Steelers add DL depth with Logan Lee in Round 6 of the 2024 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are sticking to their guns. After beefing up the offensive trenches with three draft picks on the O-line in the first four rounds, Omar Khan turned his card in for Iowa defensive lineman, Logan Lee.

Pittsburgh had a pre-draft visit with Lee, and he fits the profile of what the Steelers look for on the defensive line. At 6'5 3/8'' and 281 pounds with 32 1/4'' inch arms, Lee compares favorably to Isaiahh Loudermilk from a size standpoint.

The Steelers like tall defenders who can slide around the line and play on odd and even-man fronts. Lee fits the bill of what they look for. Some believed that the Iowa product would land in the seventh round or become a priority free agent following the draft. According to NFL Mock Draft database, Lee was the 248th overall player in the draft this year. The Steelers took him at pick 178 early in the sixth round.

Lee tested as an impressive athlete compared to other interior defenders entering the NFL. At the NFL Combine, Lee ran an impressive 7.16 20-yard shuttle to go with a 4.37 3-cone and a 114'' broad jump. The collection of his athletic traits made him a 92nd-percentile athlete, per RAS.football.

Lee played four seasons at Iowa and became a three-year starter after barely seeing the field as a freshman in 2020. During his tenure with the Hawkeyes, he earned 158 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, and 9.0 sacks.

Where does Logan Lee fit on the Steelers roster?

Lee weighed in at just 281 pounds, but he's going to be playing along the interior defensive line. Because of this, he's going to have to pack on some muscle if he wants to hold up at the point of attack against NFL offensive linemen.

Similar to form draft picks Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal, Lee will need to transition his body so he can play 5-tech and '4i' for the Steelers. Ironically, Loudermilk and Leal will likely be his biggest competition for a roster spot. All three will look for roles as rotational defenders, but there may only be two helmets to go around between these three players.

If Lee does stick on the roster, he figures to see limited action as a rookie in hopes of eventually carving out a bigger role in the rotation.

Because of where he was drafted, it's not a good idea to assume that he is going to be a suitable replacement for Cameron Heyward, but he does offer depth and added competition to the defensive line.