The NFL Combine is underway, and the defensive linemen and linebackers have wrapped up their testing. For a Pittsburgh Steelers team that has been all over the defensive line so far in this draft process, this class provides ample quality options for this defense.
Simply put, there are a lot of linemen that should have Pittsburgh’s eye during this draft cycle.
That being said, the Steelers like a specific type of lineman, and long term they are likely eyeing a replacement for Cameron Heyward. Defensive linemen take a while to become dominant players, so taking someone now who can rotate in and spot-start with an eye on the future is wise.
So what are some requirements to fill his shoes in terms of measurements? 6’4 seems like the floor for height. 34-inch arms are a must and his weight must be over 290 pounds. While not a firm requirement, hand size being 10 inches or bigger is a plus.
From those requirements, we have five prospects who fit this mold perfectly. While their play styles all vary and the draft projections come in almost every round, each of them fits the mold of what this defense wants.
These defensive linemen would be perfect replacements for Cameron Heyward for the Steelers.
Potential Pittsburgh Steelers replacements for Cam Heyward in the NFL Draft
Zeek Biggers, Georgia Tech
A later-round option that could interest the Steelers, Zeek Biggers has caught my eye as a potential double-dip candidate along the defensive line. Simply put, if you draft Biggers, it is due to his body type and potential and not much else.
He had a forgettable career at Georgia Tech, becoming a multi-year starter but never putting up great stats. His tape was also extremely sloppy and filled with poor reps that stacked during games.
As an athlete, he showed some promise, and his size is almost perfectly in line with what the team looks for in players. He will need a few years to get his technique established before he can be counted on as even a backup, but his size and testing could intrigue the team to draft him late in the draft.
Sean Martin, West Virginia
A name I am just looking into following his combine performance, Sean Martin would, like Biggers, be a great double-dip candidate late in the draft. While he never had a dominant season at West Virginia, he was consistently above average.
His size is almost identical to what Heyward’s was coming out of Ohio State with slightly bigger hands and longer arms. As an athlete, he certainly flashed some juice that wasn’t always apparent on tape. He plays the run well but lacks a consistent pass-rushing plan.
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What he really needs is to bulk up and add some play strength. That should happen naturally in the Steelers locker room. Like Biggers, he is a borderline draftable prospect, so taking him in the seventh is a possibility. Given the potential and athletic tools, if he were to go undrafted, I would do whatever I could to bring him in.
Vernon Broughton, Texas
If the Steelers want some great fits along their defensive line, they need to look at Texas. While Vernon Broughton is the other option from the Longhorns, he has a lot of great traits that would make him a perfect fit to eventually replace Heyward.
He pops on tape as a pass rusher, using a variety of moves and a quick first step to penetrate and put pressure on a quarterback. His run defense needs some improvements, and he needs to get some more strength to his frame to anchor better against linemen.
In terms of size, he fits the bill minus his hands, which are surprisingly small at just 9 ¼” instead of the desired size listed earlier. That said, everything else on his frame and tape matches what this team would want. He would need some time before seeing significant snaps, but he has the potential to develop into a good player.
Derrick Harmon, Oregon
One of the constant names that have been linked to the Steelers and for good reason, Derrick Harmon looks the part of a base end for this team, and his play style is all-around great. As an athlete, he tested well and looks like an early-impact defender.
He found a good scheme fit at Oregon this past season and had his best season as a professional. He flashed a lot of power as a pass rusher and a stout ability to play the run well. While his pass rush lacks the elite traits you want, he looks like a guy who can still accumulate sacks in a season.
Harmon will likely be the highest-drafted prospect off this list, and if the Steelers want him, it will cost their first-round pick. You might not get the perennial top interior defender that Heyward has become, but Harmon should be a steady contributor with room to grow as a player.
Alfred Collins, Texas
Officially my favorite name and fit to eventually replace Heyward, Texas has been producing some freak defensive linemen in recent years. Alfred Collins looks like he could be a premier player while also providing instant value in his first year on the team.
Collins is an NFL-ready run defender. He uses his big frame to anchor well and take up space. As a pass rusher, he has some decent power moves, but he needs to work on his plan and his first step. That said, he isn’t a slouch there either.
Collins would likely cost the team its second-round pick, and he can play end in base defense while sitting during pass-rushing reps. My major concern is his weight, as he looks a little heavy and could realistically trim 10-15 pounds, but beyond that, Collins looks like the perfect build to develop behind Heyward.