Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy hints at personnel changes on defensive line

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton celebrates after sacking Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitch Trubisky during a 2024 preseason match.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun their voluntary mini-camp ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which marks the first time they’ve taken the field in the Mike McCarthy era.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, McCarthy discussed the importance of having flexibility on both sides of the ball.

“With 17 games, you see it heightened every year,” McCarthy said. “Offensive line availability, cornerback availability, that’s probably the biggest challenge I’ve seen over the last five, six years.“

Additionally, McCarthy talked about the flexibility the Steelers have on the defensive line, specifically with guys like Yahya Black and Keeanu Benton. The first-year head coach said both guys have the versatility to play one-tech (nose tackle) or at five-tech (defensive end).

Benton played all over the defensive line in 2025. Per PFF, he lined up in the A-Gap 234 times, the B-Gap 513 times, over tackle 30 times, and outside of the tackle five times. Black moved around a good amount, as well. He had 232 snaps in the B-Gap, 108 lined up over tackle, 77 in the A-Gap, and 28 outside of the tackle.

With new philosophies being introduced under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the Steelers could be a bit more versatile defensively than we’ve grown accustomed to.

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