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2018 Pittsburgh Steelers positional review: TE, OL and DL

By Brandon Kring

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes on Chris Conte #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Vance McDonald #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes on Chris Conte #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Cameron Heyward #97 and Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after they sacked quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 09: Cameron Heyward #97 and Stephon Tuitt #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after they sacked quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

The Steelers hired Karl Dunbar to coach the defensive line ahead of the 2018 season and it paid dividends throughout the year. He seemed to get these guys to the next level.

The Steelers defensive line accounted for 21 of the team’s 52 sacks on the season. They also recorded 48 of their 115 QB hits. The defensive line flourished in Dunbar’s first year.

Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave combined for 20 sacks and 46 QB hits in 2018. Hargrave took a huge step forward in his play as did Daniel McCullers.

McCullers was the best he had been his entire career and showed more of the player they wanted him to be since drafting him. Dunbar has done wonders for the unit.

Outside the starting three and McCullers, the Steelers are left with L.T. Walton and Tyson Alualu. The two have been quality depth but the Steelers could look to upgrade their depth at the position in 2019.

dark. Next. Steelers' QB, RB, WR review

There are some free agents who could peak the Steelers interest to fill depth. The starters are set for 2019 and they can improve even more next season.

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