Much of the 2024 season has suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers are in dire need of a playmaking receiver to complement George Pickens. However, one area that has been overlooked is the interior of the team's defensive line.
Despite veteran Cameron Heyward playing at an All-Pro level, the depth of talent behind him and second-year tackle Keeanu Benton has been questionable at best this season. In his latest mock draft for Athlon Sports, NFL Draft writer Luke Easterling has the Steelers selecting defensive tackle Walter Nolen in the first round. His premise is based on the potential need for a successor to Heyward, who turns 36 in May.
"A wide receiver could be enticing here, but the Steelers have proven they can find productive pass-catchers on Day 2. What they need most is a successor for veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward, and Nolen would be the ideal understudy. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, Nolen's blue-chip talent would thrive under Heyward's tutelage."
This past season, Nolen was ranked as the 5th-best run stopper in the nation. His grade of 91.5 placed him second among interior defensive linemen, according to Pro Football Focus. His run-stop win rate of 12.3% was the highest among SEC defensive linemen and ranked him No. 2 overall in the nation.
For the Steelers, the need for a strong defensive line cannot be overlooked. With uncertainty surrounding the future of Isaiah Loudermilk, injury issues with DeMarvin Leal and Larry Ogunjobi, and the possibility of moving on from veteran Montravius Adams, it wouldn't be surprising if they decided to go in this direction.
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