Steelers draft prospects to watch after offseason signings and trades

The Steelers have been very busy since the new league year began by adding and subtracting players to their roster. Here is an updated look at positions of need in the upcoming 2020 draft after free agency signings and trades.

The Steelers have made some moves subtracting and adding players to their team. Here is the list of moves so far.  The team released linebackers Anthony Chickillo and Mark Barron. The team also released wide receiver, Johnny Holton. A later cut was fullback Roosevelt Nix. They have added tight end Eric Ebron, offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski, and fullback Derek Watt via free agency.

Via trade, the Steelers took an odd approach by swinging a deal with their bitter rival the Baltimore Ravens. Adding defensive lineman Chris Wormley for some picks going back for both teams.

Now onto the draft implications that these moves might have.

The team has addressed many holes in their early moves this offseason, but that did not fix all of their problems. The team still has positions of need this April and here are some that need to be addressed.

Defensive Back 

Not a real shocker here as the team has good starters, but everything can always use improvement. Both corners are coming off Pro Bowl-caliber seasons and they have one of the best safeties in football with Fitzpatrick.

Edmunds still seems to be the weakest link in the secondary on this talented defense, so a pick at 49 on a safety would be a glaring need. Adding some competition for that starting role opposite Fitzpatrick is a high priority. Depth at the corners is also a need in case one of the starters goes down. With Artie Burns currently in free agency limbo, the team will need to find suitable replacements in case injuries arise.

Potential draft prospects:

Geno Stone, S, Iowa, Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois, Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne, A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson, Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn,  Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame

Linebacker 

The need for both positions has come up after depth has gone by the wayside. With Chickillo and Tyler Matakevich leaving, the need for depth and special teams shows up big time. Another thing is with Dupree being franchised tagged, he might play his way out of Pittsburgh so a potential replacement must be found at some point.

Potential draft prospects:

Yetur Gross-Matos, OLB, Penn State, Zack Baun, OLB, Wisconsin, Josh Uche, OLB, Michigan, Curtis Weaver, OLB, Boise State, Troy Dye, ILB, Oregon, Malik Harrison, ILB, Ohio State, Chapelle Russel, ILB, Temple

Defensive Line and Nose Tackle

With the addition of Wormley, it takes away the immediate need for depth behind Heyward and Tuitt but the hole at nose tackle is too big at this juncture. Tyson Alualu is still under contract, and Isaiah Buggs could get into the mix in the defensive line rotation as well. Still, there is a need for a bit more depth. Here are some potential draft options at those positions.

Potential draft prospects:

DaVon Hamilton, NT, Ohio State, Rashard Lawrence, NT, LSU, Raequan Williams, NT, Michigan State, Nick Coe, DE, Auburn, Leki Fotu, DE, Utah, Robert Windsor, DE, Penn State

Free agency gives us a better idea of which players the Steelers may be targeting on draft day. These players are potential options if Pittsburgh looks to bolster the defense early.