Steelers may target a guard in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a number of needs to address this offseason. Here’s why Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert could be eying a guard in round two.

NFL free agency hasn’t even kicked off, but already fans are excited to know which direction their team will go on draft day. For Steelers fans, we know our team will be eying ways to beef up the offense; it’s just a matter of when.

With uncertainty surrounding the future of Bud Dupree and Javon Hargrave, drafting defense in the second round isn’t something we can rule out at this point. However, there is no question the Steelers are going to want to give Ben Roethlisberger as many pieces to succeed in his last few seasons as possible. There is plenty of reason to believe that Pittsburgh may be eying a guard in round two of the NFL Draft.

There are several signs that point to this. Long-time starter, Ramon Foster, is entering the final year of his contract. At 34 years old, Foster is coming off perhaps the worst season of his career since joining the team in 2009.

Behind him, backup interior offensive lineman B.J. Finney is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Finney was a great find by Pittsburgh as a former undrafted free agent. However, Finney turns 29 years old next season, and it’s hard to envision the Steelers (the team with the third-worst cap situation in the league) throwing a lot of money in his direction.

Whether Finney returns or not, this is likely Foster’s last season with the team, and he may consider retiring when his contract expires. Not only are the Steelers desperate for depth at the position, they will also be looking for a future starter.

Fortunately, there are going to be a handful of interior offensive lineman worth considering when the 49th pick rolls around. Players like Nick Harris, Jonah Jackson, Tyler Biadasz, Cesar Ruiz are all projected to go as high as the top of the second round, and this could be a deep interior offensive line group.

The Steelers could look to add help in a solid wide receiver class or a deep group of tight ends. However, Pittsburgh is at least three deep at receiver heading into 2020 and there are a few offensive linemen who could be the best players available when it comes time for the Steelers to make their selection.

Unless Pittsburgh goes out and signs a big-name guard this offseason, you better believe that an interior offensive lineman will be on their shopping list for April’s NFL Draft. Keep your eyes peeled for Tomlin and Colbert showing up at some of their Pro Days when we get closer to the draft.