Headed into the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers have areas to address on both sides of the ball in free agency and the NFL draft. Offensively, a lot of their success is going to depend on the development of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. However, improving his supporting cast can go a long way toward furthering that development.
Defensively, there are many potential areas to address, which could depend on what happens in free agency. With Cameron Sutton, Terrell Edmunds, and Devin Bush all being free agents they may find themselves needing to fill holes on defense in the draft.
With that being said, there are many potential areas they could look to address with their first-round pick at 17th overall. Without any further ado, let’s break down five potential routes they could go.
5. Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
With Larry Ogunjobi, Chris Wormley, and Tyson Alualu all being free agents, plus Cameron Hayward about to turn 34, interior defensive line is an area the Steelers could address early in the NFL draft.
17th overall might seem like a reach for an undersized interior defensive lineman, but after running a 4.67 40-yard dash at the combine, Kancey could shoot up boards. Kancey simply lived in the backfield over his career at Pittsburgh. His pass rush grade of 92.4 was the best of any interior defensive linemen in the country this season.
It’s apparent why that was the case when watching him as his quickness is rare for defensive tackles. He also knows how to use his hands very well to win pass rushes.