Behind the Steel Curtain
After power ranking the Steelers’ offensive position groups yesterday, now it’s time to take a look at the defensive side of the ball:
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.
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.
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...
