Steelers' Rookie Logan Lee's Size Is What Makes Him A Defender Who Can Play All Over

The Pittsburgh Steelers used the first of their two 2024 sixth-round picks to select Logan Lee, a defensive end out of Iowa. Lee comes to the Steelers with the 178th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and filled a depth need within the defensive trenches in Pittsburgh. The former Hawkeye defender is seen as a viable defensive lineman despite being undersized for the position. Karl Dunbar, Pittsburgh's defensive line coach, recognizes that Lee's versatility along the line is one of the strengths that will help him mature in their system.

After the Steelers bulked up their offensive line with a trio of large, strong men, they shifted their aim to the defense with the second pick of the sixth round and got Lee. The defensive end is 6'5" and 281 pounds, which aren't usually the metrics one would expect from a defensive lineman, but Dunbar doesn't see that as a weakness of Lee's. During the press conference following Pittsburgh's selection of the former Hawkeye, Dunbar spoke on where the team expects Lee to play and how his size can be a positive.

"I think he's a defensive end. When I say defensive end, he can play anywhere from the five-technique to a zero, you know? Cause he's that kind of guy. He has the girth for his 295 pounds that he can play outside because he has a little speed, but he's gonna be mostly an interior guy; a defensive end in our 3-4 package."

Pittsburgh came into the 2024 NFL Draft knowing that the defensive line was an area that needed to be addressed if the right moment arrived. For the Steelers, Lee fit what they were looking for as someone who could come into the defense and contribute while still growing and learning as a rookie. With significant injuries hampering the defense in 2023, it wasn't just about finding starters but bringing in viable depth. 

The Steelers are heavily invested in the defensive side of the ball, and Lee is one example of how they are preparing in case another slew of injuries strikes in 2024. Dunbar was quite specific when explaining why he sees Lee as a defensive end in their system. The five-technique would have Lee lined up on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle, while the zero would have Lee directly over the center. 

Both styles demand very different approaches and require a certain understanding of how to utilize your size and strength, but Dunbar doesn't foresee Lee having much difficulty adjusting to wherever they line him up. The more the defensive coaches can ask from Lee, the more flexibility the defense will gain as a unit, and that is always a good thing for a defense-led squad like the Steelers.

Steelers' Heyward Can Ease Lee Into Things

Pittsburgh's defensive stalwart and one of their most respected leaders, Cameron Heyward, isn't getting any younger. After spending most of the first half of 2023 rehabbing a groin injury, it is becoming a more stark reality for the Steelers that one day Heyward will not be there to command their defensive line. 

The Steelers have now proven how dedicated they are to finding Heyward's eventual replacement by drafting Keeanu Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and now by bringing in Lee.

While Benton has a much higher draft pedigree, both defensive linemen will be counted on throughout the 2024 campaign to show exactly why they were brought into Pittsburgh in the first place. Heyward's presence was dearly missed due to his injury, and the defense's ability to stop the run suffered greatly for it. 

Considering that the Steelers overhauled their quarterback room, drafted three offensive linemen and a rookie receiver, and have a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, the defense will need to hold its own once again.

Whether Lee becomes a regular contributor or a role player will be determined by his play, but for now, the Steelers have to feel good about their 2024 draft. One thing is for sure, though; Heyward will provide an excellent source of experience and could be a mentor to the incoming Lee, which any rookie would be lucky to have.

What impact will Lee have for the 2024 Steelers?