DEFENSIVE TACKLE ROOM PREDICTIONS- Cameron Heyward (DE), Keeanu Benton (DT), Larry Ogunjobi (DE), Montravius Adams (DT), DeMarvin Leal (DE), Dean Lowry (DT) , Logan Lee (DE)
There are three things certain in life: death, taxes, and the Steelers having a great front seven. The Steelers will keep the same defensive line as the team did in 2023. However, the players’ roles may be different. As you might not know, Cameron Heyward is currently holding out of OTAs while this is being written. The six-time Pro-bowl lineman wants a new contract from the Steelers. But the organization is hesitant to give him one, with his age and past injuries being in consideration. Heyward is 35 years old and is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. With Heyward being a six-time pro bowler, three-time All-pro, and even the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the year award winner, the man should get paid.
Larry Ogunjobi is a veteran defensive tackle who will be going into his third season with the Steelers. this offseason, Ogunjobi was reported as a possible cap casualty. A cap casualty is when a player is released more due to the salary cap rather than production. However, as we can probably tell, Larry was not released and will be a part of the 2024 Steelers’ roster. Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi have been the two main starters on the defensive line since 2022. But this could change as there is a second-year nose tackle who could take over Ogunjobi’s role in the defense. The man in question is the 2023 third-round selection, Keeanu Benton. The Wisconsin student thrived in Heyward’s absence last season. Despite playing mostly in the A-gap, Benton surely has the talent to switch positions and move to left end to pair up with Heyward.
Montravius Adams was another player who performed well, while Heyward was injured. Adams had a career year in 2023, earning himself a nice extension with the Steelers this offseason. Heading into 2024, Adams will continue to be a reliable rotation piece in the defensive line. DeMarvin Leal is talented young man who just is not the greatest fit in the Steelers’ defense. Leal can play both outside and inside, which is unique for a defensive lineman. Dean Lowry bring this unit starting experience which can help the development of Keeanu Benton who plays similar to Lowry. Dean was a starter for both the Vikings and the Packers. Logan Lee is likely to make the 53-man roster due to being a rookie but will see little to no play time.