Steelers' 2024 Offseason: Evaluating Each Defensive And Special Teams Player

A review of the Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive, and Special Teams players from our very own contributor John Walker. This will be part of a two-part series with the Offensive player review coming in the next few days. 

Steelers Defensive Line

DeMarvin Leal - I don’t know. That’s the only answer I can give people when they ask me about Leal. He showed a lot of promise his rookie season and I was very excited for him, but it appears he’s fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. He became a regular on the inactive list as the season winded down, and his future in Pittsburgh is a big question mark. The exit interview with him will be interesting. I think the team needs to figure out what they want out of him. Being a “tweener” just isn’t working. He’s only 23 years old and his rookie deal is only half over. Maybe put on some weight? I’m not sure. I think the tools are there, but I just don’t know what’s going on. I want to see Leal become a part of this rotation again. It’s a huge offseason for him. 

Cam Heyward - Heyward had his toughest season maybe since his rookie year. He was injured in the opener and missed half the season. Even when he returned, you could tell he was far from fully healthy. He was still really good against the run, but the explosiveness and disruptive pass rush just wasn’t there this year. Some of that is Father Time. Heyward carries a massive contract, but whether or not he returns will be his choice. I think he comes back for one more year. Hopefully he gets some much needed and deserved rest this offseason. Also, the team needs to invest in the DL again to help lighten his load. 

Keeanu Benton - This appears to have been a homerun pick for the Steelers. Benton had a very strong rookie campaign. His motor is always running, and he has fully bought into what it means to be a Steeler. His pass rush moves for a man his size are lethal. Quick learner, and often did well against the run. He’s just always going towards the ball, and when you can consistently do that, good things happen. The Steelers desperately needed to hit on a DL after a few recent misses over the years. They did with Benton. He is the guy. He will anchor this Steelers DL for years to come. Until then, I hope he is a sponge to Heyward. Now let’s hope they can strike gold two years in a row. This is an area they need to attack again. 

Montravius Adams - I like Adams. He may not be a Pro Bowl caliber force, but he’s a stellar guy to have in your rotation. You need to have players like that. I would absolutely bring Adams back and continue to give him some PT. Perhaps a little less of him and more of Benton, but definitely worth a new deal. 

Isaiahh Loudermilk - Much like Leal, I’m not really sure how to properly assess him. He probably hasn’t developed into the guy I’m assuming they hoped he’d be, but perhaps he will continue to grow. As the season went on, it seemed he carved out a rotational role for himself. As noted, the Steelers have to add to their DL room, so Loudermilk may very well be one of the many guys battling for a job next year in camp. He’s at least in better shape right now than he was at this point last year.

Larry Ogunjobi - I think he needs to find just a bit more consistency. When he is on, he is on. Overall, he’s a plus player, but with the contract he received last offseason (which I think he deserved), they need to see just a little bit more from him. Especially considering the current state of the Steelers' defensive line. He started the season strong, disappeared during the middle run, and came on again towards the end. Hopefully next season we get to see more of the $29M player. He carries the 6th highest cap hit on the team next season; they need him to play like it. 

Armon Watts - Another depth/rotational guy on the DL. Usually that’s a good thing. The problem with the Steelers is they have too many guys like this. He’s the best run stuffer of the “just a guy" type players, but like so many in that room, he just didn’t stand out. He’ll be another one fighting for a job in camp if the Steelers opt to re-sign him. No guarantee that happens.

Steelers Outside Linebackers

TJ Watt - Is this one even necessary? TJ Watt proved once again that he’s the best defensive player on the planet. He *should* win Defensive Player of the Year, but the NFL probably won’t give it to him. But Watt had another dominant year which resulted in another First Team All-Pro selection and Team MVP Award. His first ballot Hall of Fame campaign gets stronger by the year.

Alex Highsmith - He received the big contract last offseason so the pressure was on. He rose to the occasion and lived up to it in the first year. He’s a fantastic compliment to Watt and offers a great pass rush in his own right. "Smitty" gives the Steelers the best pass rushing duo in the league.

Nick Herbig - Another fantastic pick from this year's draft class. Herbig’s opportunities were limited all year, but he made the most of the ones he got. Expect him to take on an even larger role next year. I can’t stress enough how much a guy like Herbig was needed. To get a quality player like that to rotate in with Watt and Highsmith for the next few years on a rookie deal is a huge shot in the arm for the defense. They can keep each other fresh and really wear down opposing OT’s over the course of the game. Also gives them a respectable option if one of those starters misses time. But again, you lessen the chance of that even happening by keeping them fresh. Herbig was a slam dunk.

Markus Golden - This was a super underrated signing. Not only is he a raved about teammate, but he’s probably the best EDGE4 in the league. I truly believe he could start on a few teams, and the Steelers had him as their 4th edge rusher. I firmly believe that’s why 90 and 56 were able to stay healthy all season. In years past, when they were gassed, the Steelers had nothing behind them. That wasn’t the case this season. I have no clue what Golden will command on the open market, but the Steelers absolutely should look to bring him back. He would even further cement them as having the best and deepest edge rushing group.

Steelers Middle Linebackers

Kyron Johnson - Freak athlete. I’m not sure if there’s a path for him to make the 53 next season, but I absolutely want to see him in Steelers camp. He’s been primarily a special teamer, but with the guys they already have, you (hopefully) won’t need him for any more than that at the moment. I’m on board with seeing what he can grow into.

Cole Holcomb - This one hurt. It appeared that after years of trying to find quality play/stability at the ILB position, the Steelers finally found some in Holcomb. He was playing solid ball for the Steelers before his season ending injury. It wasn’t quite at a Pro Bowl level, but it was certainly at a “good enough” level and the drop off after him was noticeable (and expected). He’s under contract and he’ll be back, but fingers crossed with him. It’s back to back seasons with season ending injuries for the veteran, but they really need him to at least return to the level he was playing at. 

Elandon Roberts - Steeler! I love the way he plays football and he exemplifies everything a Steelers LB should be. He’s as tough as they come, he’s a great leader who other guys feed off of, and he attacks the ball at 100 mph every play. Very much the enforcer of the defense, he’s their run stuffer. Roberts played at a high level and gutted out the stretch run of the season at well less than 100%. His efforts should certainly not go unnoticed or unappreciated by fans. 

Kwon Alexander - Pain x2. Alexander was another one that was just a gut punch after he went down with an injury. As it was with Holcomb, this was a big signing for the team towards the end of camp. He provided not only solid play, but incredible depth at the ILB position as the Steelers now had THREE quality starting caliber ILB’s. Right? Wrong! One week after Holcomb went down, Alexander was lost for the season as well with a torn Achilles and sank the middle of the Steelers defense. 

He was playing at a high level for the Steelers. Had his age and injury history not been a concern, he’d be a no brainer to re-sign for next season. It was his 4th(!) season ending injury in the last five seasons. At 30 years old, you have to wonder if he’s going to be able to come back. If he’s 100% committed and feels he can make it back, I’m not opposed to bringing him back on a one-year deal. However you may be playing with fire.

Mykal Walker - Much like many of the other guys they used, Walker left much to be desired. When you call upon your 5th/6th guys from down on the practice squad or off the streets, it’s really hard to fault anyone. With the complete revamping the team did of their ILB, they never in a million years could’ve predicted or prepared to be so decimated at the position that Mykal Walker would have to become a full-time starter. 

It wasn’t poor planning on the Steelers part, just truly terrible luck. But Walker was just such a liability for the defense, I don’t see any way you can justify him being back other than to bring some competition to camp. Defenses would consistently zero in on him and there was nothing anyone could do to mask it. It just felt helpless. 

Blake Martinez - Nothing to say here. I get why they brought him in, but he didn’t provide you with anything. There’s no need for him to return, and he probably should’ve just stayed on the Carolina Panthers practice squad. 

Myles Jack - Jack went from retired and off the couch to getting a major role in a matter of weeks. He was an obvious and expected drop off, but given the circumstances, his second stint here was a respectable one I suppose. I’m appreciative of the efforts, but there are better options and routes to take this offseason. Perhaps Jack retires again, or maybe he has the desire to still play. However, at this stage of his career, he shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a backup.