For many years, Pittsburgh Steelers fans grew accustomed to the starting lineup. Terrific drafts, shrewd free agent signings and continuity was the name of the game in Pittsburgh. When July rolled around and it was time to pack up and head to Latrobe, there weren’t many opportunities for young players to state a case for a starting job. Safeties were relegated to special teams as Ryan Clark and future first ballot Hall of Fame inductee Troy Polamalu locked down a perennial underrated secondary. Larry Foote and James Farrior spearheaded the middle of the defense, relegating Pro Bowl linebacker Lawrence Timmons to the bench.

This is simply not the case any longer.

In a recent interview, Mike Tomlin was quoted as saying the infusion of youth to the defense isn’t something that should be feared. In fact, this breath of fresh air to a defense that has been at times abysmally bad over the last three seasons should be welcomed among fans. Make no mistake about it, however. This isn’t the optimal choice for the front office or coaching staff. The Steelers are now embracing this youth movement out of necessity, not choice.

On a defense that has lacked legitimate playmakers for years, the Steelers’ front office chose to go against conventional wisdom in the 2015 NFL Draft. Recent conventional wisdom has put emphasis on bigger, stronger defensive backs. The Steelers, in turn, drafted two defensive backs under 5-foot-11 with two of their first four selections. What they may have lacked in physical stature, Senquez Golson and Doran Grant counter with their ability to generate turnovers. And, perhaps most importantly, they bring with them youth and the ability to rejuvenate a secondary that is almost completely void of talent and depth.

Stepping into the front seven, the Steelers may have one of the most underrated units across the league. The unit is now led by budding young superstar in Cameron Heyward at defensive end, a player poised for double-digit sacks as a five-tech defensive end. Playing across from him is 2014 second-round selection Stephon Tuitt, a young defensive end with immense potential who flashed excellence when given opportunity to play this past season. Anchoring the middle will likely be Steve McLendon. Though, Steelers fans shouldn’t forget the name Daniel McCullers, as he is a player to look for throughout camp. McCullers, eloquently nicknamed “Mount McCullers,” has the potential to unseat McLendon as the starting nose tackle. At 6-foot-7 and over 350 pounds, McCullers may be a rotational player in 2015, but the upside is there for 2016 and beyond.

Kicking inside, the Steelers likely have the deepest and most talented inside linebacker group in the league. Anchored by defensive stalwart Timmons, the group consists of first-round sophomore Ryan Shazier, a player who comes into his second season with very high expectations. After showcasing what he could bring to Steelers fans early in the season, Shazier simply couldn’t stay healthy for the remainder of the season. This led to a disappointing rookie season, but Shazier should bounce back and return to form. Behind him are the speedy Sean Spence and two-down thumper Vince Williams, both of whom are capable of filling in and seeing extensive playing time without the defense skipping a beat. Teams across the league are grateful if they have two very good inside linebackers and the Steelers boast four, all capable of significant snaps.

As good as the Steelers are in the trenches and in the middle of their defense, serious questions remain regarding their edge rush ability. Led by Jarvis Jones, this is a group that comes in with perhaps the highest expectations on the defensive side of the ball. Jones may not be in a make-or-break year, but more is needed from the former first-round pick. Behind him at right outside linebacker is the tenured veteran James Harrison, a player outside linebackers coach Joey Porter has suggested be on a snap count this season. On the left side, the battle remains open heading into training camp between Arthur Moats and rookie linebacker Bud Dupree. Though Dupree may not win the battle in camp, he will see the field as a rookie and will make the most of it. Look for him to have serious impact in 2015.

This is a defense that is currently undergoing a facelift. A youth movement that is arguably years late is finally here. Embrace it, Steelers fans.

Connor Isted is a Beat Reporter for www.RantSports.com covering the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Follow him on Twitter @cdisted.