Steelers' First Round Pick Unlikely To Alter Surprising Defensive Line Plan In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have fans frustrated with the feeling that the team hasn't moved the needle much this offseason. They made a massive trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf, but the splashiest moves after him were the signings of Darius Slay and Kenneth Gainwell. Slay is 34, Gainwell is 26, and they have both been tabbed as veterans who can still make major contributions. After all last season, Gainwell had a massive game against Pittsburgh.

As the 2024 season wound down, the Steelers' two biggest areas of need seemed to be wide receiver and defensive line. They addressed receiver with Metcalf, and while the future of George Pickens is still to be determined, they are in a better position than last season. This leaves the need for defensive linemen to help address the hole created by the loss of Larry Ogunjobi and to ensure they are prepared for the eventual retirement of Cameron Heyward. 

They did add some depth guys who can play special teams. That included the re-signing of Isaiahh Loudermilk, and the signing of Daniel Ekuale and Esezi Otomewo. According to Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show, those guys are there to fill out the roster, and fans shouldn't assume they are meant to be major acquisitions. He spoke with Austin Bechtold on 93.7 The Fan about the defense and the upcoming draft. Bechtold asked him if it was fair to assume the team would want to use their first round pick on one of the many defensive linemen in this draft. 

"I'm not sold on the defensive line in the first round," said Kaboly. "I'm still leaning towards Benton being the guy that gets the majority of the snaps replacing Ogunjobi. What rookie is gonna come in and play 80% of the snaps, even if you're a top-20 pick? Rookie defensive linemen, it typically takes them time, look at Benton. He was a second-rounder; he still hasn't really taken that step forward. It takes time, that's what I'm telling you. So maybe they feel a little more comfortable with a guy like Benton right now compared to, even if they do bring somebody in. So I think their feeling is, even if they do get a [Kenneth] Grant, or whoever else might fall at 20, I think Benton's going to be the opening day/OTA starter regardless."

Kaboly has been a proponent of this plan for most of the offseason. He feels that Keeanu Benton is a bit undersized to be a nose tackle and can see the team moving him out to the spot once held by Ogunjobi. When Benton was drafted in 2023, he was expected to be the heir apparent to Heyward, but Kaboly is right; his development has been inconsistent. 

The Steelers have been linked to some of the top defensive linemen in several mocks, including Kenneth Grant out of Michigan and Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. Pittsburgh's defense struggled at times in 2024, especially against the run, and needs the help of some new big bodies to get it ready for 2025.

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Takes A Strong Stance 

Heyward has long been a leader in Pittsburgh both on and off the field. He has been a team captain for a decade, was named the 2023 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year, and is a seven-time Pro Bowler. When he speaks, people tend to listen, and recently, he's been speaking up. 

On his podcast, Heyward recently spoke up about the waiting game the Steelers are engaged in with Aaron Rodgers. Heyward has long been known to help recruit players to the Steel City. He did it with Slay and even Russell Wilson. He told his co-host that the sales pitch for the black and gold is simple, "Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don't." Heyward's message resonated with the fans who feel Rodgers is holding the team hostage. Hopefully, whoever the Steelers end up drafting along the defensive line, has Heyward's same desirable leadership qualities.