5 things the Steelers need to do with the NFL Draft over

With the draft wrapped up, the Steelers still have a lot of work to get done before training camp opens up. While this roster has been significantly bettered since the offseason began, there is still plenty of work that needs to be done before the team begins formally preparing for the season.

Areas of the roster still need to be built up and there are some managing tasks to get accomplished. While not a necessity, there are also a few players that would make sense to jettison from the roster. Here are the five moves that need to be made now that the draft is over.

5. Steelers need to work on an Alex Highsmith extension

I can’t understand Steelers fans not wanting to retain Alex Highsmith. While T.J. Watt is the top name on defense, Highsmith has become a fine starter for this defense and a valuable edge rusher. It seems like the main complaint is that Highsmith isn’t Watt, but that doesn’t make him a bad player.

He has gotten better every season and broke out last year to the tune of 14.5 sacks. He has a wide array of pass-rush moves, and his spin move in particular is an impressive one to watch. You don’t land that many sacks without having a good feel for the game.

Highsmith will be a more expensive deal, but he won’t cost as much as the elite pass rushers in the league. Somewhere between 15-20 million a season seems likely, and it ensures the Steelers maintain a high level of pass rush production for the next few years. They have cap flexibility with Kenny Pickett on his rookie deal, so inking Highsmith to a long-term deal makes sense.