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The Steelers defense will look a bit different this season, with the losses of outside linebacker James Harrison and nose tackle Casey Hampton. With free agency having cooled off a bit for Pittsburgh, heading into the draft, here's a projection of how their defensive depth chart may look heading into April's Draft.
Left defensive end
Ziggy Hood
Al Woods
Right defensive end
Brett Keisel
Cameron Heyward
The Steelers have addressed the defensive end position considerably over the last few years, and this appears to be how they'll head into the draft. No moves here are expected, but an addition or subtraction isn't out of the question.
Nose tackle
Steve McLendon
TBD
This position is likely to be addressed in the draft. McLendon was given an original round tender/right of first refusal in restricted free agency, and is expected to start, as of now.
Left outside linebacker
LaMarr Woodley
Chris Carter
Adrian Robinson
Right outside linebacker
Jason Worilds
Chris Carter
Adrian Robinson
While they have players under contract at this spot, every one of them is, at best, questionable for one reason or another. The injury concerns for Woodley, Worilds and Carter are the most prominent. This could be a spot they look to add to in the draft.
Left inside linebacker
Larry Foote
TBD
Right inside linebacker
Lawrence Timmons
TBD
The team signed Foote to a three-year deal this offseason, but future depth at this spot is a pressing need. Expect a draft pick or maybe more at this spot.
Left cornerback
Cortez Allen
William Gay
Justin King
Right cornerback
Ike Taylor
William Gay
Curtis Brown
Josh Victorian
The Steelers brought King in this offseason, and he could be expected to compete for dime duties. There's likely a cut coming at this spot, but as the adage goes, you can never have too many cornerbacks.
Free safety
Ryan Clark
Robert Golden
TBD
Strong safety
Troy Polamalu
Robert Golden
TBD
Clark is entering the final year of his contract, and Golden played a bit at the end of last season. He won't unseat Clark, barring injury or release, but he's an intriguing player to watch in training camp. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the team address both positions in the draft.