Defensive Line (7):
Steelers roster prediction: Larry Ogunjobi, Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward, DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts, Breiden Fehoko
This is one of the toughest groups to predict this offseason. The Steelers have beefed up their depth along the defensive line, and at least one person is going to get cut and will likely be playing elsewhere this season. Even keeping seven bodies isn’t a lock, as this team usually only carries six defensive linemen.
Your starters are set, and while you could argue that Keeanu Benton isn’t locked into the opening-day nose tackle job, he should be. He hasn’t shown up on the stat sheet much, but his strength has. He constantly disrupts the pocket and pushes offensive linemen back. The Steelers would be wise to get him on the field whenever they can.
DeMarvin Leal is the only other lock as of this writing. His ability to play both base end, interior rusher, and even as an oversized edge rusher gives him a lot of value. That kind of versatility makes it viable to keep seven at this position, as he will wear so many hats.
Breiden Fehoko is close to a lock as well, as he is the most natural nose tackle on this roster. That limits him in terms of where he can line up, but he would be a viable run-down defender and quality backup to Benton.
That leaves a max of two spots between Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts, and Montravious Adams, who I ultimately cut. Loudermilk has shown some progress as a pass rusher, so I like him as a backup end. Watts is a more natural defensive end that could play nose tackle, which is more valuable than Adams, a natural nose that could slide to end. Add in the cap savings and he edges out Adams for the final lineman spot.
Potential surprise cut: Watts
You could realistically add any of the aforementioned defensive linemen from the last paragraph, as I believe that is one of the fiercest battles currently raging on this roster. This battle isn’t done, and it will be curious to see if a trade offer comes in for any of these backend players.