3 positions Steelers must beef up before training camp
By Tommy Jaggi
The Steelers filled a lot of holes in the NFL Draft, but here are three positions that could still use a boost before training camp.
With nine selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers did a pretty good job of addressing their biggest needs – primarily on the offensive side of the ball. They made it a point to help the rushing attack early by selecting Alabama running back Najee Harris. They followed this pick-up with three straight offensive players in TE Pat Freiermuth, IOL Kendrick Perkins, and OT Dan Moore Jr.
This was the first time since 1984 since the Steelers have used all four of their top draft choices to address the offensive side of the ball. In addition, Pittsburgh has used their first-round pick on a defensive player for 8 straight drafts prior to 2021 (including the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick).
Despite having nine draft picks, there are still three positions that could really stand to be beefed up before training camp opens this summer. While there’s not a lot of money to work with, Pittsburgh could add depth to these positions:
Edge defender
After losing both Bud Dupree and Ola Adeniyi this offseason, it was almost surprising to see the Steelers wait until the sixth round to address edge defenders. Personally, I loved the Quincy Roche pick. I really thought the Miami pass rusher could have gone as high as the late third round. While I’m confident Roche is going to make the team, the Steelers could use some additional help.
Pittsburgh is good at the top with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, but Roche and veteran Cassius Marsh are the only viable options as backups right now. Marsh was pretty bad when filling in last year, and he offers nothing in terms of run defense. There are several quality options in free agency who could go for pretty cheap deals after sitting in the market this long. If something were to happen to Watt or Highsmith, Pittsburgh would be in big trouble on defense.