The Pittsburgh Steelers entered into the 2025 offseason with a few clear needs. One of the most pressing areas was on the defensive side of the ball, specifically the defensive line. This need became even more apparent when the Steelers decided to release Larry Ogunjobi, who later faced performance-enhancing drug violations. While Cam Heyward had an All-Pro caliber season in 2024, his age is becoming a concern, and the Steelers must start thinking about his long-term replacement.
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Former Steelers defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi during a home game in Pittsburgh.
The lack of depth across the defensive line was another issue, as the Steelers need to find reliable backups and replacements for previous starters. With Heyward aging and Ogunjobi no longer on the roster, Pittsburgh is left with a clear void that needs to be addressed. The hope heading into free agency was that the team could land a key player to bolster the defensive line. However, their attempts so far have fallen short, and the position remains a glaring need.
Steelers insider Gerry Dulac recently weighed in on the situation, suggesting that this failure in free agency makes it abundantly clear what the Steelers will focus on in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his article posted on Thursday for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dulac pointed to the defensive line as the Steelers' likely target with their 21st pick in the upcoming draft. With the team's defensive front in need of reinforcement, this seems to be a move the Steelers cannot afford to ignore.
"The delay in finding a starting quarterback aside, the Steelers' biggest failure in free agency was their inability to sign a proven defensive lineman, especially after releasing Larry Ogunjobi," Dulac said. "It puts them in a position where they are all but guaranteed to take one with the 21st selection in the draft. Or so it would appear."
Dulac is as plugged into the Steelers organization as anyone, with a deep understanding of what's going on behind the scenes. His prediction about the team's 2025 draft focus is less about insider information and more about reading the obvious needs the Steelers have. Given the current state of their roster, especially on the defensive line, Dulac’s insight feels almost like a guarantee rather than speculation.
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Steelers star defensive captain Cam Heyward looks on while getting warmed up for a big time game.
The 2025 draft class is notably deep at the defensive line position, making it an ideal year for teams with gaps to fill. For the Steelers, who are in desperate need of reinforcements up front, this presents an opportunity they can’t afford to pass up. With plenty of talent available, Pittsburgh would be wise to take a few calculated risks and aim for a mix of depth and potential stars to strengthen their defensive line for the future.
The Steelers have consistently addressed their defensive line needs in recent drafts, selecting a player at the position in each of the last seven years. In the 2023 draft, they picked Keeanu Benton in the second-round, and while he’s shown noticeable improvement and made an impact, there’s still work to be done. However, Benton has given Steelers fans plenty of reason to feel optimistic about his development moving forward.
Steelers Have A Plethora Of Talented Options In The 2025 NFL Draft
Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin have made it clear they were disappointed by the lack of improvements on the defensive line during free agency. With this void still unfilled, it seems all but certain that the Steelers will turn to a deep and loaded draft class to bolster the position. As for who might be available with the 21st overall pick, one of the top options appears to be Kenneth Grant from Michigan. While his teammate, Mason Graham, will likely be off the board by then, Grant could be taken earlier as well.
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Michigan Wolverines' Kenneth Grant pumps up the crowd after making a big time play in college against USC.
Other potential targets for the Steelers at that spot include Walter Nolen and Derrick Harmon, who could still be available when Pittsburgh is on the clock. This draft class is rich in talent, and many believe the Steelers might even look to double down on the defensive line. Fans are excited at the prospect of improving the defensive front through this draft, hoping to strengthen the unit for the future.
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