2021 Steelers Training Camp Preview: The Defensive Line
It’s hard to believe but the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 Training Camp is right around the corner. As we countdown the days until camp begins, each week SCU will highlight one position group, detailing the players who will be competing for a spot on the Steelers final 53-man roster at the end of this Summer.
If there’s one position group on the Pittsburgh Steelers that doesn’t have major concerns heading into the 2021 regular season, it’s definitely the defensive line.
Yes, even the wide receivers group has some questions, such as “Who will be the WR1?” However, it’s the defensive line which also returns all of its starters and then some, to once again form a fearsome front.
Here’s a preview of those players heading into camp.
Cameron Heyward
The anchor of the Steelers defensive line and often one of the team’s forgotten leaders, Heyward was a force the previous three seasons, racking up 29 sacks before dropping to only 4 sacks in 2020.
His dip wasn’t a true loss in productivity, as the Steelers defense continued to lead the league in sacks for yet another season, and Heyward still added 19 QB hits, on par with his 22, 18, and 23 in those previous sack-laden seasons.
While Cam just had his 32nd birthday, he’s still in his prime and one of the members of the defense to watch heading into this season.
Stephon Tuitt
Everyone was waiting for that breakout season from Tuitt to happen – and it did in 2020.
Finally getting a full season in without any major nagging injuries, Tuitt exploded to the second-most sacks on the team behind only DPOY candidate T.J. Watt, with 11.0.
Tuitt also added 10 tackles for loss and 25 QB hits – but what’s most impressive is that he just celebrated his 28th birthday, meaning his eighth upcoming season could build upon his successful 2020 campaign in the same way that Heyward was somewhat of a late bloomer.
Tyson Alualu
It appeared the Steelers versatile nose tackle/defensive end was heading back to the team which drafted him, as it was announced prior to the start of free agency that Alualu would be re-signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and not returning to Pittsburgh.
Pandemic protocols grounded a would-be flight to Florida, giving him new perspective on uprooting or moving from his family, and a change of heart.
Alualu then did a 180 and returned to the Steelers, filling what would’ve been a big hole with his departure.
Never flashy with stats, the former first round pick is a run-stuffer and often spells Heyward and/or Tuitt within games, either for a quick sideline breather or when one is not available due to an injury.
He’s a valuable piece of the Steelers defensive puzzle that we should all be glad to have returning.
Chris Wormley
Acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens last season, Wormley struggled with injuries and missed quite a bit of time. Despite officially appearing in 13 games he would only play 14% of the Steelers total defensive snaps.
However, it was great news that he was returning on a team-friendly contract for 2021 when it appeared that Tyson Alualu was on the way out and there was no backup to play at the nose tackle position.
Wormley should see an uptick in playing time in 2021 and will be a nice depth boost for the d-line so long as he’s healthy and available on game days.
The Rest of the Group
The other notable names on the depth chart include Isaiah Buggs (sixth round pick, 2019), Carlos Davis (seventh round pick 2020) and Isaiahh Loudermilk (fifth round pick 2015).
Those late round picks, accompanied by former street free agent and practice squad holdout Henry Mondeaux will round out the depth chart. None of the above appear to be very appealing starting prospects, although the Steelers traded and moved back into round five of this year’s draft to select Loudermilk – he will be the intriguing prospect going forward due to such an unusual play by the team to acquire him.
Buggs and Davis are probably best known for getting into a sideline spat last season. Each previously competed for playing time, as one or the other would be inactive on game days.
Heading into camp they are likely the low men on the totem pole with something to prove.
Regardless, the reserve linemen all figure to be special teams contributors at this point.
