Predicting the Steelers Week One starting defense after the NFL draft
The Steelers have focused heavily on the offensive side of the football so how many new starters will they have on defense Week One?
With the 2026 NFL draft in the books and OTAs and minicamp upon us, we decided to update our predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers starting defense. We already took a shot at the offensive side of the football , where we expect to see plenty of new faces. Will the same be on defense after Pittsburgh committed so many resources to the offensive side of the football?
Defensive line This trio returns, and we expect this group to be the strength of the defense. Derrick Harmon was almost unstoppable as a rookie last season when he was healthy and a full season should establish him as one of the top defensive linemen in the AFC. He's paired up with the ageless Cam Heyward and powerful nose tackle Keeanu Benton.
Defensive tackle - Cam Hewyard Nose tackle - Keeanu Benton Defensive end - Derrick Harmon Outside linebacker This group should be the top group in the NFL but they have a lot of catching up to do after a miserable 2026 season. Being a stater in this group really means you are the first on the field but whether it's Alex Highsmith, T. J.
Watt, Nick Herbig or Jack Sawyer, all guys will get reps and we hope the Steelers aren't afraid to play the hot hand, no matter who it is. T. J.