Overview

• Mike Tomlin declared that the retooled unit has the talent and schematics to achieve unprecedented results this season.
• Tomlin officially designated Jalen Ramsey as the team’s primary shadow cornerback for opponents’ top receivers.
• Offseason additions—including All-Pros Darius Slay and Juan Thornhill alongside rookies Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black—have overhauled the secondary and front seven.
• ESPN analyst Mike Clay ranked Pittsburgh’s edge-rush trio of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig as the NFL’s top position group entering the preseason.
• Several key defenders are resting during preseason work while critics such as former CB Steven Nelson voice doubts, leaving the revamped defense’s live-game cohesion unproven.