Ranking the Steelers defensive positional units heading into the NFL draft

Last week we ranked the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive positional units heading into the 2022 NFL draft and now it is time to do the same with the defense. Pittsburgh’s defense is looking for a big bounceback after underperforming last season. Which unit will come out on top?

1-Outside linebacker

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no better defensive player in the league than Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt. In 2021, Watt tied the single-season record of sacks and was an absolute terror. Opposite him is Alex Highsmith who continues to improve with every game. This group needs depth but the starters are as good as it gets.

2-Inside linebacker

(AP Photo/Matt Durisko)

This unit got a big bump with the addition of Myles Jack in free agency. In his second season after a torn ACL, Devin Bush should be ready to return to and improve on his rookie form.

3-Defensive line

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This group gets this ranking based on the fact we are holding out hope that Stephon Tuitt is returning to pair up with Cam Heyward. This group needs a nose tackle to round it out and shore up the run defense.

4-Safety

(AP Photo/Justin Berl)

Similar to outside linebacker, the Steelers safety unit is made better by having one of the best players in the league on it. But even the return of Terrell Edmunds can’t get this group any higher than four.

5-Cornerback

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Count me among those who aren’t at all sold on a full season of Ahkello Witherspoon, free-agent Levi Wallace and Cam Sutton in the slot. I’d love to see the Steelers spend a top pick on a true shutdown cornerback.

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