Which round should Steelers target each defensive position?

Edge Rusher

Fourth Round

Though the Steelers have their starters set at edge rusher for 2021, the depth chart behind them is extremely bare. With the modern NFL being based around throwing the ball and stopping the other team from throwing it, having a capable rotation of pass rushers is important. The team has made this evident, as they have spoken with a wide variety of pass rushers ranging from early-round targets to mid-round developmental players.

While taking an edge player in the first is a little rich, there are quite a few intriguing options the team may end up considering. At the end of the day, having and capable crop of edge rushers is arguably the most important defensive position. With the Steelers suddenly so thin at the position, taking a pass rusher first is a possibility. Assuming the team goes elsewhere with the top pick, the fourth round seems to be the next best bet.

No, Pittsburgh wouldn’t secure a top pass rusher this way, but they could find a rotational player that could also participate on special teams. Options like Jonathan Cooper, Patrick Johnson, Victor Dimukeje should be available here, and any of them would instantly be an upgrade on the depth chart. While it would be unwise to count on any of them to start, down the road a fourth-round investment in the position could pay dividends for the team.