One thought on T.J. Watt and every other Steelers defensive player

New York Times

5 hours ago

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense finished eighth-best in scoring (20.4 points per game), tied for the league lead with 33 turnovers and helped carry the team to two wins in which the offense failed to reach the end zone. However, that same defense wilted down the stretch against quality quarterbacks and physical rushing offenses. Over the final four games of the regular season and in the wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, opponents averaged 27.4 points per game.
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After making coaching changes in the secondary (Gerald Alexander) and at inside linebacker (Scott McCurley), as well as some schematic tweaks, can their performance match their oversized cap hit? In a world where expectations are often tied to compensation, the Steelers will spend $27.7 million more on defense than the second-highest paid group.
As we countdown to training camp, here's one thought on every player from the defense. In case you missed it, we broke down the offense yesterday.
Minkah Fitzpatrick: The ballhawking prowess that made Fitzpatrick one of the highest-paid players at his position disappeared, as he's intercepted just one pass over the last two years combined. Some like to blame the defensive decision-makers, but they have played Fitzpatrick in two different ways with no difference (in 2023, he was in the slot and near the line of scrimmage more than ever, and last year, he focused primarily on playing the deep middle). However, with schematic changes to the defense that mirror Fitzpatrick's college assignments at Alabama, a better third safety (Juan Thornhill) who will put Fitzpatrick in different places, a new secondary coach and corners more capable of playing man coverage (which often leads to tips and overthrows), it wouldn't be surprising to see the splash return.
DeShon Elliott: He was one of the best bargains in football last year, as 49 NFL safeties (including Miles Killebrew) made more. His instincts and run-stuffing prowess earned Elliott a new contract. Will the Steelers still lean into his strengths by continuing to play Elliott in the box or will he have a more diverse role?
Juan Thornhill: A sneaky important player on the roster, Thornhill's addition gives the Steelers solid depth and, more importantly, should allow them to lean into their three-safety defenses (a big nickel version and a dime version). Will the Steelers like the look of the big nickel enough to make that one of their primary packages?
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Miles Killebrew: He's a Pro Bowl special teamer with a knack for blocking punts. However, even when the Steelers endure numerous injuries to safeties (like in 2023), they have been hesitant to play Killebrew on defense. While his special teams contributions are significant, is this money well spent if he's not even a backup?
Sebastian Castro: The 5-foot-11 and 203-pound DB had a draftable grade by many analysts but didn't hear his name called on draft weekend. A versatile defender, he played the 'Cash' position at Iowa, functioning as a hybrid LB/DB. While that could make him a fit as a backup in the three-safety defenses, numbers will be tight at DB.
Joey Porter Jr.: How much will he shadow the opponents' No. 1 WR and can he cut down on the penalties?
Darius Slay: While so many have focused on his age (34), he's still an upgrade over last year's No. 2 CB and could give the Steelers more opportunities to play man or zone match. (They played more Cover 3 last year because it fit Donte Jackson's playing style).
Brandin Echols: He played primarily on the outside during OTAs and minicamp but also has appeared in the slot. Does he unseat someone to become a starter or just provide depth and special teams contributions?
Cory Trice Jr.: An intriguing seventh-round pick in 2023, who had much higher grades by most, Trice lost his rookie year to an ACL injury and dealt with hamstring issues last year. When he did play, it was mostly as an extra DB in dime. Will he be the first outside corner off the bench?
Beanie Bishop: He learned as an undrafted rookie last year that just because you begin the year as the starter doesn't mean you'll finish the season that way.
James Pierre: He somehow always finds a way to stick around. Will he be able to continue to do so with several additions at DB?
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Donte Kent: Teams don't like to cut their draft picks. But when you crunch the numbers, this seventh-round pick could find himself near the roster's fringe. He's listed as CB/PR, so maybe his return ability helps him stick as he fights for more in the nickel.
D'Shawn Jamison: A relatively unknown player has the chance to surprise in training camp. The 5-foot-9, 186-pound defensive back's fluid and athletic movements stood out during offseason workouts. He's a dark horse candidate to find a role on special teams and as a reserve in the nickel.
Quindell Johnson: He played in nine games for the Bears last year and intercepted one pass.'
Cameron McCutcheon: A 6-foot-3, 200-pound corner who played mostly outside in college.
Kyler McMichael: A 6-foot, 210-pound DB, McMichael is another UDFA looking to stick somehow.
Cameron Heyward: Last year, Heyward had a strong case for Comeback Player of the Year (had it not been for Joe Burrow), as the Steelers defensive tackle returned from a pair of surgeries to produce his seventh Pro Bowl season in the last eight years. Can he post another to strengthen his case for Canton while he chases the elusive Lombardi?
Keeanu Benton: Benton has been more than solid since his rookie season, but the Steelers are looking for him to become dominant. Will he and how much will his usage grow in sub-packages when the Steelers go to a four-man front?
Derrick Harmon: The Steelers have made it no secret that Harmon will immediately step into a starting role at the left defensive end in the 3-4 defense, where he'll play alongside T.J. Watt. But it will be more interesting to see how he looks in sub packages after leading interior defensive linemen in pressures at the college level. Can his finish more plays after also leading his position in missed tackles (12)?
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Isaiahh Loudermilk: After four years, Loudermilk probably is what he is: A rotational backup. Is it possible he gets leapfrogged by some newcomers or is he still one of the first replacements off the bench?
Yahya Black: At 6-foot-6 and 336, Black brings outstanding length and size to defend the run. Long term, the dream scenario would be for Black to develop enough at nose tackle that he's part of a youth movement on the defensive front. (He could line up between Benton and Harmon, eventually). Short term, how much can he become part of the rotation as a rookie?
Daniel Ekuale: After staring just five games over his first five seasons combined (all in 2020), Ekuale started 16 last year for the Patriots due to injury. As a backup nose (who can also play some 3-4 defensive end), he could be a rotational contributor.
Logan Lee: After missing his entire rookie year with injury, this 2024 sixth-round pick will be interesting to watch during preseason games when backups get a ton of snaps.
DeMarvin Leal: Will he ever figure it out? After flashing promise as a rookie, Leal has never done enough to become a factor on defense.
Domenique Davis: The former Cincinnati Bengal has appeared in just two games (2022) and could be headed to the practice squad.
Esezi Otomewo: He's played in just nine games in his NFL career, five in 2022 with Minnesota and four in 2024 with Jacksonville.
Jacob Slade: A former Michigan State Spartan, Slade has yet to make his NFL debut.
Patrick Queen: Signed to be the quarterback of the Steelers' defense, Queen was solid last year but is looking to produce more splash. I noticed him often working on the JUGs machine by himself while the offense was on the field during OTAs and minicamp.
Payton Wilson: Last season, Wilson earned the majority of his playing time in nickel packages, where his coverage ability shined. With Elandon Roberts gone, how much will Wilson's usage expand in other packages? While Wilson brings elite speed for his position and a tenacious mentality, he needs to get off blocks better to be a factor on run downs.
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Malik Harrison: Is it too simple to think of him as a one-for-one replacement for Roberts in the base defense alongside Queen? With a physical playing style and bruising body type, he'd fit the mold. It's also worth wondering if the Steelers get creative with Harrison, given his experience playing OLB.
Cole Holcomb: After a gruesome knee injury in 2023, Holcomb deserves credit for battling back. Of all the defensive players, it's hardest to determine where he fits in what's usually a three-ILB rotation. He's been playing some special teams to try to earn his spot in another way.
Mark Robinson: A training camp darling during his rookie year, Robinson's football IQ and instincts have never caught up to his fearless, downhill style in the years since. The Steelers will have to decide if Robinson's special teams contributions are worth a roster spot or if his stint in Pittsburgh could be nearing an end.
Carson Bruener: One of the best stories of the rookie class, Bruener was in the exact same seat in his family's cabin as his father was decades earlier on draft night. His straight-line speed makes him a special teams candidate.
Devin Harper: A former Cowboy and Bengal, Harper has played 12 games from 2022 to 2023 but didn't see the field last year.
T.J. Watt: Will the Steelers make him go through the same song and dance as his last negotiation or will they resolve this contract dispute before camp?
Alex Highsmith: He recorded 14.5 sacks in 2022 to earn a contract extension but was limited to seven in 2023 and played in just 11 games last year due to injury. Can this fan of superheroes prove he's another Batman off the edge?
Nick Herbig: How many creative ways can the Steelers find to get this talented, young edge rusher on the field? They dabbled with a one-dimensional rush package last year that featured Watt, Highsmith and Herbig on the field together before Highsmith's injuries.
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Jack Sawyer: The Steelers weren't targeting an edge rusher in the draft. However, when Sawyer was available in the fourth round, Pittsburgh selected the best available player on their board. If there's an injury to one of the two top dogs, Sawyer could be utilized on run downs, while Herbig is the choice in passing situations for a by-committee approach.
Jeremiah Moon: At 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, he has great length, which helped him block a punt last year. He earned opportunities when Highsmith was injured last year and might be able to fight his way onto the 53-man roster because of special teams. The practice squad seems more likely.
Eku Leota: The 6-foot-5, 257-pound linebacker played in one game last year and could be a practice squad candidate.
Julius Welschof: The German-born athlete impressed during preseason games last year before sustaining an injury. He's a free roster spot on the practice squad as a part of the NFL's International Player Pathway, but can he surprise and become more?
(Top photos of Minkah Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt: Joe Sargent and Cooper Neill / Getty Images)