For better or worse: Rating the Steelers defensive positional units after the draft

[ASFN Admin]

There was a clear focus for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL draft when it came to defense. The organization wanted to get hard-nosed players and get stronger and more physical. Were they successful? Let's take a look at each of the Steelers defensive positional units and see which are better and which are worse from an underachieving group in 2024.

Defensive line - BETTER​

We are giving rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black the nod here over the guys they replaced, Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams. Harmon is poised to be a Cam Heyward-type player. Black is a huge, powerful nose tackle who should help the run defense.

Outside linebacker - BETTER​

The pick of edge defender Jack Sawyer came as something of a surprise, but in the fourth round, he was just too much of a bargain to pass up. The Steelers' pass rush took a hit last season and didn't hold up over the course of the season, so getting Sawyer as a fourth pass rusher is a huge boost.

Inside linebacker - BETTER​

The Steelers inside linebacker position wasn't improved by the draft but the healthy return of Cole Holcomb and the addition of Malik Harrison as backups to Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen give Pittsburgh a great four-man rotation.

Cornerback - PUSH​

The loss of Done Jackson was somewhat mitigated by the signing of Darius Slay but we don't see this group as improved. We are hopefully Cory Trice Jr. is better this season because if he isn't, this group is going to struggle.

Safety - BETTER​

We love the addition of Juan Thornhill as an upgrade over Damontae Kazee and if the Steelers keep a fifth safety, UDFA Sebastian Castro is another solid addition.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster: Rating the defensive positional units after the NFL draft

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