Feb. 24—In preparation for the 2025 NFL draft, the Post-Gazette's team of experts will go position by position and analyze the best fits for the Steelers. Our entire big board will be available and updated as we get closer to draft day, April 24 in Green Bay, Wisc.
Today's group: defensive linemen.
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1. Walter Nolen (Ole Miss, 6-3, 293)
The skinny: Nolen is one of 14 Ole Miss players to earn consensus All-America honors. Had 14 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks for the Rebels in 2024. Played his first two seasons at Texas A&M before transferring to Ole Miss.
The fit: Nolen would be a replacement for Larry Ogunjobi, who is expected to be released next month. The Steelers need to get younger and add an impact player in the interior of their defensive line.
The latest: Nolen played in the Senior Bowl and was one of the standout defenders in Mobile.
NFL comp: Aaron Donald
2. Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M, 6-5, 291)
The skinny: Started 19 games and was named third-team all-SEC after the 2024 season. Posted 4.5 career sacks and had a career-best 31 tackles as a junior last season.
The fit: Stewart probably has the most upside of any defensive linemen in this draft. He played on the edge and inside for the Aggies, but in the Steelers defense, he'll fit as a defensive tackle who can play multiple positions. He's athletic and powerful and has all the tools to be a standout in the NFL as a run defender and pass rusher.
The latest: Stewart attended the Senior Bowl and was a standout before leaving after the second practice.
NFL comp: Jadaveon Clowney
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3. Derrick Harmon (Oregon, 6-5, 310)
The skinny: Detroit native transferred to Oregon after playing his first three seasons at Michigan State. Started 15 games at Michigan State, but he came into his own in his only season with the Ducks. He set career highs in tackles (45), sacks (5) and forced fumbles (2) in 2024.
The fit: Harmon has prototypical size to replace Cam Heyward. He relies on his athleticism to get around blockers rather than using his size and strength. The key to his transition to the NFL will be incorporating more power to his game. Overall, there is much to work with, but it will be up to Harmon to embrace a physical game in addition to finesse.
The latest: Harmon attended the Senior Bowl.
NFL comp: Cam Heyward
4. Kenneth Grant (Michigan, 6-3, 339)
The skinny: Grant earned second-team all-Big Ten and third-team All-America honors in his final season with the Wolverines. He had three sacks and 32 tackles last season.
The fit: Grant would be the hulking nose tackle Steelers fans have clamored for since Casey Hampton retired. Grant does have some versatility, but his primary role early in his NFL career will be as an early-down run-stopper.
The latest: Grant attended the Shrine Bowl.
NFL comp: Jordan Davis
5. Alfred Collins (Texas, 6-5, 320)
The skinny: Collins played in 63 games over five seasons with the Longhorns. He had 55 tackles and a sack last season.
The fit: Collins is a possibility in the second or third round. He can play nose tackle and has the versatility to bump out to play over guards and tackles as well.
The latest: Collins helped the Longhorns reach the CFP championship game in January and attended the Senior Bowl a couple of weeks later.
NFL comp: Stephon Tuitt
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6. Tyleik Williams (Ohio State, 6-3, 327)
The skinny: Played in 51 games for the Buckeyes and finished his career with 11.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. His best season as a pass rusher came as a freshman, when he had five sacks. He was named second-team all-Big Ten in 2023 and third-team all-Big Ten in 2024.
The fit: Williams was a strong run defender in college and should provide the same type of play in the NFL. The Steelers need all the good run defenders they can get after they were humiliated by the Ravens in the playoffs. Could be an option on Day 2 of the draft.
The latest: Williams helped the Buckeyes win the CFP national championship.
NFL comp: Javon Hargrave
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7. Shemar Turner (Texas A&M, 6-4, 300)
The skinny: Three-year starter with 35 games of starting experience under his belt. Turner had 10 career sacks and 24 tackles for loss. He was named second-team all-SEC in 2023.
The fit: Turner was versatile for the Aggies, aligning up and down the line of scrimmage, but he likely fits as a 3-technique in the Steelers defense with some ability to play elsewhere. His ability to push the pocket from the middle would be a welcome addition, but he could stand to develop some secondary pass rush moves.
The latest: Turner withdrew from the Senior Bowl due to a stress fracture in his leg.
NFL comp: Nnamdi Madubuike ( NFL.com )
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8. Deone Walker (Kentucky, 6-7, 340)
The skinny: Walker had better production as a sophomore than he did as a junior. He had 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss and was named second-team all-SEC in 2023. In 2024, he had just 1.5 sacks and was not as dominant.
The fit: Walker could fit as a nose tackle in the Steelers defense, but there is plenty of evidence he was better when he was matched up one-on-one with guards and tackles. He is surprisingly athletic for his size, but he has to embrace a more physical style in the trenches to realize his potential.
The latest: Walker attended the Senior Bowl.
NFL comp: Daniel McCullers
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9. Jamaree Caldwell (Oregon, 6-1, 340)
The skinny: Played two seasons at Houston before transferring to Oregon for his final college season. Had 8.5 career sacks, but none at Oregon last season.
The fit: Caldwell would be a mid-round option for the Steelers. He should be able to help the run defense with his girth, and while he'll never be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, he did collapse the pocket quite a bit and provided consistent pressure for the Ducks.
The latest: Caldwell attended the Senior Bowl.
NFL comp: Casey Hampton
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10. Darius Alexander (Toledo, 6-3, 304)
The skinny: Registered nine career sacks, including 3.5 in his final season with the Rockets. Named second-team all- MAC in 2024. He is one of the older players in the draft, turning 25 in August.
The fit: Alexander is a rugged player who can defend the run well and create pressure on passing downs. He didn't have the sack production, but his athleticism and power made him one of the toughest players to block in the Mid-American Conference. The Steelers could use a disruptor like Alexander in their rotation.
The latest: Alexander had a good week at the Senior Bowl.
NFL comp: Milton Williams
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