![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/01/cc3adee51387402394e469c6ba2e2061.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The Pittsburgh Steelers added several new faces on defense between the 2023 NFL draft and free agency. How many of them will crack the starting lineup? Here’s our first projection for the Steelers defensive starters after the draft.
Defensive end - Cam Heyward
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/10/USATSI_19246774.jpg)
Nose tackle - Keeanu Benton
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/04/USATSI_17058613-1.jpg)
Defensive tackle - Larry Ogunjobi
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/10/8b259b89ea7d4463b6f881af2e9ddabf.jpg)
Left outside linebacker - T.J. Watt
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/12/USATSI_19648013.jpg)
Right outside linebacker - Alex Highsmith
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/01/USATSI_19749206.jpg)
Left inside linebacker - Cole Holcomb
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/03/USATSI_17357041.jpg)
Right inside linebacker - Mark Robinson
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/05/USATSI_18360424.jpg)
Left cornerback - Patrick Peterson
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/03/USATSI_19748366-1.jpg)
Right cornerback - Joey Porter Jr.
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2023/04/USATSI_17064970.jpg)
Nickel cornerback - Arthur Maulet
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/01/USATSI_17477854.jpg)
Free safety - Minkah Fitzpatrick
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/10/USATSI_19330456.jpg)
Strong safety - Damontae Kazee
![](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/76/2022/08/5981543bce2a44bebeebaf07206c44bc.jpg)