Steelers 2015 Offseason Preview, Part 2: Front Seven
After I previewed the moves that would be made on offense this offseason last week, it is now time to preview the moves that will be made to improve the front seven on defense. The offseason preview, and the front seven one in particular, is my favorite piece to write. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy putting it together.
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Defensive Line
The Steelers defensive line turned out much better than many, including I, had expected it to in 2014. They still have room to improve, but they have certainly come a long way from where they were at this point last year.
Cam Heyward is obviously an absolute star as a five technique defensive end and a pro bowl snub if you ask me. It’s not just Heyward on the defensive line, though. The other starters next to him, Steve McLendon and Stephon Tuitt, have also proven to be valuable pieces.
The depth on the defensive line could be improved. Brett Keisel will, in all likelihood, not return to Pittsburgh next year and Cam Thomas is just not a good football player. I will admit that I was dead wrong on Daniel McCullers, who has proven that he could provide long term depth at nose tackle.
Draft: Possible prospects include Gabe Wright, Darius Kilgo, Tyeler Davison, Bobby Richardson, Henry Anderson (3rd-5th round)
Free Agency: No Moves
Current Contracts: Cam Heyward only has one year left on his contract so there could be work on an extension to keep him in Pittsburgh long term
Outside Linebacker
The Steelers outside linebacker situation, on the other hand from the defensive line, turned out a lot worse than it was expected to be. James Harrison is the only player among the group who didn’t under-perform.
Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) in pass coverage against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Saints won 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Worilds was gifted with almost $10 million this offseason and he didn’t live up to it one bit. Jarvis Jones was injured for most of the season, but even when he was healthy he didn’t provide much to the team. Arthur Moats wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t good enough to compensate for the lack of talent making up the rest of the position.
Whether or not Worilds is retained this offseason, outside linebacker needs to be the top priority for the team to address this offseason. Jarvis Jones is not fit to be starting and James Harrison is over the 35 year old mark. Arthur Moats contract also expires this offseason so there could be some significant retooling at the position.
Draft: Potential prospects include Alvin Dupree, Eli Harold, Max Valles, Vic Beasley, Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Danielle Hunter, or Nate Orchard (1st-2nd)
Free Agency: Possible targets include Pernell McPhee, Jabaal Sheard, Arthur Moats, and Jason Worilds are possible targets
Current Contracts: No Moves
Inside Linebackers
Inside Linebacker is probably the most stacked position on the entire roster. They have four starting caliber players at the position and a special teams demon.
Lawrence Timmons is an absolute monster who finally got the pro bowl recognition he deserves, Ryan Shazier, Vince Williams, and Sean Spence are all worthy of starting opposite him. Terence Garvin is worthy of the fifth spot based solely off his special teams prowess, but Jordan Zumwalt is also fully worthy of the fifth spot.
I don’t expect there to be much outside turnover at the position, but there should be some serious battles within the team for positioning on the depth chart.
Draft: No Moves
Free Agency: Re-signing Terence Garvin is a possible move
Current Contract: No Moves
What do you think Steelers Nation?