Steelers Are Seeing Huge Growth From Young Defensive Player Compared To 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently working at the team facilities as they go through Organized Team Activities. There are several new faces on the team that join a large core of returning players on the roster for the 2026 season under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The organization made a flurry of moves this offseason to bring in players to fill holes within the roster and did so on both sides of the football. Last week, they signed edge rusher Nick Herbig to a contract extension, but they are seeing growth from a different player compared to last year in the outside linebacker room.

Herbig will be joined again this season alongside his counterparts in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the defensive edge. The unit up front on defense for Pittsburgh looks to be a large force against the opposition, just like they were in the 2025 season. However, none of these guys are the ones that are really sticking out when it comes to growth from last year to this year.

On Tuesday, insider Mark Kaboly joined Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the Steelers Collective podcast to discuss the growth of another young defender. He mentioned that Jack Sawyer, the fourth-round selection of the 2025 NFL Draft, has been someone that has impressed. Kaboly highlighted a few differences he sees that have stood out in Sawyer's presence so far through OTAs.

"[Sawyer] looks different to me, I don't know about you guys," Kaboly said. "He looks like he got bigger, stronger, faster. Is that just me? What I'm saying is maybe he is ready."

If Sawyer is looking different as Kaboly pointed out, that gives the team four different options at the position in their rotation as potential starter-caliber players. The 6-foot-5 Ohio State University product is entering his second year with the organization. In his rookie season, he had two interceptions, as he appeared in in 17 games, to go along with 34 combined tackles.

While those numbers do not exactly jump out on the stat sheet, he started just one game for Pittsburgh, but managed to play in each game. If he is evolving in the facets in which Kaboly eluded to, it could be a year where he emerges onto the scene at his position in the NFL. While the team is not desperate for that to happen, it would add reliable depth for them at the position.

Steelers' Talented Defensive Front Has An Opportunity For A Huge Year

The defense will be overseen by Patrick Graham at defensive coordinator for his first year with the franchise. He previously spent multiple stints around the league that included time with the Las Vegas Raiders in the same position. He also worked in several different roles with the New England Patriots staff under legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Graham helped to orchestrate a defensive turnaround in Las Vegas, especially when the team finished ninth in scoring defense during the 2023 season.

This recent report of Sawyer and the difference Kaboly sees could be huge in helping to add another weapon to the arsenal for the new defensive coordinator. The team also added a reliable veteran in Sebastian Joseph-Day this offseason, signing him to a two-year, $11 million contract in free agency. He will provide a breather when needed for his teammates up front on the defensive line in 2026.

Graham will be looking to fix some issues for the Steelers' defense in his first year for the 2026 season. The unit finished 17th in scoring defense last year as well as 13th in rushing, but struggled in defending the pass with a 29th ranked finish. With an improved secondary in 2026, the emergence of Sawyer could make for a big year for the defensive front in the Steel City.

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