PALM BEACH, Fla. – Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has never been one to openly divulge draft strategies, but he does leave breadcrumbs for those paying attention. In his latest comments regarding defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, Tomlin may have subtly indicated the team’s approach to selecting defensive talent in the upcoming NFL Draft.
While discussing Benton’s adaptability along the defensive front, Tomlin emphasized the importance of versatility. His remarks suggest that the Steelers will prioritize players who can play multiple roles rather than specialists who fit a narrow mold.
“He [Keeanu Benton] has versatility, but that’s why we took him that high, particularly in today’s game. There’s not a lot of nose [tackle] play in today’s game, based on matchups and so forth. I think we spend about 80% of our time in sub-package football. And so, his versatility is an asset to him and us where he’s not reduced by offensive personnel that’s potentially on the field or not,” Tomlin stated.
At first glance, this quote may seem like a routine assessment of a player’s flexibility, but a deeper look reveals its significant implications for Pittsburgh’s draft outlook. Essentially, Tomlin is suggesting that the Steelers are unlikely to select a traditional two-down nose tackle early in the draft. The modern game has evolved, with teams spending the vast majority of snaps in sub-packages, where defensive linemen must be effective pass rushers in addition to stopping the run. A player who only contributes on early downs, then comes off the field in passing situations, is not as valuable in today’s NFL.
This philosophy could shape how the Steelers approach the selection of a defensive lineman in the first round. If they target a player like Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, it will not be solely due to his ability to anchor the run defense at nose tackle. Instead, they must view him as a lineman with the capability to contribute in sub-packages, particularly as an interior pass rusher. If Grant is perceived as primarily a run-stuffer, his draft stock within the Steelers organization could drop significantly.
By contrast, players such as Texas A&M’s Walter Nolen and Michigan State’s Derrick Harmon, who both possess a well-rounded skill set with proven pass-rush upside, may be more appealing options. These prospects fit the mold of multi-dimensional defensive linemen who can adapt to different alignments and assignments based on in-game situations.
The Steelers’ defensive philosophy has long been predicated on aggressive, adaptable front-seven play. Under Tomlin, the team has consistently sought players who can wear multiple hats, whether along the defensive line or at linebacker. The evolution of the NFL into a pass-heavy league has only reinforced this trend.
Looking at historical precedent, the Steelers have a track record of favoring versatile defensive linemen in the early rounds. Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and, more recently, Keeanu Benton all fit this mold. Each was selected not just for their ability to stop the run but also for their ability to impact the passing game. That trend seems likely to continue in 2025.
It’s also worth noting that Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme under coordinator Teryl Austin places a premium on disruption. The team values linemen who can generate interior pressure, collapse the pocket, and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. A traditional nose tackle who primarily occupies blockers but offers little in the pass rush does not align with this vision.
While the Steelers will undoubtedly reinforce their defensive line at some point in the draft, Tomlin’s comments suggest that they will be highly selective about the type of player they pursue. Any defensive tackle taken in the first round will need to check multiple boxes—run defense, pass-rushing ability, and positional flexibility.
For prospects like Kenneth Grant, this means proving that they are more than just run defenders. If he can showcase the ability to affect the passer, he remains in play as a potential Steelers target. Otherwise, players like Walter Nolen and Derrick Harmon may be better fits for Pittsburgh’s evolving defensive blueprint.
As draft day approaches, all eyes will be on how the Steelers address their defensive front. With Tomlin’s comments serving as a clue, it appears that versatility and adaptability will be the guiding principles in their decision-making process.
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