Ahead of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp at Saint Vincent\u2019s College in Latrobe (Penn) from July 24 through August 12, 2025, Steel City Underground presents outlooks on each positional group\u2019s depth chart and offers insight on how those players may fare ahead of the NFL regular season.<\/p>\n
The Pittsburgh Steelers are reporting to Saint Vincent College this week to open their 2025 training camp. After a tough stretch last season where the defense gave up significant yardage during a five-game losing streak that extended into the postseason, a bounce-back year is crucial for the Steelers to contend in the AFC North.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s defensive line is a compelling blend of youthful potential and seasoned experience. While some questions linger, the unit boasts immense upside, anchored by a familiar face and poised for a shake-up with this year\u2019s first-round pick.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a closer look at the Steelers\u2019 defensive linemen as we head into camp:<\/p>\n
Defensive line group:\u00a0Cameron Heyward<\/a>, Keeanu Benton<\/a>, DeMarvin Leal<\/a>, Isaiahh Loudermilk<\/a>, Dean Lowry<\/a>, Logan Lee, Derrick Harmon<\/a>, Yahya Black, Domenique Davis<\/a>, Daniel Ekuale<\/a>, Esezi Otomewo<\/a>, Jacob Slade<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Ageless Wonder<\/p>\n Cameron Heyward is entering his 15th season in the NFL and continues to age like a fine wine. Despite many criticizing his extension with the Steelers last offseason, the now 36-year-old took his spot among the best as an A.P. First-Team All-Pro in 2024.<\/p>\n Heyward rebounded from an injury-plagued 2023 to secure eight sacks, the second-most on the team, along with 12 tackles-for-loss. His contributions place him alongside Steelers legends as well, quietly passing James Harrison<\/a> for second-most sacks in franchise history, now behind his current teammate T.J. Watt<\/a>.<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Youth Movement<\/p>\n The defensive line is shifting to a youth movement, as General Manager Omar Khan used two picks in this year\u2019s NFL Draft to shore up concerns along the front.<\/p>\n Oregon\u2019s Derrick Harmon was taken with Pittsburgh\u2019s first round selection. The Steelers list Harmon was a 6\u20194\u2033 313 lbs. defensive tackle, but he will be expected to play all along the line, likely spelling and learning behind Heyward.\u00a0Iowa\u2019s Yahya Black, a fifth-round pick from this year\u2019s draft, is a massive addition listed at 336 lbs. who will pencil in as a nose tackle.<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Stepping Up<\/p>\n Black could see some starting reps, even ahead of Harmon, depending on where third-year pro Keeanu Benton is slated. For now, Benton will play next to Heyward in Pittsburgh\u2019s hybrid nickel, which uses a four-man front with two defensive linemen alongside two outside linebackers. Benton may also shift to nose tackle with Heyward and Harmon playing a traditional 3-4 defensive end.<\/p>\n Benton has been a consistent performer with 36 combined tackles and eight tackles-for-loss in\u00a0each of his first two seasons. He will be expected to produce more, now with the release of Larry Ogunjobi<\/a>.<\/p>\n