If you were ranking the Pittsburgh Steelers positional units, defensive line would almost universally be in the top three. This is a group built through a combination of top draft picks and smart free-agent signings and bring their best every weekend. But is the depth chart set or could we see the Steelers use a draft pick to make a strength of the team stronger?
Cam Heyward
The undisputed leader on the defense is Cam Heyward. He continues to ascend as a player despite a massive workload and multiple responsibilities on any given play. He rarely comes off the field and had proven he can dominate as a defensive end and defensive tackle. Heyward has had 20 sacks over the last two seasons and made his second straight Pro Bowl in 2018.
Stephon Tuitt
If you are counting on Stephon Tuitt to ever be what Heyward is, you are probably going to be disappointed. But this doesn’t mean Tuitt is a bad player. He’s just never going to be the guy who lights up the box score. Nevertheless, Tuitt is a perfect fit for this defense, particularly in run support.
Javon Hargrave
There might not be a player more underrated on the Steeler’s defense than Javon Hargrave. He’s not a conventional nose tackle but his pass-rushing skills make it easy not to mind. Hargrave had 6.5 sacks last season on limited reps. We’d love to see a heavier workload in 2019.
Tyson Alualu
The fourth guy in the Steelers’ defensive line rotation is Tyson Alualu. The former first-round pick came over to Pittsburgh from the Jacksonville Jaguars and played very well when called upon. He, like the rest of this group, can line up inside and outside.
Overall
On paper, it appears the Steelers are set on the defensive line. But it would be the most Steelers thing to do if they decided the highest-rated guy on their board in the first round is a 3-4 defensive lineman so they draft them. If there’s a big run on cornerbacks and edge rushers but a guy like defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is there, the Steelers might pull the trigger.
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