With the NFL Draft less than a month away, our look continues at potential mid- and late-round prospects the Steelers could target.
In the past, we’ve looked at the offensive tackles, the interior offensive line and the wide receivers. Today we turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball.It’s never a bad idea to constantly upgrade your defensive line. Graves is arguably the most effective position group on the field, and teams should always be looking for upgrades and new legs to add.
Defensive line is also a glaring need for the Steelers that I don’t think is talked about enough.Cam Heyward is signed through 2025 but turns 35 in May. He battled injuries in 2023 and will likely weigh on how long his body can play. Larry Ogunjobi is under contract until 2025, but his deal has potential beyond this season.
Keeanu Benton showed promise and signed a rookie contract.If you’ve been following this series, you already know that athletes are important to me and the Steelers wanted one. Maason Smith more than fits, even on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freak List” in 2023. Smith was No. 17 on Feldman’s list, one spot ahead of Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who was drafted at the end of the first round . in multiple drafts.Smith was a coveted prospect out of college. Smith, a five-star recruit, is Louisiana’s top prospect in the 2021 class, ahead of a trio of receivers you’ve no doubt heard a lot about this draft cycle.
