Things have changed since the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their 2025 NFL Draft class. Many scrutinized Omar Khan for his lack of attention across the trenches in free agency.
He failed to replace Larry Ogunjobi by signing an impact-free agent. The Steelers wanted to add a young difference-maker along the defensive line, which they did in the draft.
There are countless options along the defensive line fighting for jobs.
The outcome of the training camp will directly affect who makes Pittsburgh's roster. Daniel Ekuale settled into a roster spot before the NFL Draft, but things have changed. With Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black entering the fold, veterans like Ekuale will fight for a place on the depth chart.
While the veteran free agent pickup has starting experience, he shouldn't feel confident in his job security.
Fans should expect Harmon to earn a significant role out of the gate. Every team in the NFL should be playing their first-round picks. Black must earn a roster spot, which many believe he will. Ekuale is only one of several veterans in the trenches who could have problems making the roster. The Steelers will only keep six or seven players up front, which means many will be on the chopping block.
Pittsburgh Steelers could struggle to find a spot for Daniel Ekuale after NFL Draft
Ekuale wasn't a "splash signing" by the Steelers in free agency, but he was an important addition. He could start for them if needed, but he only put a patch on a significant issue. With Harmon and Black in the mix, Ekuale might not have a massive role on defense. He might be best as a depth player, but he signed for cheap, meaning there are no guarantees he will make the team out of camp.
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Holding onto six or seven defensive linemen on the final 53-man roster might be Mike Tomlin's plan. That is the range they commonly stick to. If that's the case, expect Cam Heyward, Derrick Harmon, and Keeanu Benton to be the cemented players on the team. That leaves nine players fighting for three or four final roster spots. It will be an uphill battle for most.
Others like Dean Lowry, Logan Lee, DeMarvin Leal, and free agent signing Esezi Otomewo will battle for Ekuale's job. The Steelers want to get younger up front, meaning Ekuale could struggle to stick around if he can't pull away from younger competition. Training camp should be an eye-opening experience for the defensive line because it will be an all-out war.
Many in the trenches will give Ekuale a run for his money.
When you figure Black making the roster, that leaves two or three more vacancies on the depth chart. Guarantees don't exist when you are a cheap veteran. Pittsburgh would love for Isaiahh Loudermilk to push for a job or for one of the younger players to establish themselves.