When it comes to interior defensive linemen, there is a premium for guys who can rush the passer. interior pass rushers like Fletcher Cox and Chris Jones are among the best at their craft and it’s no coincidence they are comparable physically.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, one thing they could use is a defensive lineman that breaks from that mold and hands a player who is a call back to the legendary Casey Hampton. The NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing and there are a few of the big boys in there. Here is our ranking of the five biggest defensive linemen at the combine Pittsburgh could target in the 2023 NFL draft.
1. Jalen Carter, Georgia
Height – 6031
Weight – 314 pounds
We are withholding judgment on Jalen Carter and his legal concerns. This is all about football and there’s no interior defensive lineman in this draft who can do everything Carter can do at his size.
2. Siaki Ika, Baylor
Height – 6032
Weight – 335 pounds
Siaki Ika measured taller than I thought he would but he’s a solid 335 pounds and he uses is to his advantage, eating up double teams.
3. Gervon Dexter, Florida
Weight – 310 pounds
You can’t help but see some of Jones and Cox in Gervon Dexter’s game and build. He’s got tremendous length that will be challenging to contend with.
4. Mazi Smith, Michigan
Height – 6026
Weight – 323 pounds
Mazi Smith is a low-slung anchor who is more about stopping the run as opposed to being a penetrating pass rusher but he showed off elite strength at the combine.
5. Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Height – 6035
Weight – 309 pounds
There will be plenty of defensive tackles that will go ahead of Keeanu Benton but for the Steelers, he is a near perfect match for what they want on defense.
