A foolproof plan for Steelers to improve the DL in 2023

One of the biggest needs on the roster, here is a simple plan the Pittsburgh Steelers can follow to improve their defensive line in 2023.

One of the biggest falls from graces in recent years, the Steelers defensive line was a stout and elite group just three years ago. Javon Hargrave departed in free agency (and is now contending for a Super Bowl) while Stephon Tuitt’s career ended early due to the loss of his brother. Now, this group is a shell of what it used to be.

While Cameron Heyward is still the typical elite player, we have come to expect out of him, age will likely be slowing him down soon. Beyond him, there isn’t much that is concrete about this group. There are some young options and middling veterans, but there isn’t a certain starter beyond Heyward at this point.

Assessing the Steelers 2022 DL group

This was a group that, on paper, looked like it would be an ok unit. Tyson Alualu was set to return as the nose tackle after an impressive stint there before he was lost to injury in 2021. While the loss of Tuitt was a tough one, the team signed Larry Ogunjobi to provide some help along the line.

Depth wasn’t bad either. Montravius Adams had flashed in his short stint with the defense in 2022 while Chris Wormley was a steady second option at defensive end. Isaiahh Loudermilk had progressed as well during his rookie season. Finally, DeMarvin Leal was a third-round pick and a player with a lot of traits to like.

This group failed to meet expectations though, and here is a fool-proof plan to fix this unit in 2023.