.0, ATL 7.2). I don’t like to see broken plays, but comparatively, I got out of them the best amongst the group. Check & release was also a top ten concept in attempts for the Steelers, while the rest were five attempts or less, highlighting the overall pass game struggles compared to Smith’s units.
Just six of the 30 concepts leaned Pittsburgh’s way in ANY/A, so hopefully, the stronger results from Smith will carry over for Pittsburgh in 2024. Can’t wait to watch it all play out.
It’s only fitting that one of the most eventful offseasons in Pittsburgh Steelers history will be capped by an equally unpredictable NFL draft. Owning 12 picks, including five in the top 100 for the first time since 1999, GM Omar Khan has a chance to radically change the franchise’s trajectory in front of a home crowd in Pittsburgh.
Last time they held five picks in the top 100, the Steelers found a couple very good long-term starters like OLB Joey Porter Sr. and DE Aaron Smith. But they also struck out on WR Troy Edwards, DB Scott Shields, and OT Kris Farris.
At a pivotal, transitional phase in franchise history, the Steelers can’t afford to find just two good starters. That may be a challenge in a draft lacking top-end talent that falls off a cliff in the later rounds. If they are out of range of coveted players, they can’t be timid in the trade market.
I posed the question on this week’s episode of The Depot Dive: Over or under 2.5 trades for the Steelers? I wanted to take the over, but it’s hard to make that work without a trade down. I settled on two.
All that said, here’s my best attempt at predicting what the Steelers will do in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round One (12th Overall) – Spencer Fano/OL/Utah – 6054, 311 pounds
Trade: Steelers send Patrick Queen + Pick No. 21 + Pick No. 121 + Pick No. 224. Cowboys send Pick No. 12 + 2027 sixth-round pick.
If they want Vega Ioane or Fano, I think it will require a move up. But I don’t think the Steelers will want to sacrifice a lot of picks to accomplish that. Queen is an easy target with the Cowboys having reported interest in trading for him during free agency.
Using our Dave Bryan’s trade idea as a loose template, I like the Steelers to jump up in the first round to solidify the trenches once again. This is the best move for the current—which we know the Steelers place a heavy emphasis on—and the future as they lock in a potentially elite offensive line for the next decade.
It’s a bonus that Fano can play guard now — and potentially tackle later if Broderick Jones or Dylan Cook don’t work out. Fano is Dane Brugler’s top OL in the class. If he makes it to 12, I like the value a lot.
Others Considered: OG Vega Ioane, WR Makai Lemon, TE Kenyon Sadiq
Spencer Fano Scouting Report
Round Two (53rd Overall) – Jacob Rodriguez/ILB/Texas Tech – 6013, 231 pounds
Trading Queen creates a need that outweighs others (like wide receiver). Maybe Rodriguez doesn’t fall this far, but he should be the Steelers’ top target if he does.
As a former quarterback, Rodriguez has a unique football IQ that could be a force multiplier for the entire Steelers defense–something Patrick Queen never really turned into. I witnessed it firsthand at the Senior Bowl. He got everybody aligned correctly pre-snap in an environment where all had to learn a new defense in just a few days.
He’s also the most decorated defensive playmaker coming out of college in decades, even more than Payton Wilson’s impressive list of accolades from a couple years ago. This would be a home-run pick.
Others Considered: WR Denzel Boston, ILB CJ Allen, S Treydan Stukes
Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report
Round Two (59th Overall) – Germie Bernard/WR/Alabama – 6012, 206 pounds
Trade: Steelers send No. 76 + No. 99. Texans send No. 59.
Another move up to make sure the Steelers get a receiver they like at the end of the second round. Bernard was a pre-draft visitor and has the size and athletic profile that Mike McCarthy likes at the position. He does everything well, and played a healthy mix of slot and outside receiver to fit in the rotation with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
Others Considered: WR Zachariah Branch, WR Chris Bell, ILB Jake Golday
Germie Bernard Scouting Report
Round Three (85th Overall) – Kamari Ramsey/S/USC – 6002, 202 pounds
Not every selection will be a pre-draft visitor, and Ramsey fits the description of the type of defensive back the Steelers have looked at. He has played a strong mix of safety and nickel and is capable of being a chess piece in Patrick Graham’s defense. Given the Steelers’ crowded secondary, he could focus on backing up Jalen Ramsey at free safety in the beginning.
Others Considered: S Jalen Kilgore, OG Keylan Rutledge, QB Drew Allar
Kamari Ramsey Scouting Report
Round Four (135th Overall) – Carson Beck/QB/Miami (FL) – 6046, 233 pounds
The Steelers have spent too much time scouting quarterbacks not to take one. And Beck has several traits they are looking for, including his track record as a winner and his size at nearly 6-5. Their view of Mike McCarthy as a QB whisperer suggests they will give him as many projects as possible until one sticks.
Others Considered: CB Tacario Davis, QB Garrett Nussmeier, WR Ja’Kobi Lane
Carson Beck Scouting Report
Round Five (161st Overall) – Ephesians Prysock/CB/Washington – 6033, 196 pounds
Prysock has all the traits to turn into an impact starter, and the Steelers have gravitated toward th long, rangy athletes at cornerback. He wouldn’t need to see the field right away with a crowded stable of defensive backs, but he has plenty of long-term upside.
Others Considered: WR/KR Kendrick Law, WR Josh Cameron, S Michael Taaffe
Ephesians Prysock Scouting Report
Round Six (216th Overall) – Kaden Wetjen/WR-KR/Iowa – 5090, 193 pounds
Calvin Austin III and Kenneth Gainwell both departed in the offseason, which means the Steelers need a kick and punt returner. Wetjen is the top return specialist in the draft with six total return touchdowns in college.
Others Considered: OT Aamil Wagner, CB Thaddeus Dixon, WR Caleb Douglas
Kaden Wetjen Scouting Report
Round Seven (230th Overall) – Josh Cuevas/TE/Alabama – 6033, 245 pounds
Cuevas is versatile enough to be a rotational backup tight end, and to play H-back or fullback in certain personnel packages. He’s a committed and aggressive blocker and has enough receiving skills to be a dependable option on passing downs, either running routes or blocking.
Others Considered: DL David Gusta, RB Jaydn Ott, TE Matthew Hibner
Josh Cuevas Scouting Report
Round Seven (237th Overall) – Brett Thorson/P/Georgia – 6012, 237 pounds
The Steelers brought back Cameron Johnston, but they didn’t even keep him over Corliss Waitman after last year’s training camp competition. Johnston is 34 years old and has dealt with injuries in each of the last two seasons. Thorson has a relationship with Johnston as a fellow Aussie, so it could be a decent pairing for another training camp competition this year.
Others Considered: WR CJ Daniels, QB Sawyer Robertson, TE John Michael Gyllenborg
Brett Thorson Scouting Report
A United flight traveling from Chicago to New York City diverted to Pittsburgh International Airport on Saturday afternoon for what was described as a “reported threat.”
According to information provided by the Allegheny County Airport Authority and FBI Pittsburgh, United Flight 2092 diverted to Pittsburgh and landed safely.
The passengers have deplaned safely, and no injuries have been reported.
“The plane was diverted and landed at Pittsburgh International Airport,” FBI Pittsburgh said in a statement provided to KDKA-TV. “All passengers and crew safely evacuated the aircraft. FBI Special Agent Bomb Techs and Special Agents are on the ground coordinating with local authorities.”
The airport authority has said that law enforcement is on the scene and investigating.
This is a developing story, and will be updated.
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh’s 2026 Draft Short List – The Team’s Eight Most Likely First-Round Selections
The NFL Draft is always unpredictable and under a new head coach, it’s fuzzier than any time in recent memory to guess who the Pittsburgh Steelers will select in the first round. But if history continues predicting the future, it’ll be one of the eight below names.
Every year since at least 2010, Pittsburgh’s first-round pick has fallen into one of two camps: either the player came in for a pre-draft visit or a decision maker, head coach or general manager, attended that prospect’s pro day.
So let’s assume that holds true even though we know it may not. Under those criteria, there are eight names that fit. Let’s break them down into the two buckets.
Pre-Draft Visit
WR Denzel Boston/Washington
WR Makai Lemon/USC
OT Spencer Fano/Utah
OG Vega Ioane/Penn State
CB Chris Johnson/CB San Diego State
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren/Toledo
Pro Day Attendance
OT Monroe Freeling/Georgia
ILB CJ Allen/Georgia
Could you stretch it to more? I suppose. Texas Tech ILB Jacob Rodriguez could be argued in the first round. Ditto with Georgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge and Arizona DB Treydan Stukes. But those feel far less likely to be taken on Day 1, let alone at No. 21.
Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan attended only the Bulldogs’ Pro Day this year, an unusually low number of workouts compared to the past. McCarthy told reporters he planned to attend six but only made it to Georgia. That leaves just two names from that bucket, and Freeling could easily be off the board by the time Pittsburgh picks. He may be on Cleveland’s radar.
Of the eight, who is most likely? That opinion can and will vary. Receiver and offensive line have been specific areas of focus, but there’s no telling how the board will fall. I’ll have my final mock draft Tuesday with my answer.
If the Steelers’ pick isn’t one of these eight, it’ll break a longstanding tradition. And in future years, open up the field of how the team could take at the top.
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