Pittsburgh Steelers Defense Earns Surprising Ranking For 2024

A lot of attention has been given to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense this offseason. Wholesale changes were made, as Mike Tomlin’s staff was adjusted and several moves were made with the depth chart.

Despite all of the changes, some concerns still remain. Will Russell Wilson hold off Justin Fields as the starting quarterback is likely the biggest one?

Beyond that, who will emerge as the No. 2 wide receiver behind George Pickens? Will a youth movement along the offensive line yield more positive results in the trenches?

Question marks litter the offense, but there aren’t anywhere near as many concerns defensively. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a potentially elite unit on that side of the ball, one they should lean on heavily in the early going.

Just how good is the Pittsburgh Steelers defense? Over at Pro Football Network , Anthony DiBona has ranked them as the No. 3 unit in the NFL.

“Pittsburgh’s defense finished sixth in DVOA last season, led by superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt. The Steelers are in line to take a huge leap in 2024, thanks to the addition of former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. If Joey Porter Jr. can take another step at cornerback, Pittsburgh’s defense should be among the league’s best,” DiBona wrote .

Linebacker has been an issue over the last few seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That should no longer be the case with Patrick Queen defecting from the rival Ravens to shore up the second level of the defense.

Established depth at cornerback is a little bit of a concern with Cameron Sutton being suspended. But, if Porter can take that next step in his development, he and Donte Jackson are a more than adequate starting duo. A bounce-back from All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick would help solidify the secondary as well.

The backbone of this unit is the pass rush. T.J. Watt is a bonafide star, one of the best players in the NFL and bookended by Alex Highsmith.

With emerging youngsters such as Keanu Benton, Nick Herbig and Payton Wilson, the foundation for the future is being laid along with Porter. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is loaded with All-Pro talent and will help keep the team afloat as the offense finds its bearings.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here .

Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network .

The post Pittsburgh Steelers Defense Earns Surprising Ranking For 2024 appeared first on NFL Analysis Network .