Steelers depth chart prediction: How will Mike Tomlin roll out the starting lineup?

Interior defensive line:

1. Cameron Heyward
2. Larry Ogunjobi
3. Montravius Adams
4. Keeanu Benton
5. DeMarvin Leal
6. Isaiahh Loudermilk
7. Armon Watts

These defensive lineman obviously have different roles here. Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi will be their base 3-4 defensive ends who slide around the DL and will kick inside as defensive tackles in passing situations. Meanwhile, I'm predicting that Montavius Adams will be the starting nose tackle on Pittsburgh's first depth chart, but will be quickly overtaken by rookie Keeanu Benton.

DeMarvin Leal will be a situational pass rusher who may be listed as Larry Ogunjobi's backup, while Isaiahh Loudermilk and Armon Watts are big base 3-4 ends who will play 5-technique and '4i.' They will likely be listed as the backups to Heyward.

Edge defender:

1. T.J. Watt
2. Alex Highsmith
3. Markus Golden
4. Nick Herbig

The Steelers have a history of keeping just four outside linebackers on their roster, and the four were easy to predict in 2023. T.J. Watt will be starting at left outside linebacker on the Steelers depth chart with Alex Highsmith across from him at ROLB. Markus Golden may be listed as Watt's backup with Nick Herbig as Highsmith's backup, but it doesn't matter much. Both backups have shown the ability to play on either side of the formation.

Linebacker:

1. Cole Holcomb
2. Elandon Roberts
3. Kwon Alexander
4. Mark Robinson

The Steelers broke a roster trend this year by keeping just four off-ball linebackers as opposed to their typical five. Cole Holcomb will be the starting 'Mack' linebacker for Pittsburgh, while Elandon Roberts will be the 'Buck' (these are essentially 'weakside' and 'strongside LB roles, respectively). Kwon will likely be a third-down linebacker who will backup Holcomb and Mark Robinson will backup Roberts.