Those that pay attention to the football team that calls Pittsburgh home know that they have been active. Free agency has been an ongoing process as they just signed Keanu Neal and Breiden Fehoko to uplift their roster. Neal seems to be positioned to start right now, but do not be surprised if the Steelers draft someone to take over the starting role. Fehoko is added depth that should challenge Montravius Adams for the potential nose tackle role.
Adding these two cement depth pieces, that could turn out to be bigger role players than most would imagine upon their signings. Plenty of free agents continue to sit out there looking for new contracts in the NFL. Adding talent through the draft seems to be the top priority right now, but free agency could still be looked at for different positions, especially if they are not addressed in the draft.
Adding another run stopper up front could be an option after the draft
Fehoko is a solid run stopper on the defensive front, but there are other free agents available that could be seen as an upgrade. Both Adams and Fehoko should not be seen as proven players, but they could challenge for the starting nose tackle role on the defense if all else fails. It seems more likely than not that the black and gold will try and draft a defensive lineman early to fill the nose tackle spot and expand their role as the season progresses.
That would be an ideal situation with names like Keeanu Benton, Mazi Smith, and Gervon Dexter being available on day two of the draft. If none of those guys become members of the Steelers, then Poona Ford could be a viable option on the open market. He is a solid run stopper and has a ton of experience that could influence the black and gold to expand his role into a rotational basis with Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi.
Bud Dupree could be a solid fallback option for Pittsburgh if they cannot draft someone
Bud Dupree shared on his Instagram this past week that he was in Pittsburgh to discuss a potential reunion with his former club. He did pass his physical according to reports, but that did not lead him to a contract offer from the Steelers. It seems like the club will see how the draft goes before they add a free agent to stop the issues with depth at outside linebacker.
Even though the edge rusher position should not be a dire need in this draft, the Steelers have shown a lot of interest in this position. Will McDonald IV, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Nolan Smith could be some interesting names to watch around draft day. There are plenty of bigger needs to address come draft time, but if the black and gold take one within the first three rounds, it could mean Alex Highsmith is more expendable than once thought.
Bringing Dupree back into the fold after he left for the Tennessee Titans a couple of free agency's ago just makes sense. He struggled to stay healthy there and produce, and there is a familiarity with the black and gold. He produced at a high level with the Steelers and would solve the depth issue that the club currently possesses on their roster. This would be a good fallback option for Pittsburgh if they cannot add a quality pass rusher through the draft.
A veteran slot cornerback could be a great value signing by the Steelers
Another position that the Steelers will likely target early in the draft is cornerback. Cam Sutton departed the club through free agency before the Steelers officially signed Patrick Peterson. An outside cornerback seems like it will be the target, but there is a hole to fill in the coverage role at slot corner. The draft seems like a prime opportunity to add someone on the opposite side of Peterson, while free agency might be a better option to address the need in the slot.
Some interesting options are still out there for the Steelers to consider, one of those being Bryce Callahan. He has been predominantly a slot coverage guy, and that has led to a relatively successful career. Arthur Maulet could stay in his specific role and stay off the field on specific cover downs. Adding Callahan would take pressure off the draft and situate different players in a slot role that they are not privy to.
Taking a cornerback in the draft is almost a guarantee when you look at the different pro days and visits the Steelers have done. Most of the corners have been geared towards the outside options with the likes of Joey Porter Jr., Kelee Ringo, and Julius Brents on their radar. Adding someone like this veteran cornerback would be a huge boost to this secondary both as a starter and the type of depth it would create for this roster.
Two linebackers were added in free agency and another could be on the way
Trying to figure out what the black and gold are going to do when the draft comes around puts you between a rock and a hard place. They seem to be prioritizing a lot of positions, but linebacker seems to be getting lesser treatment. The organization has been present for plenty of pro days, but they have not offered many top 30 visits to prospects that play the position to date.
There are plenty of potential options that should be available on day two of the draft that will catch the eyes of Pittsburgh. Jack Campbell, Trenton Simpson, and Dorian Williams are some interesting options that could be draft targets. If none of those guys fall to their selection, then it is possible the Steelers could feel content with what they have.
Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts were signed earlier this offseason, but that should not satisfy the starting positions. Bare minimum, one or both of those players should be challenged for their starting spots come training camp. One name to keep an eye on is Denzel Perryman. He graded out extremely well this past season and would be a nice addition to a position of weakness on defense.
A familiar face could return to the Steelers the longer he remains unsigned
Get ready for the rambunctious fodder that follows this article as Mason Rudolph could find his way back onto the Steelers. Some will not hate the idea of bringing this player back as the third string quarterback, while others will hate the thought. It could make a lot of sense for both sides, especially if Rudolph continues to fail to get offers on the open market.
Mitch Trubisky will back up Kenny Pickett this season, but you cannot have enough experience at the quarterback position. One should assume that the draft could be a cheap option to fill the third spot on the roster in the late rounds of the draft. Malik Cunningham, Clayton Thune, and Aidan O'Connell could be some interesting options in round seven.
If the club is unable to draft or sign a significant name from that offseason process, then free agency could become a solid backup plan. Rudolph has a lot of starting experience and was the top third-string signal caller in the NFL last year. He did not enjoy his role this past season, but it could make sense for both sides to rekindle their marriage for another year. Rudolph does not seem to have a ton of suitors right now, and the Steelers could potentially still need a quarterback after the draft concludes.