The Pittsburgh Steelers have been under intense scrutiny throughout the offseason due to the wide range of big moves they’ve made. From trades and free agent signings, to this year's draft picks, fans and analysts have been closely watching every move the organization takes. For months, speculation grew about which big name the Steelers might bring in next, with each move sparking heated debate. Now that offseason programs are in full swing and the new roster is taking shape, the spotlight has shifted to how these pieces will come together on the field. However, despite the excitement and anticipation, there are still plenty of skeptics who are still worried about how the team will perform once the season officially starts.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 minicamp, Wednesday June 11, 2025.
Recently, Steelers Insider Mark Kaboly shared a mailbag post on X, where he responded to a wide range of questions submitted by fans. One of the standout questions he received focused on the Steelers' defense, specifically, whether he has confidence in the unit and if he believes they have the potential to become a top five ranked defense in the league this upcoming season. His answer may or may not surprise you, especially considering the high expectations following the team's offseason additions and returning defensive talent.
"No," Kaboly answered. "I agree with you that they have the talent and the instruction, but you can only rely on talent so much. This staff has to come up with wrinkles to help them out. I do believe they are capable of tweaking the scheme, but I need to see it first."
There has been mounting pressure on the Steelers' defense heading into this season, largely due to a combination of aging veteran players, ongoing injury concerns, and a few other lingering issues that have affected overall performance. Acknowledging these concerns, the Steelers’ front office made it clear that improving the defense was a major priority. This was clear during the 2025 NFL Draft, where the team used five of their seven total draft picks to address and reinforce key areas on the defensive side of the ball.
One of the most notable defensive additions the Steelers made in the draft was selecting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. As with any first-round selection, this pick comes with big expectations and a lot of pressure. Harmon now has the pressure of proving to both fans and staff that he was worthy of being chosen so early.
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Former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
However, what makes his transition even more promising is the attitude he has already shown. Harmon has publicly expressed his deep respect and admiration for veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward, a leader on the Steelers’ defense. By showing this level of humility and willingness to learn, Harmon is positioning himself to develop under the guidance of one of the league’s most respected defensive players.
However, despite the excitement surrounding the Steelers’ new additions, a significant amount of pressure, and even blame, is being directed toward the coaching staff, at least according to Kaboly. While players like Harmon have the potential to make a major impact for years to come, raw talent alone isn’t enough. The responsibility now falls heavily on the coaching staff to develop these players effectively and put them in positions to succeed. With so much talent on the roster, it will be crucial for the coaches to guide them accurately and ensure they perform at the highest level possible.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin at a Pittsburgh Steelers practice.
Steelers Have Other Problems To Address On Defense
Another major storyline this offseason has been the absence of a new contract for star edge rusher TJ Watt. Watt is not only one of the most important pieces on the Steelers’ defense, but also of the entire team. However, securing his future with the organization comes with a hefty price tag. His contract situation has been a hot topic, especially since Watt has yet to attend any of the team’s offseason programs. Despite the uncertainty, there may be reason for optimism, as recently, quarterback Aaron Rodgers hinted during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show that a deal could be on the horizon, giving fans hope that Watt will remain a Steeler.
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