The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves with one of the better defensive units in the NFL entering the 2025 season. With multiple new faces set to practice in a Steelers uniform for the first time at the start of training camp, many believe that Pittsburgh's mix of rising stars and veterans could play a crucial role in their success throughout 2025. Led by TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, Pittsburgh's defense has consistently been a focal point throughout the history of the team, and should face no problem continuing down that route throughout 2025.
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Steelers' TJ Watt holds his arms out in celebration after a big play during a home game in Pittsburgh.
One of the newest members of the Steelers' defense is superstar cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, as the veteran was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in June. Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, is an elite cornerback who is projected to play a crucial role in Pittsburgh's secondary throughout the 2025 campaign.
Ramsey has thrived throughout his entire career, as the athletic corner could potentially see time at safety throughout the season as well. As social media continues to buzz with excitement surrounding Pittsburgh's defense, former NFL star Luke Kuechly took a moment to share his thoughts on the unit on the Up & Adams Show.
"Pittsburgh is always tough." Kuechly stated. "They got some stuff to figure out. Everyone's looking at the TJ Watt situation, and then them sending Minkah down to Miami, but you look at the build of that secondary with Darius Slay, Joey Porter, Jalen Ramsey and then you have Highsmith on the edge. TJ Watt on the other side, Cam Heyward on the inside. They kind of have a little bit of everything."
Kuechly then went on to speak about the Steelers' depth on all three levels, claiming the team has the perfect mix of players to set itself up for success in 2025.
"They got that three level approach. The TJ Watt stuff I think gets figured out, but that defense on all three levels again is going to have a really good opportunity to be a dangerous team next year in the NFL."
Kuechly is someone fans may want to pay close attention to, as the former NFL star is a seven-time Pro Bowler, and five-time All-Pro who knows how to read a defense at an elite level. Watt's contract extension talks remain a real concern, as the loss of a player of Watt's caliber could be detrimental to the Steelers' defense. Watt will remain under contract for the entire 2025 season despite the recent drama, as the superstar should have no problem picking up where he left off in 2024.
The Steelers are expecting big seasons out of both Ramsey and Heyward as well, as both veterans will be key pieces on Pittsburgh's defensive unit. Heyward, a 14-year veteran who has spent his entire career with the Steelers, is an elite defensive tackle who has thrived throughout every stage of his career.
Ramsey, a nine-year veteran and Super Bowl champion, should have no problem finding his role in the Steelers' secondary rather quickly, as the former Los Angeles Ram played a crucial role in their 2022 Super Bowl run as well.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cam Heyward gets ready to make a play during Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers' Rookie Derrick Harmon Slated For Big Role In 2025
With multiple new faces on the Steelers' defense looking to make an impact, none may have more of a crucial long-term impact than rookie defensive lineman, Derrick Harmon. Harmon, a first-round selection in this year's draft out of Oregon, was an elite prospect and was widely regarded as a top overall prospect on defense. Harmon thrived at the college level, as the former Duck played a key role in Oregon's playoff run last season.
Perry Knotts / Associated Press
The Pittsburgh Steelers select DL Derrick Harmon out of the University of Oregon with the 21st choice in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Harmon is an extremely durable player, as the star did not miss a single game an the collegiate level throughout his three seasons at Oregon. Both Heyward and Watt are expected to mentor Harmon throughout his rookie season as well, as Harmon will now be under the wing of two elite veterans. With the start of training camp just days away, fans can expect to get a glimpse of the Steelers' first round pick practicing in full pads sooner rather than later.
As the start of the regular season continues to grow closer, the Steelers find themselves with one of the best defensive units in all of football. The Watt extension remains a major priority for the remainder of the offseason, as fans can expect more clarity on the situation at the start of training camp. Ramsey should face no problem thriving throughout camp as well, as multiple new players will look to shine and make their presence known throughout the remainder of the offseason.
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