After a strategic overhaul initiated by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 NFL draft, the team has set its sights on revitalizing its defense. With the release of defensive back Ryan Watt and defensive tackle Montravius Adams, the Steelers are poised to make significant changes ahead of the upcoming season.

The defensive line will feature Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and first-round pick Derrick Harmon, recently drafted to fill the void left by Larry Ogunjobi. The edge rush will be spearheaded by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, forming a formidable duo. Inside linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen promise to bring speed and agility to the core of the defense.

In the secondary, the cornerback lineup includes Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Beanie Bishop, while Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott will anchor the safety positions, bolstered by the addition of Juan Thornhill, who will play a critical role in the Big Nickel package. With these alterations, the Steelers are determined to enhance their defensive capabilities and make a strong playoff push this season.

Jack Sawyer, the Pittsburgh Steelers' fourth-round pick, is set to redefine the team’s defensive potential. Coming from Ohio State, he brings a unique blend of toughness and football intelligence, which defensive coordinator Teryl Austin praises as ‘unbelievable intangibles.’ This aligns perfectly with the Steelers' push for a more physical identity after being outclassed in the Wild Card Round by the Baltimore Ravens. Sawyer’s ability to stop the run may significantly affect Pittsburgh's performance in the AFC North.

Despite not being the most athletic edge rusher, Sawyer's power and play strength position him well against the run, making him a valuable asset, especially in short-yardage situations. His role might not be as a starter but as a rotational player alongside stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, which could elevate Pittsburgh's defensive effectiveness in the upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized their 53-man roster predictions following the 2025 NFL Draft, incorporating five of their seven draft picks. Notably, the roster does not include Aaron Rodgers, reflecting the team’s ongoing quarterback strategy. The predicted roster showcases a strong offensive lineup featuring Mason Rudolph and newcomers, while the defense is led by standout players like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The wide receiver corps is significantly bolstered by talents such as DK Metcalf and George Pickens, which could offer an exciting dynamic this season. The offensive line appears robust with new additions expected to provide better protection for the quarterbacks and help the ground game. The roster reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and young players aiming to create a competitive squad for the upcoming season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to emphasize their defensive prowess, having reached the playoffs for the last two seasons. The team is inviting Nate Matlack, a standout edge rusher from the University of Pittsburgh, to rookie minicamp, signaling their interest in bolstering their defensive line. Matlack, despite only one season at Pitt, recorded five sacks and eight tackles for loss, showcasing his potential. His impressive pro day performances included a 4.75-second 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical leap, demonstrating his athleticism at 6'5" and 250 pounds. The Steelers already boast edge rushers like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, making Matlack a potential high-upside addition if he can adapt to the NFL level.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced a challenging history with their first-round draft picks over the past decade. Among the highlights, T.J. Watt, drafted in 2017, has established himself as the franchise's best pass rusher and a cornerstone of their defense. Ryan Shazier, whose career was tragically cut short by injury after being picked in 2014, showcased elite potential. Najee Harris, taken in 2021, delivered solid performance but didn't secure a second contract. Other notable picks include Terrell Edmunds and Bud Dupree, whose tenures were marked by mixed results. Conversely, selections like Artie Burns and Devin Bush fell short of expectations, with Burns failing to secure a starting role and Bush's career marred by injury. The recent picks of Kenny Pickett and Broderick Jones remain contentious, with Pickett being labeled a reach and Jones still developing.