3 defensive prospects the Steelers should consider targeting at pick 49

While the defensive side of the ball is a strength on the Steelers roster, adding a talented young player would put this unit over the top.

Previously, I discussed three offensive prospects that the Steelers should target. However, while the offense needs a little more help, we should pump the breaks on the notion that we should not take a defensive player. While the Steelers defensive roster is full of high-end talent, there are some aging players that the team could look to replace, building towards an even greater future.

With the draft being so deep on the defensive side of the ball, taking a defensive prospect would come with less of a risk rather than reaching and drafting an offensive player who may not yet be ready to make the jump.

Adding a high-end defensive player in the draft would put the defense over the edge and cement the unit as one of the tops in the league. With the expected loss of impact players such as Javon Hargrave, and potentially, Bud Dupree, adding a young player would minimize those losses. Secondly, it would not hurt to upgrade the safety position, in order to replace former first-round disappointment Terrell Edmunds.

Some prospects that if available, would be great options for the Steelers to consider include, Josh Uche, Patrick Queen, and Antoine Winfield Jr. They all should be highly sought after players for the Steelers. If drafted, they would help make an already talented defense, a more fearsome and complete unit top to bottom.

After establishing such a dominant defense headlined by players like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward, it will be critical to Pittsburgh’s success to make sure that their defense remains among the very best in the league. Here are three draft prospects who could help them do exactly that: