Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

4 Steelers takeaways from TD Wire’s defensive tackle rankings

Our friends over at Touchdown Wire put out their list of the eight best interior defensive linemen in the 2023 NFL draft. This is of particular interest to the Pittsburgh Steelers as many of these prospects are interchangeable parts on their hybrid 3-4 defensive front. After reading over the list, here are four takeaways.

No wavering on Jalen Carter

(AP Photo/Brett Davis)

Despite all his offseason woes, TD Wire sticks with Jalen Carter as their top interior defensive lineman. On the field, he’s a dominant force but his off-field issues are worrisome. It doesn’t mean he will fall to No. 17 or that the Steelers would draft him even if he did.

A fellow fan of Calijah Kancey

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not sure how he would fit on the Steelers but TD Wire’s No. 2 defensive lineman, Calijah Kancey would be a fascinating pick. He’s drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald and rightfully so. He’s the kind of player you draft then figure out how to adjust the defense to them.

Love for the nose tackles

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It’s great to see Mazi Smith and Siaki Ika among the top eight as pure nose tackles don’t often when the love they deserve. For Pittsburgh, getting a pure nose tackle would be a huge upgrade and it’s good to see both these players getting credit for just how much they can impact a game.

List illustrates the diversity of this group

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

No matter what kind of defensive tackle you are looking for, this group has you covered. Steelers targets abound among this group including Siaki Ika, Mazi Smith and Keeanu Benton. Even a player like Calijah Kancey would be a fascinating pick despite not being the best fit.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.