For better or worse: Breaking down the Steelers defense after the NFL draft

The goal of any NFL offseason is to improve. You cannot stand pat in this league or you lose. For a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, this means eyeing the teams at the top of the AFC and figuring out what must be done to keep pace.

Last season the Steelers defense was among one of the best in the NFL. But there have been some changes and we need to go unit by unit and see if this group is better or worse.

Defensive line

This one takes a little deduction and confidence for the future. Losing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave hurts. He was easily one of the most underrated players on the roster. Simply the addition of Chris Wormley and Carlos Davis to replace him wouldn’t be enough to say this group is better.

But the healthy return of Stephon Tuitt puts this group over the top. Tuitt missed 10 games with injury last season but when he’s 100 percent is as good as any 3-4 defensive end in the league. I’m not sure we can count on him making it through a full season but for now, this group is improved.

Better

Linebackers

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

This group has remained largely intact from last season. The losses of Anthony Chickillo, Mark Barron and Tyler Matakevich are marginal in terms of defensive impact and all have been replaced. The addition of Alex Highsmith as an edge in the draft is a huge improvement over Chickillo.

On the inside, veteran Vince Williams will slide back into his starting spot on the inside and the defense won’t skip a beat. Matakevich’s absence will give Ulysees Gilbert an opportunity for an expanded role.

Better

Defensive backs

(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Thanks to the additions of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and cornerback Steven Nelson the Steelers defense turned into one of the best in the NFL. This unit returns as a whole for 2020 with one addition. Depth at safety was a serious concern going into the draft but by drafting Antoine Brooks Jr. fills this need.

At cornerback, the Steelers still have the top tandem in the AFC with Nelson and Joe Haden. The Steelers probably needed to add a cornerback looking to the future but for now having Mike Hilton, Cam Sutton and Justin Layne have plenty of talent.

Better