Pro Football Focus (PFF) has ranked the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive line as the best in the NFL, citing standout performances from players like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. This assessment factors in contributions from outside linebackers, which is a point of contention among critics. Both Watt and Heyward received high grades last season, with Heyward's 90.1 marking him second among interior defenders, while Watt's 91.7 placed him third among edge rushers.

The Steelers further enhanced their defensive unit by selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, replacing Larry Ogunjobi. With this move, and the depth available at key positions, the Steelers appear poised to continue dominating defensively.

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their top target for the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the 21st overall pick. Originally a three-star recruit from Detroit, Harmon made a significant impact during his collegiate career at Michigan State before transferring to Oregon, where he further developed his skills. As a sophomore, he recorded 30 tackles, including three for a loss, and added two sacks, demonstrating his potential as a formidable force on the defensive line. This pick reflects the Steelers' commitment to strengthening their front seven.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a rebuilding phase, with a roster featuring numerous young talents but few standout players under 25. Pro Football Focus recently highlighted the absence of Steelers in their top 25 under 25, sparking an internal evaluation of the team's youth. Topping the list is Zach Frazier, an impressive center who, despite only one season under his belt, shows potential to join the ranks of the franchise's legendary centers.

Next is EDGE Nick Herbig, who contributed significantly with 5.5 sacks in 2024 despite limited playtime. Following him is cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who had a promising rookie year but struggled in his second season. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton rounds out the top four, known for his physical presence, while rookie Derrick Harmon claims the fifth spot, highlighting the overall lack of depth in the young player pool.

Derrick Harmon, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has signed a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $17,973,604. This marks a significant milestone as he becomes the 20th first-round pick to ink a deal, ahead of the typical schedule for rookie signings.

The choice of Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon, raised eyebrows as many anticipated the Steelers would opt for a quarterback. With defensive tackle Montravius Adams released and Larry Ogunjobi departing for free agency, Harmon is poised to join the starting lineup alongside Keeanu Benton and the legendary Cameron Heyward.

Pittsburgh Steelers fans may be feeling apprehensive after Bleacher Report's recent evaluation of their 2025 offseason, where they received a dismal grade of D, ranking second to last in the NFL. The analysis highlights inadequacies across free agency, trades, and draft dealings, indicating a failure to significantly improve the roster. Key rookies Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, and Jack Sawyer are expected to contribute, but the impact of replacing established players with less experienced talent raises concerns about the team's depth and competitiveness.

Critics point to the controversial decision to invest heavily in 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, suggesting that reliance on an aging quarterback might not yield the desired results. The Steelers' offseason moves have drawn scrutiny, especially the transactions involving key players like Larry Ogunjobi, Najee Harris, and George Pickens. While the draft showcased a defensive focus, the overall impression is that the Steelers might struggle to keep pace with the league's evolving dynamics in 2025.