The Steelers' free agency efforts brought relief to the wide receiver room, and even that was via trade. But little else has seen a true upgrade as most of the team's free agents were allowed to walk.
While extravagant free agency purchases have never been the way in Pittsburgh, the lackluster signings while waiting for a quarterback decision are alarming.
The Steelers have multiple gaps to fill on the roster, but few are as glaringly obvious as the defensive line. With Larry Ogunjobi's release, Pittsburgh is left with 35-year-old Cam Heyward and Keanu Benton, who has shown solid potential in his first two NFL seasons. But beyond those two, it's a lackluster group.
Assuming Pittsburgh isn't desperate for a quarterback, going defensive line in round one has come to a near consensus among Steelers fans on social media. Thankfully, it's a solid class up front and the Steelers have shown significant interest in a few first-round options.
3 First-Round DL Targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Kenneth Grant, Michigan Wolverines
Though his college running mate Mason Graham will go a dozen or so picks sooner, Kenneth Grant to the Steelers would be a fairly popular pick for Pittsburgh, both among fans and analysts.
At 331 pounds, Grant would give the Steelers yet another run-stuffing interior defensive lineman to add to the rotation. In base sets, Grant would likely allow Benton to pump to three-technique. Still, Grant would be viable in nickel packages to rush the passer alongside Heyward or Benton - he had 6.5 sacks at Michigan.
Pittsburgh will certainly value versatility, which Grant will provide on top of a championship pedigree.
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss Rebels
Walter Nolen was a first-round option the Steelers paid attention to at the Senior Bowl. Nolen may be a tad undersized, but he's a productive and tactful player.
What Nolen lacks in length, he makes up for in technique and positioning, understanding how to use leverage and hand placement to make plays. A 5-star high school prospect, Nolen had 11.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in three seasons, carving out a solid career at Texas A&M and Ole Miss.
The Steelers certainly value measurables on the defensive line, but they've found success in undersized defenders in later rounds before. Taking a shot on a technically gifted player in the first round who can get after the passer may not be a bad idea.
READ MORE: Steelers are already dropping unwanted breadcrumbs to reveal NFL Draft plans
3. Derrick Harmon, Oregon Ducks
One final option, this time a traditional three-technique in Derrick Harmon. The Steelers met with Harmon at the NFL Combine
Harmon had a career year at Oregon after developing at Michigan State. He picked up 5 sacks and 11 TFLs, more than doubling his total production in East Lansing. At 6-foot-4, 313lbs, with 34 3/8" arms, he certainly has the size to slot in opposite Cam Heyward or serve as his heir apparent.
The risk with Harmon is his consistency. He was a much better Duck than Spartan, which presents a list of questions on why he performed better at Oregon and if he can replicate and improve on his performance in Eugene against NFL competition.
Still, with his measurables, Harmon could be a mid-first-round steal if he continues to be a backfield disruptor at the next level.