Steelers New DT Could Get Chance to Shine

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt surprise injury news following their recent loss to the Chicago Bears. Despite finishing the contest, rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon suffered a knee injury that has already ruled him out of the team's Week 13 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Mike Tomlin shared the unfortunate news during his weekly press conference, adding that the team likes the depth behind Harmon.

One of the players the Steelers might call on with Harmon sidelined is the recent addition from the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, Brodric Martin-Rhodes. Tomlin highlighted him as a player who could see an increased workload in Harmon's absence. But what can he bring to the Steelers, and what can the team expect from their newest defensive lineman?

Help in the run game

Martin-Rhodes broke into the league as a third-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 2023. Drafted out of Western Kentucky, the Lions selected him due to his size and projection as an ideal run-stuffing defensive tackle. Standing at 6'5" and listed at 330 pounds, he certainly fits the description for that hulking lineman every team wants along their defensive front.

That's what the Steelers could expect from the 26-year-old if he makes his debut with the organization against the Bills. While the Steelers' defense has given up one of the most average yards per game and sits in the bottom of passing defense, they have been a decent team stopping the run. Their average of 105.7 rrushing yards allowed per game ranks 15th in the NFL.

Martin-Rhodes can help keep that unit where it's at. In his career, he has just five games played with four total tackles. Despite the limited production and experience, he can provide a service in the run game. Taking advantage of his size, he could replace Harmon in the team's base package, lining up alongside Cam Heyward and Yahya Black on the defensive front. With that amount of size, they should be able to give some push at the line of scrimmage.