With the NFL Combine coming to a close, the NFL world turns its attention to free agency. The Pittsburgh Steelers showed some odd interest at the combine. They were willing to spend much of their time during meetings with potential draft targets on positions that fans would scoff at. Pittsburgh has countless holes to fill across its roster this offseason, and targeting luxury picks might be foolish.
Unless their situation changes between now and the draft, attacking either of these players early in the draft process would be a miscalculation. They must address the need along the defensive line this offseason. They must also sign a quarterback and infuse better weapons around that person. There are too many holes right now for this team to make an odd selection in the top rounds.
Pittsburgh Steelers draft targets after NFL Combine
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Pittsburgh would be insane to take a quarterback early in this year's draft.
If they want to target a top quarterback in the draft, they better hold off until next year. Better prospects are coming out of that class. This year appears to mirror the 2022 crop of quarterbacks, which landed the Steelers Kenny Pickett. Protests over a quarterback shouldn't start yet, but the fact they met with Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers should raise red flags.
Dart will be the higher draft choice between him and Ewers. He had a solid week at the Senior Bowl, but it wasn't anything special. Dart is coming off four seasons at Ole Miss as the starting quarterback. During his time there, he became one of the best gunslingers in school history. Dart has a strong arm and playmaking ability, but taking him with a top pick would be a bad decision.
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
If anyone should be worried about safety being taken high in the draft, it's Minkah Fitzpatrick. DeShon Elliott is heading into a contract year, but the second-year Steelers wouldn't be as expensive to keep around as Fitzpatrick. The star safety is coming off two seasons with two turnovers. He seems to be slowing down, which could make his contract expendable sooner or later.
Xavier Watts was the headlining name that met with Pittsburgh at the NFL Combine. He should be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, but the franchise would shock many by taking him. Watts is a terrific player, but the Steelers have their starting safeties in place.
Maybe Fitzpatrick won't feel the heat this offseason, but if he can't figure out his turnover issues, he could become a cap casualty next year.
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Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Arthur Smith loves tight ends, and that statement only became proven at the combine. Even though Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are on the roster, Pittsburgh continues to add to the position. Smith relies on tight ends to help his offense run efficiently. He is willing to add as much talent to the position as possible, and the Steelers might be ok with that idea.
Pittsburgh met with Tyler Warren at the NFL Combine, and they also met with plenty of others at the position. Warren was the biggest name and should go in the top round of the upcoming draft. Taking the Penn State product would add another weapon on offense with versatility to his game. A tight end would be a luxury pick, and the Steelers need to shift their focus elsewhere.