Upon Review: Grading the 2025 Steelers defensive linemen

Steel City Underground presents it’s ‘Upon Review’ series of Pittsburgh Steelers positional group grades for the 2025 NFL season with statistical analysis and performance reviews.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise uneven 2025 NFL season, anchoring a unit that ranked third in Pro Football Focus’ final defensive line rankings with a 76.9 overall grade. Despite the team’s 10-7 record and a playoff berth, the defense as a whole struggled, finishing 32nd against the pass and allowing 30-plus points in four of the first eight games. But the linemen’s improving run defense and consistent pressure helped keep Pittsburgh competitive.

We analyze both the key defensive line personnel as well as rotational players for 2025 and offer grades for the season.

Key defensive linemen

Cameron Heyward

Led by veteran Heyward, the defensive line group combined for more than 200 tackles and 20 sacks, per ESPN and The Football Database data. Heyward, at age 36, defied expectations with 78 tackles (38 solo), 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, six passes defensed and one forced fumble in 17 games. His performance earned him second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors and a first-team nod from PFF, where he posted a league-leading 90.4 overall grade among interior defenders — including 84.5 in run defense and 85.6 in pass rushing.

Heyward’s 53 pressures ranked ninth among NFL defensive tackles, and his 3.8% missed tackle rate was third-best for defenders with 700-plus snaps. His leadership and production remain the foundation of the Steelers’ front, even as questions linger about his long-term future.

Grade: A

Keeanu Benton

Benton, the 24-year-old nose tackle in his third season, took a significant step forward as Heyward’s complement. The Wisconsin product tallied 51 total tackles, 5.5 sacks and 41 sack yards lost across 17 games, emerging as a disruptive force in the interior. Benton’s ability to collapse pockets helped the Steelers generate 48 team sacks, ranking in the top 10 league-wide per NFL.com stats. While his run-stopping was solid, contributing to Pittsburgh’s No. 7 ranking in yards per rush allowed (4.3), he occasionally struggled in coverage assignments.

With another offseason, Benton could solidify himself as a Pro Bowl candidate.

Grade: B+

Daniel Ekuale

The 32-year-old journeyman (acquired via free agency), provided reliable depth at defensive tackle. In 17 games, he contributed modestly with tackles in the low double-digits, focusing on run stuffing. PFF assigned him a 73.3 overall grade, reflecting solid but unspectacular play in 400-plus snaps. His experience helped stabilize the line during injuries, but limited pass-rush production (under two sacks) capped his influence.

Grade: B-

Rotational players

Rookie Derrick Harmon, a first-round pick from Oregon, made an immediate impact despite the typical adjustment period for newcomers. The 22-year-old defensive tackle recorded 27 tackles, three sacks and nine sack yards lost in limited snaps, showing flashes of the pass-rush prowess that earned him an 86.3 college PFF grade. Harmon’s quick first step and motor were evident in key wins, including a multi-tackle performance against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Inconsistency against veteran blockers limited his role early on. As part of a deep rotation, he helped the line’s 1.0297 PFF Wins Above Replacement rating, third-best in the NFL. Harmon’s upside suggests he could pair with Benton for years to come.

Grade: B+

Yahya Black – The rookie defensive end from Iowa, flashed potential in preseason but logged minimal regular-season stats as a reserve. At 6-foot-5 and 336 pounds, his size fits the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme, but more experience will give him an opportunity to improve his skill set  for future play. Grade: C-

Esezi Otomewo – The 26-year-old defensive end, saw spot duty with nine total tackles, one sack and minimal yards lost. The Minnesota alum’s athleticism shone in brief appearances, but limited opportunities – often under 10 snaps per game. Grade: C

Logan Lee – In his second year, he appeared in a handful of games with negligible stats. The Iowa product focused on special teams, but showed promise in run defense. Grade: C

Isaiahh Loudermilk – In his fifth season, “Milk” remained a rotational piece with under 20 tackles and no sacks recorded. The 6-7 Wisconsin alum’s length aids in batting passes, but production waned. Grade: C-

Dean Lowry – The veteran defensive tackle, brought 10 years of experience to the roster but saw his role diminished, contributing sparingly with tackles in the single digits. His pedigree added mentorship, but on-field impact was limited. Grade: C

Reserves like Kyler Baugh, Anthony Goodlow, K.J. Henry and Jahvaree Ritzie saw even less action, often inactive or on practice squads. Their grades: Incomplete, as snaps were too few to evaluate meaningfully.

Final analysis and group grade

Overall, the Steelers’ defensive line earned a collective B- for 2025. Strengths included run defense (Pittsburgh allowed 1,922 rushing yards, middle of the pack) and interior pressure, ranking third in PFF WAR. Weaknesses surfaced in pass defense support, as the team surrendered 4,437 passing yards. With Heyward anchoring and young talents like Harmon and Benton developing, the group positions Pittsburgh well for 2026 – provided they address depth and health concerns.