Here are four players that the Steelers need to build around for success in 2021
The Steelers saw quite a few solid additions from youthful players in 2020, and with a lot of question marks surrounding this team and its future, planning heavily around these players is a must. The team benefits from their smaller contracts and potential longevity as players given their limited wear and tear. With a large amount of talent set to leave, building this team around these players will allow for the best possible rebuild. Here are the players that the Steelers will have to build around to be successful in 2021.
James Pierre
The Steelers have had a rough go at it with undrafted free agents as of late. While the team usually brings in around 10 undrafted options, it has become increasingly rare that any of them make the roster. This past season, the odds were even longer, as rookies didn’t have a preseason to show off their skills. Yet, James Pierre somehow found his way onto the roster besides these limitations.
He made an instant impact on special teams and by years end he had seemingly jumped Justin Layne as the backup outside corner. While his defensive snaps were extremely limited, he seemed to hold his own as a coverage player. Given the short- and long-term uncertainty at the outside corner spot, Pierre has to be considered as a potential starter, and ideally sooner than later.
While being hyped over 27 defensive snaps seems premature, the fact he made the roster and overtook Layne means the Steelers clearly see something in him. Given the fact that the team will have some old faces gone at the corner position, it isn’t impossible that Pierre sees considerable playing time as a rotational outside option. Even if starting isn’t in the cards, he has played well as a special teamer. There is always value there, but he has untapped potential as a potential starter sooner than later.
Kevin Dotson
In an offseason where the majority of fans are demanding changes along the offensive line, the Steelers should feel very happy that they scored Kevin Dotson in the fourth round of the draft last year. While he didn’t become an every game starter, he was easily one of the shining spots on an otherwise disappointing line this year. Given the likelihood of a Matt Feiler departure this offseason, having Dotson in the wings is important.
As well, with the line as a hole aging, being able to already have a centerpiece for what will eventually be a rebuild puts this team ahead. The Steelers will certainly address the offensive line in this draft, potentially even a couple of times, but they won’t have to draft a starting guard. Dotson should be comfortable as a starter going forward. He should be a key cog for the next era of Steelers offensive linemen.
It was puzzling when the team opted to play Feiler instead of Dotson in the playoff game. While this ultimately didn’t decide the final outcome, it was frustrating to see such a promising young rookie be forced back onto the bench. That said, there should be little holding him back next year as he should be the starter from the get-go. Dotson was a steal for the team, and he should be an important player going forward.
Alex Highsmith
While TJ Watt is the obvious star on defense, this team is already planning around him and with him being the on this defense long term. The team is already building around him, which means he isn’t eligible for this list. Instead, fellow edge rusher Alex Highsmith has some high potential as well, and with the team set to have some decent cap space in the next few years with the impending retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, they could realistically afford two top pass rushers.
Now, a lot of his future will depend on how he does as a full-time starter next season. Highsmith flashed his rookie year though, which means with a full offseason under his belt, he should be ready to take on NFL offenses next year. One of the biggest concerns with him coming out of college was his strength, so a full offseason should do him wonders as he focuses on getting stronger. He already has a decent pass-rushing skill set, which means he could be in store for a huge season next year.
If he takes off, the Steelers defense should be close to elite just as it was when Bud Dupree was playing at his best across from Watt. Having two capable pass rushers makes any defense’s job easier, and if the Steelers can plan on keeping both for the long term, it should lead to sustained defensive success for the foreseeable future. Highsmith is bursting with potential, and the Steelers will be wise to build around him and Watt as the center of their defense.
Chase Claypool
Easily the biggest surprise from the season was Chase Claypool ascent into stardom. While he always had the potential to be great, the Steelers deep receiver room made it seem like a longshot that he saw considerable playing time. Suddenly though, the team couldn’t take him off the field, as he was proving to be a big-play threat as well as a dynamic red-zone target for the team. He never looked back after this, finishing with a team-high 11 scores and just under 900 total yards.
With the likelihood that JuJu Smith-Schuster leaves during the offseason, Claypool’s role should only expand. He could potentially be the top target next season alongside Diontae Johnson which should allow him to build off of his stellar rookie year. While the offense as a whole will likely regress, Claypool showed that he can succeed even with the limitations the team had at quarterback. Even when Mason Rudolph started, Claypool still found ways to succeed.
Moving forward, the Steelers have to do what they can to build a passing attack around their most dynamic target. Getting some deeper passes mixed in with savvy routes should maximize Claypool’s upside heading into next year. He should only get better from here, and he could crack the list of top ten receivers by the end of the year. The Steelers scored with him, and it is now time to plan on him being the guy going forward.
While the Steelers have a relatively young roster, these options in particular have some of the highest long-term potentials for the team. The team has to keep them at the center of their plans moving forward as each of them have some serious star power. While some need more than others, each of the players above should be key for the Steelers going forward.