After power ranking the Steelers’ offensive position groups yesterday, now it’s time to take a look at the defensive side of the ball:
5. Safety
The Steelers’ safety room isn’t all that bad. The newly-signed Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliott are a solid starting duo. Brisker was at his best as a versatile force in the playoffs last year for the Bears, while Elliott has looked like a borderline Pro Bowler when healthy at box safety for the Steelers. And if Jalen Ramsey continues to dabble at this position, that gives
the team a third starting-caliber name on the back end.
Still, this is where it’s easiest to see something going wrong on the Steelers’ 2026 defense. Elliott is coming off a season-ending injury at 29 years old, and he, along with Brisker and even Ramsey, have looked the best in a strong safety-esque role for Pittsburgh. When defensive coordinator Patrick Graham uses split-safety looks in the upcoming season, this group should be fine, but they still will use some cover 1 and 3 — and finding a true center fielder could be tough.
4. Inside linebacker
The Steelers inside linebacker room is one of the team’s biggest wild cards in 2026. Looking out of place and confused has been a common theme of the group’s struggles in recent years, but there’s reason to believe Graham’s scheme will be a better fit. Pittsburgh’s new coordinator got two career years out of former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane when the two teamed up with the Raiders in 2023 and 2024.
Remember, Patrick Queen was a second-team All-Pro with the Ravens before joining the Steelers, and he did look the part at times in 2025 over some high-level stretches. Payton Wilson had the more worrying season, struggling with block shedding and coverage, eventually losing playing time to Malik Harrison. Still, Wilson’s potential is through the roof, and it might be better realized with a new coaching staff.
On the depth chart, Cole Holcomb might be one of the more forgotten names on the Steelers’ roster at the moment, but he will be looking to make a jump in his second year back from a major knee injury. Malik Harrison remains a potential cut candidate but has plenty of NFL experience, while Carson Bruener established himself as a special teams ace his rookie year.
3. Defensive line
Here on the list is where we move from potential weaknesses to potential strengths. Still, the Pittsburgh defensive line had its struggles in 2025. Despite investing in young talent in recent drafts, the Steelers were still heavily reliant on the skills of the still-elite Cam Heyward while Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, and Yahya Black made plays, but struggled with ups and downs throughout the season.
Now, Harmon is entering his second NFL season. And after dealing with injuries throughout his rookie campaign, the former first rounder could be a breakout candidate. The Steelers coaching staff has hinted at using Black and Benton in roles better suited for their skill sets in the upcoming season, while Sebastian Joseph-Day was a smart signing that gives the team some extra veteran savvy and versatility up front.
A lot is riding on if Heyward can continue to play at a high level in his late 30s, and if Harmon can become the player he was drafted to be.
2. Cornerback
The Steelers entered 2025 with a highly-touted cornerback room that turned out to be a bit of a paper tiger after Darius Slay aged 200 years in 30 seconds, and Jalen Ramsey had to end up spending most of his time at safety.
In 2026, the group has a better chance at living up to the high expectations.
Joey Porter Jr. solidified himself as a high-end CB1 in 2025, and in 2026 he’ll form what could be one of the league’s better corner duos alongside free agent addition Jamel Dean, who allowed just 49.2% completion and a 63.1 passer rating when targeted in 2025. Jalen Ramsey, assuming he primarily serves as the team’s slot corner, will be an impactful presence who gives Pittsburgh a strong starting three cornerbacks in its nickel package.
Brandin Echols is a solid depth piece with inside/outside versatility, while Asante Samuel Jr. could return to form following his first full offseason after shoulder and spine injuries in 2024. Recent third-rounder Daylen Everette is another piece to add to the puzzle — a high-upside boundary corner who should be able to develop over the upcoming season.
1. Outside linebacker
Another season, another edition of this list with outside linebacker at the top spot.
As always, some questions remain — can TJ Watt return to elite form? Can the team’s top three rushers all stay healthy at once? But the depth is strong enough across the board that this group can endure some tough times and still remain one of the best in the league. The Steelers recognized that, choosing to invest in Nick Herbig long term this offseason while Watt and Alex Highsmith were still under contract.
Don’t forget about Jack Sawyer, either. He’s not on the same level as Pittsburgh’s top three rushers, but he had some moments as a rookie and showed the big-play gene he displayed in college was still there at the pro level. The Steelers’ outside linebacker room is deep and star-studded once again.
How would you rank the Steelers’ defensive position rooms? Which groups will rise and fall over the season? Let us know in the comments.
