Pittsburgh’s Week 1 defense is reimagined around six new starters, with Loudermilk stepping in for Heyward as the anchor up front and a reshaped secondary led by Ramsey, Slay and Thornhill. Watt and Highsmith form the edge duo, while Queen and Wilson patrol the middle, complemented by a retooled back end featuring Porter Jr. and Thornhill. The unit leans on speed and versatility to pressure Zach Wilson and throttle the Jets’ passing game from the start, keeping the scoring ceiling high for fantasy defenses.

The secondary’s youth comes with upside and risk, as Slay, Ramsey and Porter Jr. bring playmaking and length, but their cohesion will be tested early. Thornhill provides range at free safety alongside Elliott at deep safety, creating a flexible, hybrid look on nickel. On the defensive line, Harmon’s debut in the rotation, Benton’s interior presence, and Loudermilk’s length inject disruption behind an upgraded linebacking corps. This group projects as a solid Week 1 fantasy play with a real chance for sacks, turnovers and a stout run stop.

From a fantasy perspective, Week 1 figures to be a grind-the-stats matchup for the Jets, with Pittsburgh's revamped front seven and savvy defensive backs posing frequent challenges. The Steelers’ mix of veteran leadership and youthful athleticism offers a high floor for tackles and a ceiling for big plays, especially with Watt and Highsmith teeing off. The new-look secondary can generate interceptions and pass deflections, heightening fantasy upside in a low-scoring affair.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recently highlighted an exciting training camp matchup that fans should keep an eye on: running back Kenneth Gainwell versus linebacker Payton Wilson. Gainwell, who joins Pittsburgh after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, has demonstrated impressive route-running skills from the backfield. Meanwhile, Wilson, entering his second year with the Steelers, aims to establish dominance in defending against such plays.

This matchup will be particularly intriguing when the pads come on, as both players represent critical roles in their respective positions. Gainwell’s versatility could create mismatches, while Wilson's growth and experience will be tested against a player of Gainwell’s caliber.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for Day 1 of OTAs on May 27, showcasing several key players to watch. Among them, Sebastian Castro and Payton Wilson are emerging as standout talents, while Mason Rudolph continues to vie for a prominent role within the team. These players will be crucial as the Steelers look to solidify their roster and enhance their performance in the upcoming season.

Castro, a defensive back, has drawn attention for his skills in coverage and ability to disrupt plays. Wilson, a linebacker, is expected to bring dynamic energy and decision-making to the defensive line, while Rudolph's experience as a quarterback could be vital as he pushes for a starting position amidst fierce competition. As the Steelers embrace new strategies, these players will be pivotal in determining the team's trajectory.

Payton Wilson has made a strong impression in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, overcoming injury concerns from the NFL draft to become a key contributor. As one of the highest-graded linebackers from his draft class, Wilson excelled on passing downs and showcased his tackling ability, positioning him for a promising role in 2025.

Meanwhile, Frankie Luvu of the Washington Commanders is a candidate for dynasty managers to trade away. His inconsistent production makes him less reliable, and with potential regression looming, now may be the optimal time to capitalize on his past performance. In contrast, other linebackers such as Tyrice Knight, Jaylon Carlies, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are highlighted as trade targets for those looking to bolster their rosters.