The Steelers have a massive need to bring in some impactful depth through the 2022 NFL draft, especially if Stephon Tuitt departs the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might need defensive linemen with some expected losses this offseason. Stephon Tuitt’s future is still in question with the potential of him being a cap casualty or impending retirement on the horizon. His mental health is the most important in this situation but the team will need to know if they will have him back next season or not.
Chris Wormley had a breakout season and Tyson Alualu will be back from his season-ending injury, plus Isaiah Loudermilk should progress further into year two. Those are some solid options but they will need to bring some more youth into the fold. Specifically, someone that could help stuff the run. This defense struggled to stop the run so a nose tackle could be an option in the later rounds of the draft.
This group of defensive line prospects in 2022 is talented and deep. The trenches are regarded as being the two strengths of this class on both sides of the ball. Some big disrupters are coming out that will play in the defensive line.
Honorable mentions
Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama
Phidarian Mathis will be a great selection for a team on day two of the draft. He has all the intangibles that every team will be looking for in a defensive tackle. He has some great pass rush abilities that will transfer over to the professional level nicely.
He comes from a successful program in Alabama and that could’ve jumped his stats some but the conference he played in will also show scouts his pro-ready style. His vocalization and personality will give off his true character in a person and some team will fall in love with him during the pre-draft process.
Travis Jones, DT, Connecticut
Travis Jones is coming off one of the best weeks at the Senior Bowl down in Mobile. He was one of the most dominant players all week long and capped it off nicely in the game. He was able to shock the world of evaluators and push his stock up to a higher point. He is a big man with sneaky athletic ability that allows him to do more than just stop the run.
This Connecticut product will likely go at some point on day two. Many see him as a true nose tackle that can play in other instances. This would be an amazing selection for the Steelers as they need a big man in the middle to command a stoppage to the rushing attack that they will face every week.
Perrion Winfrey, DT, Oklahoma
Perrion Winfrey had a great week during the entire Senior Bowl festivities. He was able to show consistency with his abilities both in stopping the run and getting after the passer. He continued his success from the practices to the game as he stood out amongst his teammates.
This prospect was not as high up draft boards as many expected him to go at some point on day two of the draft. After his Senior Bowl appearance and potentially putting up some solid numbers during the pre-draft process, he could go higher. His stock is rising but it seems like he is suited to go late first-round or early into the second round.
This player can play either defensive end or as a defensive tackle based on what a team is looking for on their defensive front. The Steelers could use a player like this on their opposite end spot of Cam Heyward. He would fit in nicely for the black and gold but it is unlikely that he will be there when their second-round selection comes around.
Winfrey is the perfect size to play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. He is the perfect mold that the Steelers constantly look for in their prospects, plus he won’t turn 22 until mid-August. This would be a great addition to this front and provide an instant starter even though the team might not focus on this position early.
DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
DeMarvin Leal is one of the best underclassmen for his position coming out of college. He has not been talked about much as the draft gets closer. He is one of the most explosive, athletic, and consistent disrupters on the defensive side of the ball in this class.
Perhaps him being an underclassman has taken away his spotlight for the time being as many focus on the Senior Bowl this time of year but many teams will not forget about him. He is the best all-around player that can get after the passer and put an end to the opposing runner. His ability to be a disrupter all over the field and contribute positively will get an NFL team to consider him on day one.
This player would be another welcomed addition to the Steelers as he fits the size they look for and he has shown some flexibility with his position. Texas A&M has been able to move him around the trenches to best deploy his efforts weekly. Leal would be best used as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 defensive scheme at the next level.
This should be the top defensive tackle taken when the draft rolls around if a team wants an all-around player. He is pro-ready and his ability to jump to the NFL level at such a young age is evident with what he has shown in college. His name might not be getting much mention right now but he will creep back into the spotlight soon.
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Jordan Davis will be taken in the first round purely based on his ability to stop the run. He is a complete wall that fills up the middle of the line. He is an immovable force that many will struggle to get out of the way each snap that he is off the field.
The biggest issue facing this player is trying to find some real pass moves in his tool kit. That will affect his draft stock some and lead to him being a potential late first-round pick when it is all said and done. He has been able to get away with not having different pass rush moves at this point in his career but that will have to change in the NFL.
The Steelers should consider this player if their defensive front gets thinner with people at the position. Davis would fix their run defense immediately with his unique strength, size, and athleticism. Dropping this player in the middle of the line and watching him destroy opponents with other dominating defenders would be fun to watch.
The need for the starting defensive linemen might not be there for the Steelers to pick this player but he could be in discussions at some point. He is a dominating player that still needs some development in the pass-rush department. This is going to be a tough task for any offense that goes up against him for years to come.
The Steelers were able to show some resilience with dealing with depth issues along their defensive front in 2021. They will look to find more depth to play a major factor in the trenches in the draft.