2015 Steelers Offseason Preview, Part 3: Secondary & ST
The Steelers rebounded from a few previous years of mediocrity with a solid season this year. Even though they ended with a disappointing loss in the Wild Card round to the dreadful Ravens, they still finally cracked double digit wins again. They are certainly moving in the right direction, but they have more work to do if they want to be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Read on for part 3 of the offseason preview.
Cornerback
Probably the weakest part the Steelers roster is the cornerback position. Surprisingly they really don’t lack depth at the position. They have 5 guys who could be a third cornerback for most teams, but they don’t really have someone who can be considered a lock down corner on the perimeter.
William Gay is the best of the bunch, and he locks down the slot with regularity, but he isn’t anything more than a top-5 slot corner. Brice McCain would are nickel options, but shouldn’t be relied on to be starters. Ike Taylor can hold down the perimeter, but his skills are quickly deteriorating as he ages. Cortez Allen was great for the Steelers as their slot corner a few years ago but he has never lived up to the hype as a top level perimeter starter.
If the team can add two starter caliber players in the offseason then this could become a position of strength on their roster. Brice McCain and Antwon Blake are also both free agents and should both be brought back.
Draft: Possible targets include Trae Wayes, Eric Rowe, Alex Carter, P.J. Williams, Kevin Johnson, Marcus Peters, Jalen Collins, or Quinten Rollins (1st-2nd round)
Free Agency: Possible targets include Byron Maxwell, Chris Culliver, Kareem Jackson, Antwon Blake, and Brice McCain are all possible targets
Current Contracts: Releasing Cortez Allen is a possibility
Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Shamarko Thomas (29) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Safety
Safety was an absolute disaster for the Steelers in 2014. The mix of aging players and completely botched free agency signings will do that to you.
Troy Polamalu was once again oft injured, but he wasn’t the same Troy even when he was healthy. I can’t even begin to explain how awful of a free agency signing Mike Mitchell was. I still feel like Shamarko Thomas is the best safety on the roster at this point, but for some reason he didn’t see the field except for on special teams. Will Allen performed admirably but he is well past his prime. That leaves Robert Golden, who is great on special teams but doesn’t provide much on defense.
There need to be serious changes on the back end of this defense if they want to improve at all from the awful display they put on against the pass this past season.
Draft: Possible targets include Chris Hackett, Derron Smith, Gerod Holliman, and Durell Eskridge (2nd-4th rounds)
Free Agency: Possible targets include Stevie Brown, Louis Delmas, Will Allen, and Robert Golden
Current Contracts: Releasing Troy Polamalu and Mike Mitchell are possibilities
Special Teams
There really isn’t much to say about special teams. Shaun Suisham is still one of the most under appreciated kickers in the league, Brad Wing is a huge improvement over the previous few punting options the Steelers have had, and Greg Warren is still a reliable long snapper.
Brad Wing could probably be upgraded on but adding depth to the rest of the roster should definitely take priority. As a long snapper, if we don’t hear your name called you’re probably doing a good job. There’s no reason to make the change from Greg Warren now.
Draft: No Moves
Free Agency: Re-sign Greg Warren and Brad Wing
Current Contract: No Moves
There you have it. That ends the third and final preview for the Steelers offseason. Next week I will post a review and results piece. It will include full projections and my take on what should happen this offseason. Feel free to comment your feelings below. Go Steelers!