T.J. Watt ended 2019 with the highest pass-rushing grade (91.7) of any edge rusher in the NFL and added to that 81 total pressures. Bud Dupree had several career-high grades (run defense, pass rush and overall) and contributed 51 total pressures. (Rankings by PFF include edge rushers, which for the Steelers, aren’t technically defensive linemen.)
With these guys coming off the edge and a unit that includes Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, it’s no surprise Pro Football Focus gave the Steelers line top billing as they ranked every defensive line in the NFL.
PFF’s Sam Monson wisely points out that “replicating the level of play they all reached last season will be tough to do” this season.
So, therein lies the rub. Will a Steelers line that finished last season 11th in run blocking and first in pass protection be able to boost and mirror those numbers?
Elsewhere in the North, the Bengals and Browns were ranked 10th and 12th, while the Ravens are at No. 17.
