The Pittsburgh Steelers have always prided themselves on being a tough, hard-nosed football team. It's instilled in their culture and foundation. The team has constantly fielded terrifying defenses that have been sacking quarterbacks and scaring offenses for years. Cameron Heyward has been a staple on defense since 2013, providing that big interior presence Pittsburgh has needed in that time.
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Pittsburgh Steelers DT Cam Heyward
Historically, defensive linemen tend to age quicker and quicker as they pass 30. Heyward has actually been the opposite, recording more sacks in the last four seasons than his first six in the league. He currently sits at 33 years old, turning 34 on May 6th, and after another 10-sack season in 2022, he's definitely holding up his end of the bargain.
The sudden retirement of Stephon Tuitt however, before last season, and Javon Hargrave's departure to the Philadelphia Eagles (now with the San Francisco 49ers), have left the Steelers in dire need of a future leader and backbone for the defensive line. The Steelers signed Larry Ogunjobi to a three-year, $29 million contract earlier this offseason after he appeared in 16 games for the team in 2022. Ogunjobi struggled with nagging injuries all season, but he currently gives the Steelers the perfect window to draft and groom a young defensive staple for the team moving forward.
Which Defensive Lineman The Steelers Should Target In The 2023 NFL Draft?
The time is now to bring in a young lineman and groom him into the possible future of the defensive line. Lukas Van Ness of Iowa, Nolan Smith of Georgia, and BJ Ojulari out of LSU could all possibly be available with pick 17 for the Steelers if they decide on an edge rusher. Myles Murphy of Clemson is a 6'5", 270-pound force on the interior for a possible fit as well.
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Former Iowa Hawkeyes' edge rusher, Lukas Van Ness (#91) goes after Illinois quarterback, Brandon Peters (#18).
The Steelers could also take a guy they've had a chance to see up close and personal at the University of Pittsburgh in Calijah Kancey. Keeanu Benton has been connected to the Steelers as he stands at 6'4" and thrives as a bull-rusher, slinging around 315-pounds of pure man. He could be a viable option to mesh with the defensive line if they wait to use their selection in a later round
The 2023 NFL Draft is coming up in less than two weeks, starting on Thursday, April 27th. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, Ray Fittipaldo released an article recently about how it's time for the Steelers to invest premium draft capital into defensive line. At this point, the current Steelers' defensive line looks like this: Heyward, Ogunjobi, Breiden Fehoko, Montravius Adams, DeMarvin Leal, Armon Watts, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Jonathan Marshall and Renell Wren.
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The Steelers will be on the clock in Kansas City before you know it. Roger Goodell will make the walk across the stage with the pick we've been waiting for since January. Pittsburgh might want to consider addressing this issue now if they can. The last time they decided to use a first-round selection on a defensive end was in 2011 when they took Mr. Heyward, fresh off the Super Bowl 45 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Regardless, Pittsburgh should probably use their first-round pick on someone in the trenches, offense or defense. Omar Khan and company might have a trick up their sleeve, but we won't know until that Thursday. One thing we all want is a homerun pick, the Steelers could really bolster their roster with a game-changer.
Would you be happy if the Steelers selected a defensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft? If so, would you prefer an early or a late round selection on the position? Let us know in the comments below!
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