The Pittsburgh Steelers had a plan going into the 2024 NFL Draft and came away with a rookie class that has been almost universally celebrated as excellent across the board. Not only did Pittsburgh continue to invest heavily in the offensive line by selecting Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, but the late-round picks also have the potential to make some kind of future impact. Logan Lee, Pittsburgh's sixth-round pick (178th overall), could add some much-needed depth to the defensive line.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive lineman Logan Lee at the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 rookie minicamp.
Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Steelers' defensive line was already a concern, and the Cameron Heyward contract dispute hasn't done anything to reassure the team. While Heyward joined Pittsburgh's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) during the final week after missing the first two, the Steelers will need contributions from unlikely places.
Lee, as a sixth-round selection, has an uphill battle ahead of him to both make the roster and then impress on the field as well. Speaking with Matt Randazzo of WQAD News 8, Lee sees himself as a perfect fit for the kind of defense the Steelers run.
"I'll be able to play what I played at Iowa. So it'll be somewhat in my comfort zone and it'll be in my skill set as well. The systems -- I couldn't ask to be a part of a better system."
While Lee may not have the easiest path toward earning a spot, playing in a defensive scheme similar to the one Iowa used will help the rookie's transition. The former Hawkeyes defender is smaller than the usual NFL defensive lineman (6'5 and 281 pounds), but Karl Dunbar, Pittsburgh's defensive line coach, views Lee's size as a positive considering his versatility.
Behind Heyward and the impressive second-year player Keeanu Benton, the competition is wide open, and the Steelers are eager for someone to step up and earn the job. After a freshman season at Iowa that saw Lee only play in two games while notching a single tackle, the defensive lineman started in 41 straight games over the next three seasons. Lee became a consistent contributor on Iowa's defense, with nine sacks and an average of 50 tackles per season.
He also brings the experience that comes from playing in one of the best college defenses of the 2023 season, with Iowa ranking seventh in total defense, fifth in passing defense and fourth in scoring defense. Considering how much Pittsburgh relies on defense to be the strength of the team, Lee's understanding of what it takes to play on that kind of unit could be an advantage.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7945-544x306.jpg "Steelers Keeanu Benton")
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Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 training camp.
Steelers Have Quite The Defensive Blend
Heyward, entering his 14th NFL season, may have issues regarding his desired contract extension, but he will still be one of the veteran defensive leaders once the 2024 season kicks off. After a solid 2023 rookie campaign, Benton appears ready to take the next step in his growth and become more than just a part-time contributor on the line.
The 2023 season was marred by injuries to Pittsburgh's defense, with Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander suffering season-ending injuries, and others such as Minkah Fitzpatrick and Elandon Roberts limped through parts of the year with their own ailments. The Steelers will need every bit of depth possible to ensure that when the inevitable injuries occur, the season won't be derailed because of it.
Associated Press
Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal jumps to bat a pass during a Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Lee may be a late-round pick with a smaller stature than most defensive linemen bring to the table, but if he can show his value across a variety of positions in the trenches, then he could make himself invaluable to the team.
Heyward is 35 years old, Larry Ogunjobi and Dean Lowry are both 30 and Montravius Adams (29) is nearing the dreaded 30-year mark as well. Benton will only be turning 23 in July, and considering that DeMarvin Leal and Isaiah Loudermilk have struggled more than anything, the door is open for Lee to make the most of the opportunity. At the very least, the Steelers are hoping they have found a crucial piece to the supportive defensive cast.
Where will Lee make an impact for the Steelers in 2024?
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