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.