It seems like each fan wants the Steelers to invest more in the offense going forward. They have one of the highest-paid defenses in the NFL, but the league is more geared toward high-scoring offenses. The Steelers might be starting to change their idea of how to succeed in the modern-day NFL. Even though they need plenty of help on offense, they do have some holes to fill on defense.
An aging core of stars on defense brings a potential investment in a plan for the future. Cam Heyward isn't getting any younger, and there remain concerns in the secondary. It makes logical sense for Pittsburgh to remain invested in defense as that group finds different ways to keep the club in games. The offense is the way of the league, but the defense has plenty of issues to fix in the draft.
Darius Robinson might have been the best EDGE rusher at the Senior Bowl
One name that wasn't really on many evaluators' radar heading into the Senior Bowl was Darius Robinson. The Missouri product was well graded, but many saw different names circled higher on their boards heading into the Senior Bowl. He had a tremendous week of practices and should be able to find himself into a high day two pick.
The Steelers don't need to take an edge rusher high in the upcoming NFL Draft. They still have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, but they also have Nick Herbig waiting in the wings. Taking an edge rusher early in the draft makes little sense for Pittsburgh. Someone like Robinson could be tempted if he remains available with either of their day two selections.
One way he could make sense for the black and gold is if they envision him sliding inside to play defensive tackle in their defense. Maybe they see him as a potential DeMarvin Leal type of build with a higher upside. Robinson is a great prospect who is coming off his strongest season of production yet. He has a high ceiling and his time at the Senior Bowl only did him favors.