Updating Steelers defensive tackle depth chart after Day 1 of the NFL Draft

There were a lot of questions as to how the Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 draft would play out in the first round. Would they move up to grab a player they wanted? Would they trade back rather than settle for what they needed most with who was remaining? Would the Steelers reach for a quarterback in a weak class? Instead, the Steelers held pat at 21 and selected defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a player they did not want to miss out on by trading back.

Now that the selection has been made, it’s time to check out the Steelers depth chart at the position.

After drafting Derrick Harmon on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL draft, the Steelers currently have twelve defensive tackles on the roster. The current projected depth chart at defensive line for the Steelers is as follows:

Defensive Tackle

• Cameron Heyward
• Keeanu Benton
• Derrick Harmon
• Montravius Adams
• Daniel Ekuale
• Isaiahh Loudermilk
• DeMarvin Leal
• Dean Lowry
• Logan Lee
• Esezi Otomewo
• Domenique Davis
• Jacob Slade

As is typically the case, the player the Steelers selected in the first round of the draft falls just behind the returning starters from the previous season. With Cam Heyward coming off another All-Pro season, he’s obviously on the top of the list. Returning starter Keeanu Benton is next, with the newly drafted Derrick Harmon rounding out the top three spots. Who exactly would line up at nose tackle is yet to be determined.

Regardless, the Steelers appear to have their top three defensive tackles established at this time. Beyond that, the Steelers have a lot of players who could fill out the position group on the 53-man roster. Between Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal,and Dean Lowry, there are four players who played for the Steelers last season. Additionally, the Steelers added Daniel Ekuale, who has seven NFL seasons, as well as 2024 draft pick Logan Lee who spent every week on the Reserve/Injured List last season.

As for the other three names on the Steelers defensive tackle depth chart, they are players who are likely seeking the opportunity to land on the Steelers practice. Of the three players, Esezi Otomewo has the most NFL experience with 9 games over the last three season.

Even though the Steelers have twelve players on the depth chart which gives them more than the necessary bodies for training camp, there is little doubt as to the top three positions compared to the rest of those on the list.

While this is likely the Steelers depth chart at this time, there are plenty of things that could change between now and the start of the 2025 regular season. Does this depth chart look accurate as of today? How soon do you project Harmon breaking into the starting lineup? Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.