Steelers Hear Harsh Truth About Critical Roster Weakness

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was supposed to be a strength heading into the 2024 season. That was certainly true early in the year as the unit came out strong and looked like one of the league’s best. However, as the season progressed, the defense began to slip, particularly in their ability to stop the run. Despite being the highest-paid defense in the NFL that season, the Steelers gave up 299 rushing yards in a 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, ending their season in embarrassing fashion.

That performance forced the Steelers to re-evaluate their defensive line, and they responded by selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon is a powerful interior presence who the team believes can help fix their issues against the run. With additional reinforcements added in free agency, the Steelers feel they have strengthened the group. However, there are still lingering doubts from those who follow the team closely.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly shared his thoughts on the latest episode of his Kaboly + Mack podcast, expressing concern that the upgrades may not be enough. While he believes Harmon has the potential to make an impact, Kaboly questioned whether the rest of the defensive line will hold up when it matters most. 

"We're talking about offensive line [and], I might be more worried about the defensive line," Kaboly said. "You got 39-year-old [Cameron] Heyward, I mean, what is he, 36? You got [Keeanu] Benton that pretty much leveled off his second year, and you got a rookie. And a bunch of other guys."

He pointed out that stopping the run consistently requires more than just one player, and he remains skeptical that the Steelers have done enough to fix the issue that ultimately ended their season.

The Steelers saw Cam Heyward turn in an unexpected All-Pro season. Many had started to write Heyward off, but in 2024 he did the impossible and delivered one of the best performances of his career. The Steelers will need that same level of play from Heyward again in 2025, and they will also need Keeanu Benton to take a significant leap in his third season.

"You're coming off a 300-yard game you allowed the Ravens in the playoffs, and did you upgrade? You upgraded, but maybe not immediately upgraded," Kaboly said. "Heyward has to play out of his mind. Benton has to take that step forward. And Harmon has to be a guy that can play right away. You run the ball until you prove that you can't. I'm sure teams right now are saying, 'If this team is weak, we can get 'em up the gut.'" 

That playoff loss to the Ravens was about as bad as it gets. It wasn’t just that the Steelers struggled offensively. It was the fact that the highest-paid defense in the NFL gave up 299 rushing yards in one of the most important games of the season. The Ravens do have a dangerous rushing attack with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but that does not excuse the Steelers’ failure to contain them. It was a disappointing way to end the year and highlighted a serious problem that could no longer be ignored.

Steelers Feel Confident In New Additions To The Defensive Line

Along with selecting Harmon in the first round, the Steelers added defensive lineman Yahya Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Black is viewed as a sleeper prospect who could earn a meaningful role if he gets off to a strong start. The Steelers believe they have addressed their defensive issues through the draft, and the new faces bring some much-needed hope to that side of the ball.

Still, there are doubts about whether those changes will be enough. According to Kaboly, all of the Steelers’ offseason potential will go to waste if the defensive line does not take a major step forward in 2025. The team may look better on paper, but the pressure is on for the defense to perform when it counts.

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