The Pittsburgh Steelers have a group along the defensive line that are the heart and soul of the team. 

Names like Cam Heyward, "Larry O," T.J Watt, and others form a fearsome group of big bodies on the interior and edge rushes on the outside. 

But the truth is, Heyward and the veterans along the interior won't play forever and there are a few draft prospects that can fill his role with the Steelers third selection at pick 49 of the second round or even pick 80 in the third. Let's dive into two potential fits. 

Steelers: Dissecting the need to draft defensive linemen

Keeanu Benton, IDL, Wisconsin

Keeanu Benton lined up over the center:

-quickness & fluidity on the snap
-prevents the center from reaching him
-stays in his gap
-gets penetration and makes the tackle for loss

pic.twitter.com/9Q96yawuuA

— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) April 8, 2023

Benton is a big threat along the interior that can play as a defensive end in the Steelers' 3-4 scheme. 

Listed at 6'4 and 309 pounds, he has the structure to hold up against double teams and the versatility to kick inside to nose or play as a 2i and or three-technique. 

Benton also adds pass rush upside thanks to his heavy hands and brute physicality at the junction point. 

Now, I don't think the Steelers should consider a defensive lineman before pick 49, as this pick should be merely to add depth. 

But with Benton situated at 60th on the consensus board, he may be ripe for the taking come round two of the Steelers draft. 

Gervon Dexter, IDL, Florida

florida DT gervon dexter is explosive as hell, that combine workout definitely shows up on tape pic.twitter.com/mv6R2IrjZX

— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) April 7, 2023

Dexter is one of my favorite prospects in this class. 

He absolutely blew away the NFL Combine, recording a 4.88 40-yard dash and 31'' vert at 6'6 and 310 pounds. 

Now, there are real down-to-down concerns with Dexter, but his upside rivals that of the best players in this class. 

You can't find athletes with the tape, test scores, and frame that Dexter has along the defensive front. 

Taking time to groom both the person and the player, I would have no issue with the Steelers taking Dexter at pick 80, the exact spot he's slated at on the consensus board. 

These two players are the most analgous to Cam Heyward, with the playstyles and frames to perform at the key defensive position. 

If Pittsburgh agrees on the need to add defensive line depth, hopefully it includes these two.