The last time the Pittsburgh Steelers selected a defensive lineman with a first-round choice to suit their 3-4 scheme was thirteen years ago.
Despite coming off a core muscle injury that cost him six games early in the previous season and heading into the final year of his contract—and maybe his career—Cameron Heyward is still going strong as he gets closer to 35 years old.
The Steelers have been gradually selecting Heyward’s replacement in recent years, though not with their first pick.
The Steelers selected edge rusher DeMarvin Leal with their third-round pick (84th overall) in 2021; Leal is not your normal tackle. The Steelers selected Keeanu Benton, who has the build and attitude to play inside, with their second-round selection from the previous year, at pick No. 49.
With Benton playing in all 17 games and recording one sack and 36 tackles as a rookie, the Steelers may decide to break their tradition of not using their first selection to address the defensive line.
Heyward underwent surgery in September to repair the muscle in his groyne.
General manager Omar Khan stated earlier this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, “We have to be careful with how we manage his reps because the reality is he’s going to be 35.” We’re going to approach it sensibly. He’s not obligated to learn the defence.
Despite a $22.4 million salary cap penalty that the team will attempt to mitigate with a modified agreement or contract extension with voidable years, Khan is committed to having Heyward back for a second season. On the other hand, other defensive line components might also be changing.
June marks Larry Ogunjobi’s thirty-first birthday, and he was just a year away from signing a three-year, $28.75 contract. The Steelers received 43 tackles, eight quarterback hits, and three sacks for that money. Ogunjobi got seven sacks two years prior, when playing for Cincinnati, before he sustained a foot injury.
Montravius Adams and Armon Watts are two more interior role players for the Steelers who are prepared to test their free agency status. In his second season, Leal declined, and former fifth-round pick Isaiahh
Leave a Reply