The Pittsburgh Steelers have been leaning on two defensive line starters for awhile now – Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton – and there has been pre-2026 NFL Draft chatter that the team should find a prospect in the 2026 class to add to their roster. While such a move is possible, there is no reason the team must utilize a pick on defensive line – and if they decide to do so, they can wait until the late rounds (5-7).
We look at potential late-round prospects they could add for the future behind their current roster.
Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)
Size: 6’4, 318 lbs
The second-team All-American is a two-gap run stopper who can handle double-teams and stuff the run. Although he can get caught playing a bit too high at times, Hunter is a force to be reckoned with when he gets low; utilizing leverage and strong hands. ESPN listed Hunter as their No. 6 defensive tackle.
Tyreak Sapp (EDGE, Florida)
Size: 6’2″, 273 lbs
Sapp is listed as an EDGE by NFL.com but has experience playing inside (DT) and outside (DE). Sapp could play as an even-front base end who reduces inside on rush downs, but could competing as a 3-technique or 5-technique defensive lineman. The versatility in a plus, but he will need to develop at the next level.
Dominique Orange (DT, Iowa State)
Size: 6’2″, 322 lbs
Orange was primarily a nose tackle for the Cyclones – all 4 years – and is best in one-on-one battles with opposing offensive linemen filling gaps instead of shooting them. ESPN rates Orange as their No. 7 DT prospect. At the next level, he’ll need to work on his angles but he is nearly unmovable when stacked up inside.
DeMonte Capehart (DT, Clemson)
Size: 6’5″, 313 lbs
“Big, broad and long with heavy hands and impressive power in his upper half,” is how NFL Draft scout Lance Zierlein describes Capehart. He is light on his feet and can move well laterally, but isn’t as refined rushing the quarterback. Capehart can eat a block and maintain his footing – positive contact balance. He has a tendency to get too high when tackling and would likely be more of a run-stopper than pressure player at the next level. Some scouts feel he may get selected earlier while others predict his limitations will see him taken after the 3rd round.
Rayshaun Benny (DT, Michigan)
Size: 6’3″, 298 lbs
“Benny is a run-first defensive tackle whose best football comes between the tackles in traditional two-gap fronts. He can hold his gap, shed blocks with his length, and make stops at or near the line of scrimmage. That skill set has real value on early downs, and his experience in Michigan’s system means he understands responsibility-based defense at a high level. A team that asks its interior linemen to eat blocks and keep linebackers clean will get the most out of him.” – DraftBuzz
Bryson Eason (DT, Tennessee)
Size: 6’2″, 323 lbs
Eason, a former linebacker/EDGE filled out and moved to the interior at Tennessee. He has the play strength and leverage to sit down and handle blocks. Missing the size and length of a natural two-gapper, he demands double teams and excels at the dirty work. His pass rush could use work at the next level, as well as his lateral movement.
Note: These players are generally identified as having high-effort playing styles or specific situational value.