Steelers Have "Huge Defensive Linemen" In 2026 That Could Pay Off Quickly

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made it their goal to build the trenches early in the NFL Draft. Three of their last four first-round picks have been offensive linemen, with the other being a defensive tackle. The offensive line struggled in the 2026 preseason, but is poised for a big year, while the defensive line is expected to take a leap as well. Both sides of the ball contain levels of youth that should be huge through the later portion of the season. 

The team has struggled to stop the run in years past, with defensive linemen getting moved off the ball and inside linebackers getting mauled. Patrick Queen has been perhaps the biggest victim of this problem. He signed big-money as a free agent in 2024, but hasn't been able to find his game since putting on the Black and Gold. Now going into a contract season, the organization likely won't welcome him back after the production he's displayed, unless he's able to have a monster year.

The defensive line will mainly consist of Derrick Harmon, Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Yahya Back and Sebastian Joseph-Day. One thing these men have in common is their sheer size and run-stopping play style. Benton specifically actually shows the most value as a pass rusher and should be even better this season now that solid run stoppers surround him. 

Insider Nick Farabaugh recently appeared on an episode of Locked On hosted by fellow insider Christopher Carter, where he cited the defensive line's size as a strength. He believes Pittsburgh has one of the biggest defensive line groups in the NFL and that stopping the run should not be an issue for the unit. 

"They have huge defensive linemen... They should be good against the run," Farabaugh stated. "That, I think, is one thing very clear, Chris, and they need it because that's not Patrick Queen or Payton Wilson's game." 

The defensive line has been a work in progress, with Harmon and Black heavily relied on as rookies in 2025. Now, going into year two and with the addition of Joseph-Day, the unit should be stout against the run. The inside linebackers should have a much cleaner season and be more of a factor against the run. A healthy and returning Heyward should be the cherry on top as well.

With the size in the trenches, they will have natural limitations generating a pass rush. Benton and new face Kevin Jobity Jr. should help in this area. Benton had a career season in 2025 with 5.5 sacks, and Jobity is an undrafted free agent that went way under the radar during the exhibition matches. Benton has been paid as a good defensive tackle, but Jobity is a rookie and will need time to adjust to NFL speed. Once he gets going though, he should be a force.

Steelers May Need A Big Season From Jobity

Heyward remains one of the NFL's elite defensive tackles, but his sack production took a huge hit in 2025 with just 3.5. With his power, he is still a monster on the ground, but not the pass rusher he once was. Harmon and Black had exceptional rookie seasons, but didn't have much to offer against the pass. They started to sizzle out at the end of the season, which happens often to rookies, but analysts have questioned how much they can really develop.

As one of the only true pass rushers in the room, Jobity will likely play in many sub packages and get vertical penetration, which should allow him to get favorable matchups on the interior. Pittsburgh doesn't often rely on undrafted free agents, especially in the trenches, but Jobity is in a different situation. The organization values his ability to get to the quarterback and his effort to always be around the ball. After unexpectedly making the final 53-man roster, Jobity is gearing up for a potentially important role for the Steelers' defense. 

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