Steelers' Recent Draft Picks At Defensive Line Will Need To Step Up Following The Devastating Injury News To Cam Heyward

Week 1 of the 2023 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers was an absolute disaster. In addition to losing by a score of 30-7 to the San Francisco 49ers, the team also suffered a pair of injuries to two of their stars, Cam Heyward and Diontae Johnson. Heyward, according to NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport, will miss approximately eight weeks following groin surgery. Needless to say, the time has come for young players to step up in their absence and help the Steelers avoid the dreaded 0-2 start to the season. George Pickens and Calvin Austin III will likely be responsible for filling the void left behind by Johnson. In terms of Heyward, the team will undoubtedly call upon a trio of defensive lineman who will have a golden opportunity to prove their worth as a starting-caliber player. 

This trio includes the likes of Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and Keeanu Benton. Individually, none of these young players possess the same type of game-wrecking ability as Heyward, but collectively, it may be possible that they could perform well enough to help things stay afloat until the veteran returns from injury. Leal, a second-year player out of Texas A&M, is perhaps the most likely candidate to see the biggest increase in playing time due to his impressive athleticism and ability to get after the opposing team's quarterback. 

Steelers' Depth At Defensive Line Will Be Put To The Test

The Steelers' front office has invested heavily in the defensive line unit in recent years, selecting Loudermilk, Leal, and Benton over each of the past three NFL Drafts, respectively. Loudermilk, who was taken by the Steelers in the fifth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft after a stellar career at the University of Wisconsin, has largely been a backup during his time in the NFL. He has shown glimpses of potential, but has failed to emerge himself as a viable long-term option at the position. 

Benton, a fellow Wisconsin standout, has the chance to be the Steelers' nose tackle of the future. During his first ever regular season game against the 49ers in Week 1, Benton showcased his talent in limited action. While he will continue to challenge Montravius Adams for the starting spot at nose tackle, it is possible the coaching staff asks him expand his role and pitch in at other positions along the defensive front while Heyward is out. 

The final member of the young group is Leal, who offers more of an upside compared to Loudermilk. At 290 pounds, the second-year pro lacks ideal size at the defensive tackle position and may be a bit of a liability against the run game. Interestingly enough, the Steelers' Week 2 matchup will come against the Cleveland Browns, who boast one of the league's most physically-imposing running games. With this in mind, it may be possible that Loudermilk and Benton see the field more on the front lines of the defense. However, do not be surprised if Leal sees time at outside linebacker against the Browns, a position he played some this past season as well as in 2023 training camp. 

During a recent interview at the Steelers' practice facility, Leal described the current group of defensive lineman as the "next generation up." The optimism is cause for excitement, but there is no denying that it will be an extremely tough task to replicate the type of production Heyward has on a week-to-week basis. Alongside Adams, Larry Ogunjobi, and Armon Watts, the young trio will be tasked to maintain the level of excellence established by Heyward. It goes without saying that the time has come for these recent draft picks to prove their value for the Steelers. The next few weeks will be extremely telling as to how the future of the defensive line room will look. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How confident are you in the Steelers' defensive line? Any chance the team considers adding a free agent at the position? Do you think the Browns will have success at running the football on Monday night? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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