In compiling his reasons for optimism in regards to the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers defense, new coach Mike McCarthy came up with a ton.
Actually, about a ton-and-a-half. After all, that’s roughly the combined weight – in pounds – for the top 10 defensive linemen vying for a spot on what has become an intriguing position group for the Steelers.
“The defensive line, I think, is not only an excellent group,” McCarthy said late last week, “but it’s got a lot of depth. In my time in the League, I don’t recall having a D-line with this type of depth of this particular size, so I’m really excited about this bunch.”
The Steelers have selected five defensive linemen over the past four drafts, and each to varying degrees is vying for their place in the positional pecking order. Recent first-rounder Derrick Harmon (listed at 313 pounds) is nailed-on as a starter, with fellow 2025 fifth-round pick Yahya Black (336 pounds) and 2023 second-rounder Keeanu Benton (309 pounds) also expected to serve in the D-line’s top four along with 36-year-old All Pro Cameron Heyward (295 pounds).
Recent sixth-round picks Logan Lee (2024) and Gabriel Rubio (2026) are fighting for depth roles. Rubio is 6 feet 5, 321 pounds with Lee joining Esezi Otomewo (and reserve/future signee Anthony Goodlow) as the only Steelers defensive linemen listed weighing fewer than 287 pounds.
Veterans Sebastian Joseph-Day and Dean Lowry add a combined extra 606 pounds – but more importantly, 18 seasons and 237 games of NFL experience to the position for the Steelers.
“I feel like it’s a room that could probably lead from the front,” defensive line coach Domata Peko said. “Excited for our guys. We’ve got a good mix of veterans and then a couple young dudes that are just barely scratching the surface and ready to excel this year. I’m so excited for our room.”
Peko is a new head of the group from a coaching perspective, himself bringing 15 seasons of NFL playing experience. Only nine defensive tackles in NFL history played more games (214; one of those ahead of him is Heyward).
Peko is being assisted by Shawn Howe, a coaching veteran of 22 years who is a “rookie” in the NFL after being hired away from Montana State. Peko calls Howe, “our pass rush guy” for the defensive linemen – a good dynamic to add to the background of Peko, who for years was regarded as the proverbial stout “run-stopper.”
“Peko, I’d always admired him as a player, coached against him, and then had the chance to work for me in Dallas for a year,” McCarthy said. “Came in as an intern, and we loved him so much that we hired him for the year. So, very excited to give him this opportunity. He’s a great fit for our guys. Shawn is also an excellent asset. I really like the dynamics in that room between those guys.”
McCarthy has repeatedly remarked how he appreciates how the Steelers for more than three decades have stayed true to the framework of the traditional 3-4 defense they helped perfect in the early 1990’s under Dom Capers, who later worked under McCarthy for several years.
Peko and Howe have plenty of ascending talent to help mold. Harmon has an All Pro-level ceiling, as evidenced an excellent rookie season. Black was a pleasant surprise for being a middle-of-Day-3 draft pick. Benton is entering a pivotal fourth season with a reputation as a dependable starter who still has significant untapped potential. Lee (who missed his rookie 2024 season because of injury) and Rubio (a rookie) are eager for refinement.
‘For me, I just really want to make sure I focus on stopping the run,” Peko said. “That’s huge, especially in our division. Making sure we’re really stout up front and just leading from the front. Throughout my whole career, I’ve been a leader. The teams I’ve been a part of that were the best is the teams that have been led from the front. You can see in the past a couple of Super Bowls, the teams that have the best fronts are usually playing in February. Excited to try to leave my mark in that way.”