5 biggest needs Steelers must address in the 2021 NFL Draft

2. Offensive tackle

Though Alejandro Villanueva is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, I really think the Steelers try to do everything in their power to bring him back for one more season, despite the fact that he is projected to make $16.5 million per season on his next contract. However, even if Villanueva returns in 2021, the Steelers are still in need of improvement at the position.

Chukwuma Okorafor did not live up to expectations last year, as he graded out as one of the worst offensive tackles in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. I expect Pittsburgh to try to re-sign Zach Banner to a ‘prove-it’ deal, but there is no guarantee he is even worthy of a starting job as he narrowly won the battle at right tackle to start the season before landing on IR with an ACL tear.

Villanueva turns 33 years old at the start of the season, and it’s unlikely the Steelers will be able to retain him next year. If that’s the case, offensive tackle instantly becomes a pressing need for a team that was dead last in the league in running the football last season. Finding a future blindside protector for Pittsburgh won’t be easy, and the Steelers could choose to spend their 24th overall pick to try to do exactly that.