Steelers Now
The NFL released their official combine invite list and it further solidifies just how deep this interior defensive line class truly is. There are 41 players that will depart for Indianapolis in a little over a week, a massive increase from last years class that gave us just 25 guys at this position. Whether it’s true nose tackles or three-techniques, this group has something for every team, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. One notable observation from Senior Bowl week was just how much time the coaching staff spent spectating the trenches, giving us our first inclination of the Steelers offseason priorities.
Their current cupboard isn’t completely dry. But Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward turns 36-years old next season and won’t play at an All-Pro caliber level forever. Keeanu Benton has been solid, but given some of his deficiencies against the run, he possesses more upside if moved to more of a defensive end role. That is one option the team could, and quite frankly should, consider this offseason with Larry Ogunjobi offering the team $7 million dollars of cap space in the event that he’s released. If the Steelers choose to go that route, there are a myriad of nose tackle options that they could pursue in a really intriguing class.
One of the few underclassmen that we have in this class, Grant was the Robin to Mason Graham’s Batman, forming the most destructive interior in the country last season. In 2024, he finished with career highs across the board: pressures (27), sacks (3) and total stops (27). Listed 340 pounds, big dudes simply should not be this nimble from a movement perspective. His club-swim move was virtually unblock-able last season and his bull rush was a nice compliment to his finesse as a rusher. Defeating 1v1 base blocks in the run game is fairly easy for him due to the shock in his hands. Grant needs more seasoning from a block recognition and technique perspective, particularly against gap scheme run concept attack him with a double team. Grant has the talent to live up to the first round billing and his aura will only grow if he tests as expected at the combine.
Michigan NT Kenneth Grant (then 360 pounds) chasing down Penn State RB Kaytron Allen 30-yards past the LOS.
As a football community, we need him to test in Indianapolis for science purposes… pic.twitter.com/N1ZLp1gx0L
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) February 14, 2025
While a five-year contributor in some capacity, Collins had to wait for his predecessors to depart campus before garnering more of a full time role and his 2024 film shows a very useful player. He finished tied-sixth among defensive lineman in the SEC with 17 run stops while missing just a single tackle through the regular season. Collins comes equipped with extremely long levers (34 3/4-inch arms), excels at locking out while simultaneously keeping his eyes on the ball carrier. Unlike other guys in...
