The Pittsburgh Steelers have been pretty active in free agency. From Patrick Peterson bolstering their cornerback room to some offensive line depth with Nate Herbig, the Steelers have definitely gotten better over the last week. Perhaps the largest signing from Pittsburgh came on Tuesday when they re-signed defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year contract. Ogunjobi joins Cam Heyward again as the two main defensive tackles, hoping to build on their 2022 seasons.
Are the Steelers good with those two to play the bulk of time on the defensive interior or should they be looking for an extra playmaker?
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Larry Ogonjobi gears up for the game Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
Montravius Adams and DeMarvin Leal are the next two guys up and will be crucial players in a defensive line rotation. Those two as well as Isaiahh Loudermilk will have the chance to improve without the pressure of being full-time starters. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic gives his thoughts on the Ogunjobi re-signing:
"Ogunjobi, who turns 29 in June, will continue what he did last year for the Steelers — play alongside veteran Cameron Heyward on the defensive line and have the ability and athleticism to play anywhere from nose to tackle to end in multiple sub-packages"
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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi (#65 at the time) participates in the 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
The Steelers run defense was dead last in yards per game in 2021. They improved to ninth-best in 2022, the main reason being Ogunjobi. He was great against the run and will certainly continue his dominance next year. Adding him to the two newcomers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts who both play the run well, it will certainly be challenging to gash Pittsburgh's defense on the ground. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith will be the main OLB/edge rushers for next season. This defensive line group looks solid, but the Steelers could benefit by bringing in more depth behind their main pieces.
Pass Rush Issues For The Steelers?
Pittsburgh generated the third-lowest defensive pressure percentage in the NFL last season. The Steelers ranked 18th in pass rush win rate, according to ESPN metrics. The main reason for this might have been Watt's injury. TJ missed seven games last year, and the pass rush was nonexistent during that stretch. With a healthy Watt and the rest of the defensive line, expect the pass rush to improve. Adding more depth to the line would ensure less of a drop-off if injuries happen. Who could be some players that fit that mold?
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Panthers Calijah Kancey named unanimous All-American
With the re-signing of Ogunjobi and more needs than just the defensive line, it's hard to imagine the Steelers drafting a fan favorite in Pitt's star DT Calijah Kancey. Defensive line depth could be had later in the draft and positions like cornerback or offensive line could be the main focus in the first couple of rounds. Pittsburgh could certainly look to add an extra body later in the draft, names like Siaki Ika from Baylor or Keeanu Benton from Wisconsin could be solid picks.
There are still some intriguing options in free agency that could be had if the financials line up. Poona Ford from Seattle has been a consistent performer since his rookie year in 2018. While not putting up eye-popping numbers, Ford would be a great rotational piece on the line. Rasheem Green had a good 2022 campaign for the Texans. Much like Ford, Green entered the league in 2018 and has been a solid player in that time. Ford might be a little better, but Green would be cheaper.
Do you think the Steelers should add another player to the defensive line? Would you like to draft someone or go sign a free agent like the ones above? Let us know in the comments below.
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