Steelers 53-man roster prediction with the 2023 NFL Draft behind us

Mason Rudolph, Steelers
Mason Rudolph, Steelers / Emilee Chinn/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next

Competition for the last two spots on the defensive line should be fierce

Defensive line (6): Cam Heyward (DT), Larry Ogunjobi (DT), Keeanu Benton (NT/DT), DeMarvin Leal (DE/EDGE), Breiden Fehoko (NT), Armon Watts (DT)

Another group that seems fairly set in stone despite a few depth chart settings. The three starters seem ready to go with Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi playing the defensive ends for this defense. Keeanu Benton was just taken in the second round, and he will likely be the starter at nose tackle and a pivotal role player as a defensive end. This group has some quality depth behind it, but the starters are a solid three front for the first time in years.

DeMarvin Leal is still trying to figure out his role as many believe that he will likely play as a defensive end and a potential edge rusher hybrid. Breiden Fehoko, Armon Watts, and Montravius Adams will battle for a few depth roles along with Isaiahh Loudermilk. Four people will enter that fight for the final two spots on the defensive line.

In this case, both Adams and Loudermilk were let go from the team. Adams has not been the same player that he was during the stretch run a couple of seasons ago. Many counted on him to take pressure off Tyson Alualu last season and that never materialized. Another disappointment last year was Loudermilk as experts thought that he would take a step forward. That also never happened and that cost these two in the end.