The Pittsburgh Steelers have a number of needs to address this offseason. Here’s why I have them bolstering their offense for the 2020 NFL season.
The Steelers may be without their original first and third-round draft picks that helped them land Minkah Fitzpatrick and Devin Bush, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find players who can contribute to their team in 2020. Pittsburgh’s offense ultimately finished 30th in the league last season without Ben Roethlisberger, but the future Hall of Fame quarterback will look to resume his role this year.
Stephon Tuitt will also be back for the Steelers, but there are still question marks surrounding unrestricted free agents Bud Dupree and Javon Hargrave this offseason. Still, Pittsburgh’s biggest needs come on the offensive side of the ball. I have them going there early and often in the 2020 NFL Draft. Here is my updated full Steelers mock:
2nd Round: K.J. Halmer
Wide receiver, Penn State
The Steelers have a promising trio of receivers with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington. However, what they are lacking is speed to burn defenders down the field. K.J. Hamler may be bite-sized, but he has legitimate speed to take the top off the defense. He could immediately lock down kick and punt return duties and provide Pittsburgh with a much-needed spark on offense.
3rd Round (comp): Michael Onwenu
Interior offensive line, Michigan
Ramon Foster is 34 years old and the Steelers offensive line really underperformed expectations in 2019. Michael Onwenu is a massive human being (6’3”, 350 pounds). He has the size and power Pittsburgh typically looks for in a left guard. Foster still has one more year left on his deal, but B.J. Finney is an unrestricted free agent who may look for work elsewhere. Onwenu can sit and develop for a year before competing for a starting job in 2021.