There have been ups and downs to the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 season. It all began with a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and then another beatdown not too long after at the hand of the Houston Texans in Week 4. The defense for Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin has come up with timely plays, but there have also been games in which glaring issues were evident. One of those concerning areas has come in the trenches. There have been situations when the defensive line has struggled. The unit is in the bottom half of the league when it comes to yards per carry allowed.
Steeler Nation is adamant that the organization should look at quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive linemen and cornerbacks in the 2024 offseason. Those are all positions that need to be evaluated, respectively, but the defensive line needs to be at the top of the list. There are several indications that would hint to the fan base that focusing on a lineman or two in the 2024 NFL Draft could be a serious possibility.
Steelers' DeMarvin Leal Seems To Be Exiting Team's Future Plans
DeMarvin Leal was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The emergence of Keeanu Benton quickly jumped Leal. Armon Watts and Isaiahh Loudermilk have played more recently than Leal, but aside from Benton, none of the defensive players named seem to be in the future plans to build a dominant running-stopping force in Pittsburgh.
Cameron Heyward recently mentioned that the 2023 campaign has taken a toll on his body and he won't commit to anything moving forward. Larry Ogunjobi signed a lucrative contract, but isn't getting any younger, either. With Benton being the only guaranteed hope for the future, General Manager Omar Khan has his hands full when it comes to rebuilding the group.
It would be shocking if Leal didn't make it through training camp in 2024, especially on a rookie contract. Unfortunately for him, though, he seems to be in a potential Kendrick Green predicament. The two aren't exactly the same, as Green was a full-time starter immediately, but their second seasons both saw a lack of production along with not too much playing time. Green didn't even see the field in his sophomore campaign.
The history of the Steelers was built on championships and incredible defense. The franchise has gotten away from holding offenses to less than 300 yards. Teams don't fear playing Tomlin and Austin's defense in 2023. The difference in the future will not just hinge on the performances of TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. A difference-making defensive front could potentially lead to a frightening Pittsburgh defense in the years to come.
The organization hasn't been afraid to show its cards in the past and it already appears as if Leal isn't in the plans long-term. That, combined with how the current line is made up should hint to fans that it will be an emphasis throughout the 2024 offseason. There is plenty of depth in the 2024 NFL Draft and the position could need a complete overhaul.
There's no doubt that the Steelers are far from experiencing any kind of dynasty. The routes of the franchise were developed from running the football and holding a stout defense. The line on that side of the ball is far from solidified and, aside from Benton, one could argue that there are plenty of open spots heading into 2024. Free agency will be tapped into, but the draft is where Pittsburgh should attack.
More must-reads: