The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a bit of a rebuild on the defensive line this offseason. After parting ways with Larry Ogunjobi, they’ve turned their attention to Daniel Ekuale, recently signed from the New England Patriots. As we analyze what Ekuale might contribute to Pittsburgh come 2025, there’s plenty to consider.
First, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Ekuale’s field presence last season. Observing the defensive snaps, including those over-the-tackle, offers crucial insight. Ekuale played 723 defensive snaps, staking his claim near the top of the league, ranking 15th among 68 qualified defensive linemen. His durability is underscored by these numbers. More impressively, he took 372 over-the-tackle snaps, second only to Denver’s Zach Allen, who had a staggering 684.
When you compare this to Pittsburgh stalwart Cameron Heyward, who logged 779 defensive snaps and 295 over-the-tackle, Ekuale’s role starts to crystallize. Ogunjobi, now released, tallied 224 such snaps, suggesting that Ekuale might slide seamlessly into that slot. If Keeanu Benton, who had just 48 over-the-tackle snaps in 2024, continues to focus on the inside, it leaves space for Ekuale to make a notable impact. The Steelers will likely look to the draft to add further depth, making for an intriguing development in their defensive lineup.
Next on our list, let’s examine the boosts and dips in Ekuale’s performance grades from last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Cameron Heyward led the pack with his formidable balance in play, clearly reflected in his PFF grades. However, it’s evident why Pittsburgh was keen on Ekuale. While Benton and Ogunjobi struggled in run defense, Ekuale brought a commendable run defense grade of 62.7, ranking 24th. But on the pass-rush front, Ekuale only managed a grade of 51.9, landing near the bottom at 61st among his peers.
With Ekuale, the Steelers are banking on strengthening their run defense—a role he’s poised to fill given his prowess last season. It’d be ideal if the draft also brought a dual-threat defensive lineman to the fold, broadening Pittsburgh’s defensive capabilities.
Tackling is another area where Ekuale sets himself apart. Assessing the tackling grades and missed tackle rates from 2024 offers promising insights. Ekuale earned a tackling grade of 71.2, placing him second-best among qualifying players. His missed tackle rate was an impressive 3.6, the third-best. Both metrics place him ahead of his new teammate Heyward, who notched a 65.4 tackle grade and 6.3 missed tackle rate.
Keeanu Benton, contrastingly, had a rough go with a 34.4 tackle grade and a 17.5 missed tackle rate, calling for significant improvement in 2025. While Ogunjobi performed decently in these stats, Ekuale’s potential to repeat or even better his 2024 performance makes him a valuable addition.
Considering Ogunjobi’s current six-game suspension for PEDs with the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh appears to have stepped in wisely, adding depth when it was most needed. With Ekuale’s upside, and if the draft further fortifies their defense, the Steelers might be gearing up for a more robust 2025 season. Here’s to seeing Ekuale step up in a big way for the Steelers and setting a solid foundation for the future.
