2017 NFL Draft: Quick Reminder to Keep Defense in Mind

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one priority during the 2017 NFL Draft – defense.

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The Steelers want to add two major players to their defense in the NFL Draft, but it shouldn’t stop there. They need to remember this draft class is full of stars on the defensive side and this is the year to fill the missing pieces to their defensive puzzle.

Pittsburgh shouldn’t stop after the second round. Their offensive needs are a quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Well, if they want Josh Dobbs, which it appears they do, they can wait until their second pick in the third round. There will be plenty of running backs left in the fourth round and finding a wideout can happen as late as the sixth.

Offense is not a priority for Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement scare seems to be nothing more than a threat. He’s probably not going anywhere next offseason and could have a few years left in him according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

With that being said, Pittsburgh still needs to find their future quarterback, but not in the first half of the draft. Waiting would help the Steelers build their defense then add their offensive needs later. Unless something happens and a guy like Patrick Mahomes or DeShone Kizer slide to their second-round pick, there’s no point in wasting a draft pick on the same talent level you’ll get in the next round.

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It doesn’t matter what order you put together this defense in as long as you focus on that side of the ball. A corner, safety, and edge rusher are first choices, but all could be there at No. 30. Best player available is the strategy in the first round.

There are immediate starters as late as the third round of this draft. Pittsburgh can take full advantage of selecting three players who can fill spots like outside linebacker, cornerback, and safety. Maybe not all three will come in expected to start, but they should all have the potential to be eventual studs in the NFL.

The possibilities are endless. They could find players like Taco Charlton, Takkarist McKinley, T.J. Watt, and many more could be the next edge rusher in Pittsburgh. Marlon Humphrey, Jabrill Peppers, Teez Tabor or one of the plenty secondary options at the end of the first and second rounds would be great additions to the Steelers’ defensive backfield.

With the amount of talent in the draft, there’s no way you pass up on these guys. It isn’t like the Steelers’ offense needs any work. All they’re looking for is some quality backups to compliment their three offensive stars. There’s no reason to shoot for the next Le’Veon Bell or Antonio Brown when you already have them on the roster. So, aim for the next Troy Polamalu or James Harrison instead.

This is just a quick reminder that the Steelers should be locked in on defense. When Big Ben was questioning retirement, it was “get a quarterback as soon as possible.” But now that it’s all over, their attention should return to the defensive side of the ball.

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to take full advantage of this draft. This is the year they can turn that defense back into the elite unit it once was. With the offense they’ve had in recent years, they’re a few defensive playmakers away from a Super Bowl run.

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This is the year the Steelers complete their team. There’s too much talent and too many stars not to. They just need to remember – don’t fill unnecessary voids early and focus on the defense.