Steelers' Defensive Line Must Rise To The Challenge In 2024: "Need Those Guys To Take The Next Step"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been desperate to begin establishing the future on the defensive line over the past few seasons. With players like Javon Hargrave and Stephon Tuitt leaving the team and Cameron Heyward on the back nine of his career, finding who will be the next great defensive lineman in Pittsburgh continues to become a hot button issue.

The Steelers have made several attempts in recent seasons to not only bring the line up to par for the present, but acquire guys who they feel can be long-term contributors. Keeanu Benton had a promising rookie season in 2023, compiling 36 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack, but the Steelers need to see more from guys that have been in the system for a few seasons. 

Two such players are DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk, who were brought into Pittsburgh a year apart. Loudermilk (2021) and Leal (2022) were drafted with the hopes they could develop into long-term options on the line. However, their potential has yet to shine through as the two have combined for 75 tackles and just two sacks, not exactly numbers that signal franchise caliber players.

With both individuals are feeling the pressure to contribute, and acknowledging the opportunity to make a difference due to the lack of depth, the two have been busy working this offseason. During his weekly Steelers chat, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, acknowledges the importance of the two having a big season.

"There weren't a lot of quality DL in this year's draft, so they need those guys to take the next step in their development. It appears Leal is in better shape and might be a bigger contributor this year, but he's been disappointing. I thought Loudermilk got better, but I'm not sure how much more upside there is to his game. He might be a quality backup. And that's OK for a fifth-round pick. Leal was a third-round pick. You need those guys to develop into something more."

If the two players can't get the job done, it opens the door for rookie Logan Lee and whatever other players are brought in to make a name for themselves. The plan for Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar and the rest of the defensive staff, however, is to allow these players to finally have their moment to shine at the professional level.

Can The Steelers Get The Most Out Of Leal?

Development is the most important, but an underrated aspect in every level of sports. In the case of the Steelers, the biggest question that is raised this season, is can the Steelers finish off developing the players that the prior regime had a vision for? The Steelers have already moved on from quarterback Kenny Pickett, recognizing that they couldn't develop him in the fashion they wanted, and with the recent decline of Najee Harris's fifth-year option, the question is, has the team elected to move on from him as well?

There has been plenty of change within the organization by General Manager Omar Khan, and the feeling is that the defensive line may be the next position group that is turned over. Leal has been very vocal this offseason about finding himself on this defense, but it will ultimately be up to him to define a role on the Steelers this season. 

Leal was drafted out of Texas A&M as not only a work in progress, but a player who could both rush the passer as an edge rusher and stuff the run on the defensive line. The Steelers added another player this offseason who fits that same role in German-born Julius Welschof, which adds even more pressure for Leal to perform this season. 

Leal is under contract with the Steelers through the 2025 season, but carries a minimal dead cap if the team were to move on from him following the 2024 season. He has all the physical attributes to make it in the NFL, and regardless of why he hasn't performed with the team just yet, he is simply out of options if he can't perform in Pittsburgh this year. 

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