Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex ranked the team's inside linebacker room third best in the AFC North during a Tuesday podcast appearance. He placed the Cleveland Browns first and the Baltimore Ravens second. Essex cited last season's performance and communication issues as key factors.
Essex spoke on his Snap Count podcast. “We have some work to do,” he said. “I think we’re number three based on our performance last year.”
He pointed to Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson as the main duo. Queen, a former second-team All-Pro, had underwhelming seasons in 2024 and 2025 with the Steelers. Wilson showed promise but struggled in the run game.
Essex contrasted this with the Browns' Carson Schwesinger, the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Quincy Williams, plus the Ravens' Roquan Smith. He noted the Steelers group has rebound potential under the new defensive plan.