**Are the Steelers locked into taking a defensive lineman in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft?**
The Steelers are still moving pieces around the chessboard, but things are starting to fall into place. While they have addressed some major needs in free agency and via trade, one area that is lacking is the defensive line.
Presumably, they wanted to sign a significant free agent, even releasing Larry Ogunjobi. Failing to do so, are the Steelers now locked into drafting a first-round defensive lineman? Having traded away their second-round pick, can they afford to wait until the third round?
While this class is considered deep at the position, there is a tier above the mean. If the Steelers want an immediate impact player, they likely need to draft their defensive lineman in the first round. Once again, the absence of a second-round pick only drives that point home further.
While they released Ogunjobi, they still have Cameron Heyward and want Keeanu Benton to take on a larger role. Most of the time, they will play with only two linemen on the field, anyway. If the Steelers view this year’s defensive lineman class as an investment for the future, they may not prioritize an immediate contributor. They could be patient and draft a player they can develop for a bigger role next year.
The Steelers did sign two defensive linemen, Esezi Otomewo and Daniel Ekuale. They also re-signed Isaiahh Loudermilk. According to Gerry Dulac, they wanted to sign Javon Kinlaw. He ended up signing a three-year, $45 million deal, though, a general theme being an expensive market. Given the reputation of the defensive lineman class in the draft, it’s somewhat surprising—and the Steelers likely were surprised, too—how costly the veteran market has been.
If the Steelers were counting on signing a veteran defensive lineman, they will likely feel compelled to draft one in the first round. And it’s hard to believe they didn’t hope to add someone more notable than Ekuale. They knew what this draft class offers, which is perhaps why they chose not to overpay. That limits their options, however, and possibly forces them to address the position early. Fortunately for them, they should have the opportunity to draft an impact player, though you can never be sure.
_The Steelers’ 2024 season has come to its predictably inauspicious end, with yet another one-and-done postseason for HC Mike Tomlin. The offense faltered, and the defense matched it blow for blow, leading to a 21-0 first-half deficit._
_Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers is_ [_the quarterback question_](https://steelersdepot.com/2025/03/the-athletic-hard-to-think-about-anything-else-without-qb-in-place-for-steelers/)_. There are_ [_other major decisions to make_](https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/pittsburgh-steelers)_, as well, such as what to do with George Pickens. Do you sign him to an extension, try to trade him, or let him play out his rookie contract?_
_The Steelers started the 2024 season 10-3, with Mike Tomlin in the Coach of the Year conversation. Wash, rinse, and repeat, and we have another late-season collapse. This may be the worst yet, a four-game losing streak presaging a one-and-done playoff “run”. Welcome to Steelers football._