Predicting the Steelers starting lineup for the 2022 season

Stephon Tuitt’s replacement will be done by committee

Cam Heyward, defensive end

Cam Heyward is still one of the top five players at what he does. He continues to be a leader for the Steelers and that will not change for as long as he wishes to suit up for this franchise. His position is locked. The issue will be finding the player that will play next to him in the trenches.

Tyson Alualu, defensive end/nose tackle

Tyson Alualu returns from a season-ending injury and will have some big shoes to fill. He will be most relied on to fill the empty spot that Stephon Tuitt left behind. It will be replacement by committee approach for this defensive front but expect Alualu to get the bulk of the snaps. It would take Isaiahh Loudermilk or DeMarvin Leal to step up to take his spot.

Chris Wormley, defensive end (when Alualu is at nose tackle)

Chris Wormley is another player that will be a part of the replacement attempt for Tuitt’s vacant spot. Wormley had a great 2021 season and should be a nice pass-rushing situational player for this defense. He is a problem when it comes to defending the run and that is one of the many reasons why this defense graded so poorly against it. He has not gotten better at that and will be a good situational player for the Steelers.