Breaking down the 2020 Steelers: The defense

Here is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 defense:

(Italics denotes player is on the practice squad)

Defensive end/tackle

Starters: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt

Others: Chris Wormley, Isaiah Buggs, Henry Mondeaux

Breakdown: Coming off three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and two first-team All-Pro nods in three years, Heyward remains the force on the defensive line, and the Steelers locked him up for the next five years. For all of his potential, Tuitt never has approached double digits in sacks, and he is coming off a torn pec that cost him the second half of last season. Wormley was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens to provide depth on the outside and perhaps contribute at nose tackle, but injuries kept him off the field for much of training camp. Buggs could see increased playing time in his second year. Such is the depth that Mondeaux was relegated to the practice squad for the second year in a row. He is one of four protected on the practice squad, meaning other teams cannot sign him to their roster.

Nose tackle

Starter: Tyson Alualu

Others: Carlos Davis, Dan McCullers

Breakdown: Alualu will be tasked with replacing Javon Hargrave at a spot the Steelers use on perhaps 25% of their defensive snaps. He also will factor into the defensive end rotation. The Steelers like the experience and poise he brings to the line. The Steelers kept rookie seventh-rounder Davis, a cheaper alternative, as the backup instead of McCullers, who was re-signed to the practice squad. Don’t expect Davis to play much as he learns the nuances of the position. McCullers provides insurance in case of injuries.

Outside linebacker

Starters: T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree

Others: Alex Highsmith, Ola Adeniyi, Jayrone Elliott

Breakdown: Watt emerged as an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate in 2019 with his 14.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. The Steelers are hoping for one more big season from Dupree, who set a career high with 11.5 sacks and had four forced fumbles. He’ll be a free agent in March, so a lot is at stake for him. Highsmith, the team’s third-round pick, impressed in training camp, and he could steal snaps from Adeniyi as the top backup. Adeniyi logged just 62 snaps in 16 games last year, but the Steelers need someone to replace Anthony Chickillo in that No. 3 role. Elliott was retained on the practice squad after spending time with the team in 2019. He also is a protected practice squad player.

Inside linebacker

Starters: Devin Bush, Vince Williams

Others: Ulysees Gilbert III, Robert Spillane

Breakdown: Bush played 82% of the defensive snaps as a rookie, and that number should increase now that he’s more familiar with the defense. Williams is back as the other starter after the Steelers cut ties with Mark Barron. Williams is a dependable run stopper and could be replaced by a hybrid linebacker in subpackages. Gilbert is the top backup after his rookie season was cut short because of a back injury. He and Spillane played almost exclusively on special teams last year. No inside linebackers were signed on the practice squad, but safety Marcus Allen played the position in training camp.

Safety

Starters: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds

Others: Sean Davis, Jordan Dangerfield, Marcus Allen, Curtis Riley, Antoine Brooks Jr.

Breakdown: The trade before Week 3 last season that put Fitzpatrick in a Steelers secondary solidified the back end of the defense from the moment he stepped on the field. In his second season, Fitzpatrick became an All-Pro pick when he led the NFL with eight takeaways. Edmunds enters his third season as a starter, and he’ll be tasked with providing more consistency and the occasional splash play. Davis was brought back after he was cut by Washington to be the primary backup. He knows the Steelers system and can contribute on special teams. Dangerfield will continue to serve as a core special teams player. Allen can be used in a hybrid role when the Steelers go to six defensive backs. The Steelers kept Riley, a veteran signed during training camp, and sixth-rounder Brooks on the practice squad. Riley also is a protected practice squad player.

Cornerback

Starters: Joe Haden, Steve Nelson, Mike Hilton

Others: Cameron Sutton, Justin Layne, James Pierre, Trajan Bandy

Breakdown: Haden returned to the Pro Bowl after a four-year absence as he led the Steelers with 17 pass breakups and tied for the team high with five interceptions. He benefited from Nelson emerging as a shutdown corner on the other side of the field in his first year with the Steelers. Hilton returns as the slot cornerback. Sutton can perform multiple duties in the secondary and should get his share of playing time in subpackages. Layne is hoping to take on a bigger role in his second season, and Pierre was the only undrafted free agent to survive roster cuts. Bandy will develop on the practice squad after going undrafted out of Miami (Fla.). He started 29 of 39 games in three seasons with the Hurricanes.