5 Steelers that need to have a big impact this season

The Steelers missed the playoffs by one game last season. Here are five Steelers who need to have a bigger impact on the team in 2019.

The Pittsburgh Steelers missed out on the playoffs last season after the Baltimore Ravens went on a three game run to take over the division lead by half a game. Pittsburgh still has a franchise quarterback playing at a high level and have the potential to improve next season if a few things fall their way. There are several players that need to improve, however, if the team is going to reach their potential.

1. James Washington

It’s very obvious that a receiver needs to be included on this list. I went with Washington because of the potential he has and the capital Pittsburgh invested in him drafting him in the second round last year. With the departure of Antonio Brown, the Steelers will be looking for someone to replicate some of his big play ability.

Washington proved he could do that in college at Oklahoma State. Last season he only hauled in 16 passes for 217 yards, that needs to improve next season. I am not sold on Donte Moncrief as a reliable number two option and Diontae Johnson is only a rookie. Washington was drafted to play an integral part in the Steelers offense. They need him to take a step towards that role in 2019.

2. Bud Dupree

When the Steelers drafted Bud Dupree in the first round of the 2015 draft. They were taking a gifted athlete with the hopes that he could develop some more sophisticated pass rush skills. That hasn’t happened to the degree many hoped. This season Dupree is playing for his future with the team. He is getting paid over nine million dollars on the fifth year option of his rookie deal.

Dupree needs to outperform last year’s 5.5 sacks to justify the teams continued investment in him. The Steelers do have the luxury of a developing star opposite Dupree as well as a defensive line that can generate pressure but for a team that struggles to create takeaways and struggles with field position, sacks are huge.

3. Sean Davis

Sean Davis makes this list for one reason and that’s takeaways. The selection of Terrell Edmunds in the first round last year gave the Steelers the flexibility to move Davis to free safety where he appeared more comfortable. He was very good in run support for a safety coming up with 80 tackles last season.

One interception, however, is not enough for a team that struggles with takeaways. The Steelers were in the bottom five of the league last season in that department with only 15. Davis has the potential and the position to take a step forward in that area next season.

4 Right Tackle

Marcus Gilbert is no longer the right tackle of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Matt Feiler filled in admirably last season and has the inside track to win the starting job in 2019. That doesn’t mean he has it locked up, however.

There are a number of players, most notably 2018 third-round selection Chukwuma Okorafor, who will provide competition during training camp. The Steelers have one of the best offensive lines in football, the starter on the right side needs to hold up that standard.

5. Chris Boswell

The Steelers kicker had a down year in 2018 only making 65 percent of his attempts after making 92 percent on 18 more tries in 2017. The Steelers red zone touchdown percentage will undoubtedly go down this season after losing Antonio Brown and Jesse James.

That means the team will rely more heavily on their field goal kicker. Simply put, he needs to be someone they can rely on. If he doesn’t rebound this season, the Steelers will be forced to find someone who can perform at a high enough level.

The Steelers were so close to a playoff berth in 2019, and missed the mark by just one game. Perhaps if they can get better better production out of some of the names on this list, they will do enough to make the playoffs this year.