With the first wave of free agency in the books, it is time to take a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster. The Steelers went off script this offseason and spent big money in free agency. The hope is Pittsburgh can put the finishing touches on a defensive project several years in the making.
Pittsburgh signed two new defenders but are either going to have a real impact? Here are our projections for the Steelers 2019 defensive starters for base, nickel and dime sets.
Base 3-4
No big surprises here but we are banking on new additions Mark Barron and Steven Nelson to win starting jobs.
Defensive line: Cam Heyward, Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt
Linebackers: T.J. Watt, Vince Williams, Mark Barron, Bud Dupree
Cornerbacks: Joe Haden, Steven Nelson
Safeties: Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds
Nickel
As much as we hate to see Javon Hargrave come off the field he exits here in favor of nickel cornerback Mike Hilton.
Defensive line: T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Bud Dupree
Linebackers: Vince Williams, Mark Barron
Cornerbacks: Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton
Safeties: Sean Davis, Terrell Edmunds
Dime
The addition of Barron allows the Steelers to play the dime a bit more traditional. Barron as the single linebacker and Cam Sutton comes in as the sixth defensive back.
Defensive line: T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt/Javon Hargrave, Bud Dupree
Linebackers: Mark Barron
Cornerbacks: Joe Haden, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton, Cam Sutton
Safeties: Sean Davis Terrell Edmunds
