While the Pittsburgh Steelers will have plenty of youth on offense as discussed in last week's article, their defense looks to be a different story entirely. The front seven, loaded with proven talent, looks to repeat as one of the top units in the NFL. The secondary made a splashy addition after a shaky 2024, and looks to make big strides in 2025. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has stars everywhere on the field, as head coach Mike Tomlin will look to him and his defense to hold it down while their offense finds their footing. Even in an AFC North division loaded with firepower, Pittsburgh could have an elite unit once again in the upcoming season.

Defensive Line (8): Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Daniel Ekuale, Derrick Harmon, Cameron Heyward, Logan Lee, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Esezi Otomewo

It’s been a tumultuous offseason for this defensive front. Longtime captain Cameron Heyward has spent the offseason holding out for a new contract after making his fourth All-Pro team last year. As of Monday, it looks like he’ll suit up for Week 1, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that isn’t set in stone. His absence would be a crushing one for the Steelers, especially to begin the season with both of his fellow starters currently dealing with injuries. Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh’s first round selection from the 2025 draft, had a stellar preseason derailed by an MCL sprain. While the Oregon product managed to avoid a more serious injury, the timeline for his return is up in the air. Meanwhile, Keeanu Benton also went down during the preseason, dealing with an upper-body injury. Benton, who’s eligible for an extension next year, will be looking to prove his worth after showing some promise in 2024. Once Harmon and Benton are healthy (and Heyward reaches an agreement with the front office), this unit will be in fine shape.

Until the unit’s overall health improves, Pittsburgh will have to move some pieces around to find an effective front three. Logan Lee, an undersized yet powerful pass-rusher from Iowa, will try to replace Harmon on the right side of the line. Daniel Ekuale joins the team after enjoying the most productive season of his career in New England. Ekuale’s versatility will be invaluable as the Steelers will look to plug him in wherever necessary. Isaiahh Loudermilk would likely be the first look to replace Heyward in case he decides to escalate his holdout, while Yahya Black and Esezi Otomewo round out the group.

Linebackers (9): Carson Bruener, Malik Harrison, Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Cole Holecomb, Patrick Queen, T.J. Watt, Jack Sawyer, Payton Wilson

The outside linebackers will be the focal point of this Steelers defense. T.J. Watt is a flat-out game wrecker, getting to the quarterback almost at will. While he’s one of the best pass-rushers in the league, he also brought home the Pro Football Focus Run Defender of the Year award last season, making him the most valuable piece for this defense by a wide margin. Often overshadowed by the sheer gravity of Watt, Alex Highsmith has proven to be a devastating rusher in his own right. After missing time last year with an ankle injury, Highsmith will look to replicate a 2022 season where he posted 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. Nick Herbig, who was productive in a relief role throughout his first two seasons, will look to rotate in when necessary. Rookie Jack Sawyer will join the unit after being selected in the fourth round out of Ohio State.

At inside linebacker, the talented Patrick Queen will contribute to the vaunted pass rush while serving as the primary communicator in the middle of the defense. Next to him will be second-year Payton Wilson, an explosive athlete who can hold his own as a rusher, run-stopper, or in coverage. Tackling machine Cole Holcomb makes his return from a knee injury that’s kept him off the field since halfway through the 2023 season. Malik Harrison comes over from division rival Baltimore in search of a larger role, and rookie Carson Bruener will try and work his way into the rotation as the season progresses.

Defensive Backs (8): Brandin Echols, DeShon Elliott, Donte Kent, Miles Killebrew, Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark (Thursday)

The Steelers took a big swing in the offseason by acquiring Jalen Ramsey from the Dolphins to bolster their secondary. While his days as the premier shutdown corner in the NFL are over, Ramsey is still one of the most decorated defensive backs in the game. The three-time All-Pro will be joined by 34 year-old Darius Slay Jr., another corner who’s a few years removed from their prime but still has the ability to perform at a high level. Ramsey and Slay will provide mentorship to Joey Porter Jr., who the Steelers are hoping to develop into a cornerstone of their defense. Porter Jr. has shown massive potential through his first two seasons (only one career touchdown allowed so far), and he’ll be a player to keep an eye on this year as he looks to take a huge leap forward. Brandin Echols comes over from the Jets to provide depth, as rookie Donte Kent starts the season on the injured reserve with a foot injury.

Juan Thornhill gets the nod at free safety after six seasons of quality starts in Kansas City and Cleveland. An excellent athlete who can cover the slot when necessary, Thornhill gives Pittsburgh's defense the ability to shift into different packages if necessary. DeShon Elliott returns at strong safety after a solid first year with the team. Elliott is a quality run-stopper who flies into the backfield to make contact with the ballcarrier. Miles Killebrew also returns as a special teams ace and a leader in the Steelers locker room. Chuck Clark was recently added to the Steelers roster as a replacement for the injured Kent.

ST: Chris Boswell, Christian Kuntz, Corliss Waitman

No new faces among the specialists in Pittsburgh this year. The ever-consistent Chris Boswell is back as the Steelers’ placekicker after turning in an All-Pro campaign in his ninth year in Pittsburgh. Boswell has made a living off of his pinpoint accuracy from long range, although Mike Tomlin would like to avoid using him as often as they did last year (44 FGA, including 15 from 50 yards or longer). Corliss Waitman will also return at punter along with Christian Kuntz, his long snapper. The duo will look to continue a productive operation after going the entire 2024 season without getting a punt blocked.