By addressing the defensive line early in the draft, the Steelers returns to…
In order to bolster their roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers will investigate many options in the forthcoming 2024 NFL Draft. It’s widely believed that the team will want to choose a wide receiver, cornerback, and center in the first three rounds. Even though the Steelers signed Dean Lowry and brought back Montravius Adams, they still need to improve their defensive line. While discussing Pittsburgh’s draft needs on PFT Live, Chris Simms expressed his belief that the Steelers should choose a defensive lineman early in order to restore their defense to a premier level.
“The Steelers saying, ‘Hey, I’m Mike Tomlin, and we’re gonna get back to Steelers, Blitzburgh, dominant defense,’ would not surprise me. We’re going to add one of these elite defensive linemen to our front seven along with these other players we have,” Simms stated.
He believes that throughout the first two rounds, the Steelers would take care of the trenches.
“As far as O-line and D-line are concerned, I would assume those are being considered for the first two rounds,” he remarked.
An aging Cameron Heyward anchors the Steelers’ defensive line, so adding a young player who can develop with Keeanu Benton to shape the team’s future may be a wise decision.The organization undoubtedly thought that DeMarvin Leal would grow, and the depth of the defensive line was a problem the previous year. Lowry’s addition gives the team a dependable veteran who can effectively take Armon Watts’ spot even though the two have distinct skill sets. However, there is still space for more, and the Steelers are considering the position. Today, they are meeting LSU defensive end Maason Smith for a pre-draft visit. Yesterday, Florida DL Braden Fiske was also in for the team.
Although Smith isn’t currently expected to be selected in the first two rounds, the Steelers may take a look at a player like Ruke Orhorhoro of Clemson in the second round.
Simms believes, however, that the Steelers should take a huge swing in the first round, but this is probably only going to happen if highly regarded defensive lineman are selected by Pittsburgh at No. 20. Prospect defensive tackles Jer’Zhan Newton of Illinois and Byron Murphy II of Texas may both be available, but it’s possible they’ll be gone before the Steelers have an opportunity to make a selection.
Considering the requirements the Steelers presently have, strengthening the defensive line is an intriguing move to think about, but I don’t see them making it in the first round. Although you can add wide out to the mix, offensive tackle, center, and cornerback are more important positions. In my opinion, the Steelers are content to wait until Day 2 to choose a wideout. Without a question, though, the organization will try to address the defensive line at some point in the draft. Hopefully, the choice is made and the Steelers can resume their status as a top defense.