Top 5 biggest NFL draft needs for Steelers in 2021

The Steelers will need to assess the situation of the defensive ‘backstop’

So let me make this very clear:  I do not dislike any Steelers player.  I have been a fan since 1978 and I bleed Black and Gold.  What I do not like is this: a player who is potentially playing out of position or a player who, because of where he was drafted, just has not lived up to expectations.

I believe the aforementioned is the case with Terrell Edmunds, our former first-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft.  Edmunds had a great game against the Jaguars with 2 INTs and 4 total tackles.  It was the kind of game that we would expect him to have and I dare say that he would expect of himself having been a first-round pick.

Prior to the 2 INT game against the Jags, Edmunds tallied 1 INT in 41 career games.  Frankly, that is not very good production from a first-round pick.  Honestly, I do not blame Edmunds; I blame the Steelers for reaching in the 2018 draft to select a player because of a position of need. If Edmunds had not been a first-round pick, I probably would not care as much as I do care.

All that being said, the depth behind Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick for that matter is either untested or backup quality.  If I was running the 2021 NFL draft for the Steelers, I might look at drafting a Safety early with the understanding that the best position for Edmunds may be at sub-LB.  So whether we draft a Free Safety, a Strong Safety, or maybe a Linebacker who can play Safety, it makes no difference to me, but the position needs to be addressed.

Let’s take a look at our third biggest draft need.