​Four months ago, before each player’s average draft position (ADP) became widely available, I walked through the Steelers’ biggest fantasy bargain, bust, and wild card. With summer ADPs starting to take shape now, it’s time to re-evaluate which players still fit into those categories as the landscape settles.
First, let’s consider the best potential bargain. Pat Freiermuth (TE28 ADP) stands out as the top value among Steelers options. His low price isn’t truly reflective of his talent or potential production. Freiermuth finished last season as the overall TE32, a figure that drags his current draft cost downward, and he’s still technically sharing attention with Darnell Washington. Yet the reality is that Freiermuth is better than his numbers indicate. When Aaron Rodgers targeted Freiermuth, the Steelers’ tight end posted a passer rating of 119.8, a mark that hints at the chemistry and high-end upside that Freiermuth can deliver. Modeling him at TE28 for 2026 represents a floor rather than his ceiling, suggesting there’s meaningful room for growth if the offense leans into him more frequently. In other words, Freiermuth is positioned to outperform his current ADP if a larger share of targets comes his way.
On the risk side, Rico Dowdle sits at RB33 in ADP, a spot that raises red flags. The 28-year-old has never been a traditional workhorse in college, yet he amassed 281 touches last season (including the playoff runs) and 274 the year before. Those volume numbers are encouraging on the surface, but his efficiency slipped down the stretch in both seasons, which is a warning sign. In Week 1, Dowdle would likely operate as the main backup to Jaylen Warren, but there isn’t a clear path to weekly starter-level value. He’s a high-probability bust candidate because his role could easily fade if the Steelers lean on other backs or find more explosive options in camp.
Another factor that fuels my caution toward Dowdle is Kaleb Johnson, a nearly-forgotten backfield teammate who sits at RB102 ADP. Johnson is a compelling wildcard because he’s a 2025 third-round rookie with the potential to contribute across multiple downs. He could find himself buried behind Warren and Dowdle, or an impressive camp performance could thrust him into fantasy relevance. It’s worth remembering that last summer Johnson was the best-ranked Pittsburgh fantasy RB, which illustrates how quickly a backfield can shift in Year 2. If Johnson takes a leap, Dowdle’s role could shrink, making Dowdle’s upside even more precarious.
In summary, Freiermuth represents the most appealing bargain at the moment because his upside far outweighs his current ADP floor. His connection with a high-caliber quarterback and proven efficiency when targeted make him an under-the-radar contributor with significant upside if the offense concentrates more playmaking opportunities in his direction. Dowdle, meanwhile, embodies the archetype of a cautious speculation: a skilled but inconsistent producer who could deliver modest value or fade entirely if the team’s depth chart tilts elsewhere. Johnson remains the sleeper whose trajectory depends entirely on his development and the trajectory of the Steelers’ coaching staff’s confidence in him throughout camp. As the summer moves forward and preseason performance materializes, these three players will be among the biggest decision points for fantasy managers drafting Steelers-heavy rosters. This re-evaluation reflects how ADP shifts can alter the risk-reward balance for the team’s backfield and pass-catching options.