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Steelers Draft Strategy: Top 5 Needs

By Brandon Kring

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Ryan Shazier (Ohio State) holds up his jersey after being selected as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Ryan Shazier (Ohio State) holds up his jersey after being selected as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Need Number One: Edge Rusher/Outside Linebacker

This one is a no brainer for Steeler fans. Last season, we saw a pass rush that was slow out of the gates. With Bud Dupree on the sidelines for much of the first part of the season, Pittsbugh failed to get pressure on oppsing quarterbacks, let alone sack them.

However, luck seemed to change week 10 against Cleveland. The defense racked up eight sacks. The pass rush seemed to get better but the alarmingly slow start was still cause for concern.

Pittsburgh still managed to finish top 10 in sacks after the slow start. Dupree’s emergence coming off injured reserve was another shot in the arm as he showed a flash of why Pittsburgh selected him Round 1 in the 2015 draft.

Even with the finish they had, the eye test tells you they absolutely need pass rushers. Manning one outside linebacker is the ageless wonder himself, James Harrison. As much as fans would enjoy it, James will not play forever. They will address this situation early in the draft. Here are some potential targets with each bullet representing one of the three days of the draft, in order (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3):

  • Takkarist McKinley, Carl Lawson, Hasson Reddick
  • Derek Rivers, Tarrell Basham, Jordan Willis
  • Duwane Smoot, Joe Mathis, Devonte Fields
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