‘Iffy’ Defensive Line Might Be Steelers’ ‘Undoing’ In 2025, Kaboly Believes

The way forward for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive position appears to be like higher, however are they able to be a power of the staff in 2025? All of us noticed the Steelers’ downfall in 2024, with the Baltimore Ravens operating for 519 yards of their final two matchups, together with 299 within the Wild Card playoff loss. One Steelers insider is anxious that the D-line received’t carry out a lot better this season regardless of vital modifications made within the offseason.

“I feel the undoing of this staff could be one thing that no one’s speaking about,” Kaboly stated by way of Kaboly + Mack on YouTube. “That defensive position, man, is simply not – there’s nothing that’s leaping on the market that claims to me that they’re gonna be a certain wager.”

The beginning line ought to embody Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and first-round rookie Derrick Harmon. If all goes effectively, that might be a formidable beginning group, however there are questions with every of these three gamers.

Heyward performed like a Corridor of Famer at age 35, however ultimately, Father Time will meet up with him. Whether or not which means decreased manufacturing or lacking extra time as his joints and muscular tissues develop extra liable to damage.

Benton has been promising for his first two seasons, however he’s largely didn’t take the following step. He had only one sack in back-to-back seasons and simply three whole tackles for loss. There are excessive hopes that he’ll ultimately put all of it collectively, however that hasn’t occurred but, and there’s no assure that it ever will.

As for Harmon, rookie defensive linemen don’t at all times have a easy transition to the following degree. The Steelers ask quite a bit from their odd entrance linemen, and that transition has taken time for gamers prior to now. Even Heyward wanted a couple of seasons earlier than turning into a perennial Professional Bowl and All-Professional participant. No one is knocking Harmon’s potential, however a rookie is a rookie on the finish of the day.

“He’s not taking part in 80 % of the snaps,” Kaboly stated of Harmon. “In case you’re getting 50 % out of Derrick Harmon, you most likely must be joyful.”

Behind these three, they’ve a number of position gamers. Isaiahh Loudermilk, Daniel Ekuale, Yahya Black, and whoever wins the ultimate roster spot will spherical out the group. Is 2025’s D-line, in its present state, higher than 2024? It’s laborious to place any confidence in that proper now.

The e book is out on the Steelers’ protection. The Ravens uncovered their fundamental subject on the finish of final season, and others across the league will try to copy that success. If their defensive position isn’t as much as the duty, the remainder of the enhancements on protection received’t matter.