Steelers 2024 Roster vs. Predicted 2025 Roster, Edge Edition
As we continue working through the position groups in our comparison of the Steelers’ 2024 roster to the projected 2025 unit, we’ve reached one of the most important groups for the franchise. The outside linebackers, or edge rushers in the Steelers’ scheme, are absolutely critical to the team’s success in 2025. There haven’t been many changes to the group, so there won’t be too many surprises, but discussing the players in this unit is always worth diving into.
So let’s jump into it.
TJ Watt vs TJ Watt
The Steelers’ perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate remains at the center of ongoing contract discussions, as the team and T.J. Watt have yet to agree on an extension for the face of the franchise. The expectation is that a deal will get done before the season kicks off. As we know with Watt, he doesn’t need much of a preseason to be ready once the regular season begins.
Last season was a bit of a down year by his elite standards. He finished with 11.5 sacks and made less of an overall impact than fans have come to expect. That drop in production was largely due to offenses scheming him out of games during the second half of the season. Looking ahead, the hope is that both Watt and the coaching staff will be more proactive in moving him around the formation. Creating more favorable matchups and making his rushes less predictable could lead to a strong rebound. For that reason, I am hopeful and even confident that we will see better play from one of the Steelers’ all-time greats.
Grade: Better
Alex Highsmith vs Alex Highsmith
Another one of the Steelers’ key cogs is T.J. Watt’s partner in crime, Alex Highsmith. Together, they form one of the most frightening pass-rushing duos in the NFL in recent memory. Highsmith is a nasty pass rusher, as we all know, but I think he’s underrated in the work he does against the run. Unfortunately, his 2024 season was impacted by injury, limiting him to just 11 total games, which clearly affected his overall season stats.
That said, his pass-rushing efficiency was still strong. His 525 snaps ranked him 65th among edge rushers, yet he recorded 48 pressures, which placed him 29th despite playing significantly fewer snaps than most of his peers. Heading into 2025, I expect his level of play to remain consistent, and the hope will be that the Steelers can count on him for 15 to 17 games instead of just 11 like last year.
Grade: Wash
Nick Herbig vs Nick Herbig
For any NBA fans reading this, Nick Herbig in my mind is the pass rush version of Jamal Crawford or Lou Williams. He is an elite sixth man. The funny thing about that analogy is his play style is actually similar to theirs, as his pass rush bag is so unique and deep that even his All-Pro teammates have learned things from him. If he were a starter, I truly believe Herbig is a 10-sack-per-season type of player.
However, his size has created some challenges against the run in his first two NFL seasons. That said, many expect an uptick in playing time for Herbig this year. Finding rest for Watt and Highsmith will be more valuable over the course of a long season, and Herbig is clearly the next man up. I expect a solid Year 2 to Year 3 leap, whether that means improving against the run or becoming a more consistent pass rusher with increased volume.
Grade: Better
Jeremiah Moon vs Jack Sawyer
Last year Moon was a consistent professional who was solid defensively when called upon and a good contributor on special teams thanks to his athleticism. Sawyer was the team’s fourth-round draft pick and surprised many Steelers fans. Even though it was decent value on Day 3, he brings a different skill set than the other pass rushers. His intangibles are off the charts and the most exciting thing about Sawyer is his run defense for an edge rusher.
That means he can be used on obvious running downs to give players like Watt and Highsmith a rest. He isn’t as athletic as Moon so it’s unlikely he will outperform him in his rookie season on special teams, but his relentless motor makes him a player to watch in the third phase.
Grade: Better
The Steelers pass rushers will be looking for a bounce-back year by their lofty standards and I expect that to be the case barring any major injury setbacks. The depth is exciting and the fact that both backups are young makes the back end of the room even more intriguing.
As always I want to hear your thoughts. Where do you stand on this group compared to last year’s?
