After a rough close to the 2024 season that saw consistent struggles to stop the run, the Pittsburgh Steelers set out to rebuild the trenches defensively and give the defensive line room behind longtime veteran Cameron Heyward a facelift.
Under GM Omar Khan, the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon in the first round, Yahya Black in the fifth round, signed Daniel Ekuale and Esezi Otomewo in free agency, and re-signed Isaiahh Loudermilk.
On paper, the group looked much stronger entering the season. Optimism was high. But things got off to a tough start due to injuries.