Mike McCarthy’s return to Pittsburgh and reunion with Aaron Rodgers will be an intriguing storyline throughout 2026. But if McCarthy is going to enjoy success in Year 1, he’ll be counting heavily on the other side of the ball. For the fifth consecutive year, the Steelers are set to employ the NFL’s highest-paid defense. On paper, it’s a loaded group full of Pro Bowlers, All-Pros and a few potential Hall of Famers. However, this group hasn’t always played up to its collective paycheck.New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who will bring plenty of pressure and max blitzes, will be looking to help this group reach another level. Doing so will be a major part of the equation if the Steelers are going to reach their ceiling this season. As we countdown the days until training camp, here’s one thought on every defensive player currently on the Steelers’ roster.Defensive linemenCameron Heyward: His ability to play at a high level late into his career has become a defining part of his legacy. How long can he keep it up?Derrick Harmon: His active hands and quick hips were evident when he was healthy as a rookie. If he stays on the field more often, it could be a big season for the 2025 first-round pick.Keeanu Benton: Will he get his money this year? And, if so, how much?Sebastian Joseph-Day: As a key rotational player, his versatility will help him contribute in a variety of roles. He will potentially be the first player called upon in the event of injury at a few different spots in the lineup.Yahya Black: The new staff could use him at nose tackle more. The Steelers got good value in the 2025 fifth round — that D-line class was deep. Can he develop into a key part of the future up front?Steelers' new defensive coordinator is giving a hip-hop history lessonMike DeFaboEsezi Otomewo: Solid depth piece.Logan Lee: After missing his entire rookie year in 2024, he provided depth last year. This is an important season for him.Dean Lowry: At 32 years old and coming off an ACL injury that robbed him of the 2025 season, Lowry is sitting near the roster’s fringe.Gabriel Rubio: He is one of the few rookies at risk of being left off the initial 53-man roster.Kevin Jobity Jr.: At 6-foot-4 and 308 pounds with 33 1/4-inch arms, he scored an 8.87 out of 10 on the Relative Athletic Score. That ranked 259 out of 2,278 DTs from 1987 to 2026. Can the Steelers take those elite testing numbers and help the UDFA develop into more?Kyler Baugh: He’s likely competing to make the practice squad.Anthony Goodlow: Another practice-squad candidate.Outside linebackersT.J. Watt: After 19 sacks in 2023, he posted 11.5 in 2024 and 7.0 last season. Set to turn 32 this season, will the Steelers try to manage his reps in an attempt to get more production over fewer snaps?Alex Highsmith: When he’s healthy, he sets the edge against the run and gets after the quarterback. The problem is he’s missed 10 games over the last two years.