The Pittsburgh Steelers recently hosted Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander for a pre-draft visit, adding to their list of intriguing prospects ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Alexander, standing 6'4" and weighing 305 lbs, is considered an underrated player with significant potential, having flown under the radar due to a less prominent collegiate career. His combination of size and strength makes him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh's defensive line, likely beside established players like Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton.

With a projected draft position outside the first round, the Steelers may find themselves in a favorable position to select Alexander later in the draft, potentially leveraging their first-round pick to secure a different top talent. The strategic consideration of best-player-available versus filling specific needs will be a critical dialogue for the Steelers' front office as they prepare for the upcoming draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are focusing on addressing significant weaknesses in their defensive line. Last season's performance was disappointing, with standout player Cam Heyward overshadowed by underwhelming contributions from others like Keeanu Benton. The roster, featuring players such as DeMarvin Leal and Daniel Ekuale, lacks playmakers and is overpopulated with hybrid positions that may not effectively fill the gap left by Larry Ogunjobi.

The Steelers' draft strategy is clear: prioritize a robust run-stuffer in the first round, with names like Kenneth Grant and Darius Alexander coming into play. The current group needs help in the interior, where a true nose tackle is required to complement Benton and bolster their run defense. With potential options in later rounds as well, the Steelers aim to create a competitive and effective defensive front.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are actively preparing for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on strengthening their defensive line after a disappointing run defense in the previous season. With only Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton remaining as reliable starters, the team is critically evaluating potential defensive tackle prospects. Five players have attracted their interest, all of whom possess qualities that align with the Steelers' needs for enhanced defensive performance.

Leading the list is Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon, who resembles former Steelers great Casey Hampton with his size and dedication to absorbing double teams. Joshua Farmer from Florida State has surged up draft boards, showcasing versatile skills as both a pass rusher and run defender. JJ Pegues of Ole Miss brings an intriguing dual-threat capability, while Yahya Black from Iowa is seen as a developmental prospect. Lastly, Elijah Roberts from SMU stands out as a 3-4 defensive end option, though he diverges from the primary interior run defense focus.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are under pressure to strengthen their defensive line, particularly alongside established players Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton. The team's recent free agency moves focused primarily on bolstering the wide receiver position, leaving a gap in their defensive assets. Among prospects eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft is Walter Nolen III from Ole Miss, a noted first-round candidate.

Nolen, who previously played at Texas A&M, showcased impressive performance metrics during his time at Ole Miss, culminating in 48 tackles and 6.5 sacks in his final collegiate season. While he possesses remarkable raw power and agility, there are concerns regarding his technical skills, particularly in pass-rushing. The Steelers might consider Nolen as a potentially long-term solution to enhance their defensive strategy, though he may need time to develop under the tutelage of experienced veterans.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a notable decision at the University of Michigan's pro day by sending defensive coordinator Teryl Austin while GM Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin were absent. Their focus was on free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was visiting the Steelers facility. Austin's primary interest was defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, an athletic powerhouse who excelled alongside Mason Graham last season. Grant's impressive stats from 2024, including three sacks and two fumble recoveries, suggest he could be a strong candidate for the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, potentially solidifying the Steelers' interior defense alongside Keeanu Benton.