Finalized Deal: 2024 NFL Draft: Steelers and 49ers have formally completed a blockbuster deal involving defensive line targets.

The Steelers have plenty of options to consider as they build toward the future of their defensive line.

With the NFL Draft less than a month away, our examination of potential mid and late-round prospects the Steelers could target continues on. Previously we’ve looked at offensive tackles, the interior offensive line, and wide receivers. Today we’re turning our attention to the defensive side of the ball.

It’s never a bad idea to keep to keep adding to your defensive line. The trenches are arguably the most influential position group on the field and teams should always be looking for upgrades and fresh legs to add.

The defensive line is also a sneaky need for the Steelers that I don’t think is talked about enough.

Cam Heyward is signed through 2025, but he turns 35 in May. He fought through injuries in 2023 and is likely considering how much longer his body can keep playing. Larry Ogunjobi is signed through 2025, but there is a potential out on his contract following this season. Keeanu Benton has looked promising and is on his rookie contract.

Behind those three are a rotation of roleplayers on short-term contracts. If I was in the Steelers war room, I wouldn’t want to leave Detroit without drafting at least one or more guys to develp for the future.

So who could some of those names be? Let’s dive into some of the top mid-range defensive line prospects the Steelers could be considering in 2024.

Maason Smith, LSU

If you’ve been following this series, by now you know that freak athletes are something that I prioritize and that the Steelers have coveted. Maason Smith more than fits that bill, even making an appearance on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” in 2023. Smith was ranked 17 on Feldman’s list, one spot ahead of Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II who is being mocked in the late first round in several mock drafts.

Smith was a highly coveted prospect coming out of high school. A five-star recruit, Smith was ranked Louisiana’s top prospect in the 2021 class, ahead of a trio of receivers that you’ve undoubtedly heard a ton about during this draft cycle: Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers, and Keon Coleman. Smith’s college career started off just as promisingly, making the All-SEC Freshmen team with four sacks and five tackles for loss in 7 games.