The NFL Draft wrapped up nearly four weeks ago, and the Steelers selected a quality class. The incoming rookies should be able to boost this roster into playoff contention this upcoming season. Their schedule will make things look like a daunting task, but we will see how the season plays out. The black and gold have a quality roster on paper, but it will be up to them to turn that into a good year.
Even though the draft class has been getting great reviews by most experts, there remain unproven weak points on the depth chart. Pittsburgh was able to address many needs in this past draft, but they could still use some help either in free agency or via trade. No one should expect the Steelers to be done adding to their roster between now and the start of the regular season.
The Steelers should add another proven Cornerback on defense
Cornerback was not addressed in the draft until the sixth round by the Steelers when they selected Ryan Watts out of Texas. He is an interesting cornerback who has played in many different spots in college. He is an athletic freak who the team believes they can turn into a quality starter in the slot. He will most likely contribute on special teams during his rookie campaign.
Some possibilities are adding an upgrade at slot cornerback or someone on the outside and moving Donte Jackson into the slot. One free agent still out on the open market is Stephon Gilmore. He has been one of the most talented cornerbacks over the past decade in the NFL. He is getting older, but he would allow for an upgrade on the outside and shift Jackson into the slot.
Add another quality receiver either via trade or free agency
Most of the focus involving rumors around the Steelers has been at wide receiver. Pittsburgh did add Roman Wilson in the third round, but many have projected him as a slot receiver. Unless he can overcome those projections and be a legit outside receiver to compliment George Pickens, then there is a massive question mark on the Steeler's offense.
Plenty of names have been connected to the Steelers in free agency and via trade since the draft. Names like Michael Thomas, D.K. Metcalf, Brandon Aiyuk, and many others have been linked to the black and gold as potential upgrades. We will see where things go, but Pittsburgh is unlikely to have their current options as the final outcome when the regular season begins.
Look at adding another running back after the NFL Draft
Some thought Pittsburgh might take a running back with one of their final selections in the draft. That did not happen, but the Steelers did add some bodies to the position in free agency and undrafted free agency. None of the options currently behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are proven in the NFL. The Steelers could look to add to their stable of backs before training camp.
One name to keep an eye on is Anthony McFarland Jr. as he is playing well in the UFL. The spring league has seen him explode onto the scene, but he was sidelined with an injury for a big chunk of their season. McFarland has started to show a more all-around game and could be a nice addition right before training camp to battle for the final spot behind the two starters.
Bring back Markus Golden to add depth at outside linebacker
Another hole currently on the roster that isn't getting much attention is at outside linebacker. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith make things comfortable for the black and gold until one of them falls to injury. Nick Herbig showed a lot of promise during his rookie campaign last season. A significant drop-off remains after you look past Herbig on the depth chart.
It would be wise for the Steelers to try and bring Markus Golden back to the team before training camp. He wouldn't cost much to sign and would be a nice veteran guy to have as your fourth option on the roster. Golden played as a depth piece last season, it would be up to him to figure out what he wants to do this year. He remains a free agent and is someone the Steelers should bring back into the fold.