How free agent signings and roster moves will affect Steelers draft

Steelers free agents who have re-signed

Cornerback – Ahkello Witherspoon – Starter – Witherspoon’s first play as a Steeler he got burned by Henry Ruggs for a 67 yard TD. It had everybody, myself included, asking “Why the did they sign this guy?; After that, He settled in and had some very good games.

In 368 snaps he had 15 tackles, 1 for a loss, 9 pass deflections and 3 interceptions. Between Witherspoon and Levi Wallace the Steelers have a workable, starting outside CB duo.

Effect on the Draft: Cam Sutton and Arthur Maulet are both suspect as the starting nickelback but the team no longer needs to use an upper round pick for a starting CB prospect.

Wide Receiver – Anthony Miller – Reserve/Starter – In my 2018 Mock, I had the Steelers taking Anthony Miller in the same draft they picked James Washington. Miller is an accomplished NFL WR with more catches than JW. He runs aggressive, nicely detailed routes and plays with an attitude.

In his four year career he has 140 receptions for 1589 yards at 11.4 yards per and 12 touchdowns. Miller may be able to hold down WR3, but even if he doesn’t he’s a very solid WR4. He has punt and kick return experience, as well.

Effect on the Draft: Miller gets rid of the need for a mid to late round WR.

Tight End/ST – Jace Sternberger – Reserve – Not much was made of this signing but it could end up being a good one. Like the Packers, I had a 3rd Rd grade on Sternberger in 2019. I even had him going to Pittsburgh in one of my mock drafts. He’s a good receiver who runs good routes and is a decent blocker. He’s more of a move TE but he can play in-line, as well.

In 262 snaps he has 12 receptions for 114 yards at 9.5 yards per and 1 touchdown. He has extra value on special teams as a blocker with 141 snaps on the return teams.

Sternberger had some early injuries in 2019 and got placed on the Covid list in 2020. While this was happening other Packer TEs passed him on the depth chart. In 2021 he had a big off-field blunder, driving under the influence and falling asleep behind the wheel.

This led to his being suspended for two games and then being cut by the Packers. He underwent therapy and issued a very sincere sounding public apology. Given another chance Sternberger might emerge as a solid TE2 making him a great value signing.

Effect on the Draft: The Steelers don’t need to use a late round pick on a reserve tight end prospect.

C/OG – J.C. Hassenauer – Hassenauer’s a good reserve interior lineman. In 277 snaps he had no penalties and gave up no sacks. His PFF grade is 67.7 overall with 63.4 pass blocking and 68.3 run blocking

Effect on the Draft: Hassenauer eliminates the need for a late round reserve interior lineman.

Nose Tackle/DL – Montravius Adams – Reserve/Starter – Last season Adams was signed off the Saints practice squad and he did a good job bolstering the Steelers flagging run defense. He’s more of a top sub than a starter and he can play across the D-Line.

Tyson Alualu wants to return in 2022 and Adams has said they’d make a good ‘one two punch’. In 2 games, with 171 snaps, he had 8 tackles, 1 for a loss, 3 QB hits, and a pass deflection.

Effect on the Draft: With the return of Adams and Alualu there’s no need for an early round nose tackle. The Steelers still might want to add some D-Line help in the mid to late rounds.

ILB – Robert Spillane – Reserve – Spillane has been a top reserve and spot starter for the Steelers. He signed his restricted free agent tender.

Effect on the Draft: Along with the signing of Myles Jack the Steelers are solid at inside linebacker so there’s no reason to waste any draft capital on one.

OLB/DE – Derrek Tuszka – Reserve – This was another “Who?’ signing that turned out to be really good. Tuszka gave the Steelers some good minutes as a reserve. In 247 snaps he had 18 tackles, 1 for a loss, 2 QB hits, 2.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Kevin Colbert is really great at finding these kinds of players.

Effect on the Draft – Tuska eliminates the need for a late round swing edge defender and pass rusher.

Safety/ST – Karl Joseph – Reserve/Starter – As far as I’m concerned all of Arthur Maulet’s snaps should’ve gone to Joseph. Though he’s undersized, Joseph is a dynamic player with good football instincts. I don’t think he’s a starter but he should be able to provide some quality snaps this year.

The Steelers should definitely get him on the field in their nickel and dime packages. In his six-year career, Joseph has 305 tackles, 11 for loss, 5 QB hits, 20 pass deflections, and 5 interceptions. He’s also played, mostly as a gunner, on special teams.

Effect on The Draft: Joseph eliminates the need for a later round safety.