Steelers Now
Instead of addressing the quarterback position, Jordan Reid of ESPN has the Pittsburgh Steelers going defensive tackle in the first round in back-to-back drafts. Reid projects Alabama defensive lineman Overton landing with the Black and Gold at 16th overall in his way-too-early 2026 mock draft.
“Sure, the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon this year, but you can never have too many defensive tackles,” Reid wrote. “Cameron Heyward will be 37 entering the 2026 season; the defensive line could see some turnover. Overton fits what the Steelers have looked for in the past, as the 6-5 283-pounder can play off the edge or reduce inside. His 13.4% pressure rate at defensive tackle last season was second best in the FBS. He probably would have been a top-60 pick had he declared for the 2025 draft, but Overton has the opportunity to boost his stock even more — especially if he can improve his sack total (two last season).”
Overton, who stands at 6-foot-5, 283 pounds, made an instant impact with the Crimson Tide last season after transferring from Texas A&M. He played in all 13 games with four starts, leading Alabama’s defense with nine quarterback hurries. He recorded 42 tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks. He added a forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pass breakup.
Alabama EDGE LT Overton is a bull in a china shop. Listed at 6-5 and 283 pounds, he can play on the edge or even kick inside with ease too. Explosive dude who has way more flexibility than he should at that size. He was a one-man wrecking crew against Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/HqhLHvgd7T
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) September 28, 2024
The Philadelphia Eagles, who won Super Bowl LIX, drafted Georgia defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter in the first round in back-to-back drafts in 2022 and 2023. The Steelers have been modeling the Eagles’ philosophy of investing in the trenches, so it’s not a far-fetched projection.
The embarrassing playoff loss to Baltimore played a big factor in the Steelers’ draft plans. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin even admitted it during an interview with NFL Network.
“I doubt that I had even gotten in the shower yet,” Tomlin said when asked how soon after the loss did he start think about improving the defensive front.
The Steelers selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. If it wasn’t for medical concerns, he would’ve most likely been a top-10 pick. The Steelers continued to add to the defensive front with selecting Sawyer in the fourth round and massive Iowa nose tackle Yahya Black in the fifth.
The Steelers want to get back to being physical. They don’t want to get pushed around like they did in Baltimore again.
Tomlin included star wide receiver DK Metcalf in the offseason plan of becoming more physically dominant.
“We wanted to add big man presence and physicality,” Tomlin said. “DK brings that to the table, he just happens to be a wide receiver.”
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