Bill Cowher Steelers pick
Bill Cowher Steelers pick
For years, many fans have felt a sense of staleness regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. But Patrick Graham is now in charge of the unit, and he’s going to bring a different philosophy than most of the players are used to. Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher thinks that will be a refreshing change and is optimistic about Pittsburgh’s defense in general.
“I think the defense has been, I think they’re kind of going under the radar. Patrick Graham’s gonna start moving some people around, I think there’s an unknown with the Steelers,” Cowher said in an interview with Bryant McFadden for NFL on CBS. “I think the Pittsburgh Steelers, for the first time, there’s been a lot of eyes like, who are this new group of Pittsburgh Steelers, on both sides of the ball?”
There certainly will be a lot of new in Patrick Graham’s scheme. He’s going to be less rigid, and his four years in Las Vegas forced him to get creative in hopes getting the most out of a less-talented unit.
Talent shouldn’t be an issue in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are as deep in their front seven as they’ve been in quite a while. They have three highly paid edge rushers and another showing potential in Jack Sawyer. In the trenches, Cam Heyward is still playing well and is joined by a host of young talent. Even inside linebacker looks a little more set with the recent addition of Elandon Roberts.
“They got a lot of good pieces in place, their secondary is probably as strong as it’s ever been, with [Jalen] Ramsey, and going out and getting Jamel Dean, and Asante Samuel [Jr.] now, he’s gonna be healthy,” Cowher said.
Jamel Dean didn’t get a lot of respect considering how good his 2025 season was. Once the Steelers are able to pair him with Joey Porter Jr., that’s quite a talented cornerback duo. With Brandin Echols, third-round pick Daylen Everette, and Asante Samuel Jr. behind them, there’s some decent depth at corner. One would imagine Jalen Ramsey spends a lot of time at nickel was well. He’ll also play some at safety, where DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker represent even more depth.
Cowher thinks the Steelers are capable of going on a run if everything clicks.
“If they can get off to at least a good start, where they can start building some confidence together, I think they’re a scary group that can go far. I really do,” Cowher said.
There’s a lot of newness around Steelers this year. And there is the chance they get off to a slow start. But the early part of the schedule is relatively easy. With a tough back half of the slate, it is imperative that the Steelers get off to a strong start. If they can, Bill Cowher has high hopes for them this season.