Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods works out during NFL Pro Day, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The following is the third of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position-by-position analyses for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins next Thursday in Pittsburgh:

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Current roster: Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Kyler Baugh

Last five drafts: Benton (second round, 2023) has done a good job but needs to take another step up in play. Black (fifth round, 2025) got his feet wet last year.

Top defensive tackles (3-4 scheme) available: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State; Lee Hunter, Texas Tech; Caleb Banks, Florida; Domonique Orange, Iowa State

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: No nose tackle prospects

Possible Steelers picks: McDonald; Hunter; Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State

Analysis: With Benton and Black, the Steelers appear to be OK in the middle of the defensive line. However, they could target someone like McDonald in the first round, and then ultimately shift Benton around at various spots on the line. Hunter would be more of a second-round pick. More than likely, if the Steelers take a nose tackle, someone like Jackson would make more sense in the third or fourth round.

DEFENSIVE ENDS

Current roster: Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon, Esezi Otomewo, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Logan Lee, Anthony Goodlow, Jahvaree Ritzie

Last five drafts: Isaiahh Loudermilk (fifth round, 2021) was serviceable for five seasons but is now a free agent. DeMarvin Leal (third round, 2022) could be considered a bust, and the jury is still out on Lee (sixth round, 2024).

Top defensive ends (3-4 scheme) available: Keldric Faulk, Auburn; Peter Woods, Clemson; Christen Miller, Georgia

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Penn State’s Zane Durant will need to find a right fit with a team. He is projected in mock drafts to be taken anywhere from the third to the sixth round.

Possible Steelers picks: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan; Josiah Green, Duke

Analysis: By taking Harmon in the first round last year and signing Joseph-Day in the offseason — not to mention Heyward still playing at an elite level — the Steelers shouldn’t be in the market for one of the top defensive ends this year. They currently have five picks in the last three rounds, so that might be a good spot to take one with a lot of upside.

Coming Saturday-Sunday: Offensive line