The bulk of the Steelers free agents have been signed, and with the draft less than a month away, the focus of the team is shifting as to how they can fill their needs in the draft. With four picks in the first three rounds, this team should be able to add some impact players.
Unfortunately, this team is still filled with needs, as their additions, while fine overall, haven’t moved the needle that much. While the priority of needs has shifted, the main focus of this draft is the same. This team needs some better players on both sides of the ball if they want to get this team back on the right track.
Here is an updated list of needs for the Steelers heading into the draft this month.
Steelers need number 5: LB
Despite adding to this group early in free agency, the Steelers still have a pressing need at linebacker. While Cole Holcomb should be the every-down linebacker for this team, he isn’t exactly an elite defender. Behind him, Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson are two-down players, although Robinson is still developing as a pro.
The team needs a better option to serve in coverage and, ideally, to be the top linebacker for this defense. They certainly can go without taking a linebacker, as they have a trio of options to utilize, but an impact linebacker early would make this defense better. It is no longer the top priority, but it is still an important one.
Steelers need number 4: OL
While many will be upset to see the offensive line this low on the list, the fact is that the interior of this unit has been beefed up substantially, and the depth of the group is relatively strong. The team has three clear starters at both guard and center spots and two lackluster starting tackles with depth across the board.
The only instant impact that I think this team could have is if one of their top two picks is used to add a tackle and more specifically a left tackle. If not, expect any tackle that is brought in to be a backup for at least the first season. The Steelers are also heavily scouting centers, and a higher-than-expected pick could be used there. Again though, he would be a backup for the first season.
The offensive line is hard to gauge right now. Again, a rookie could start at tackle if taken high enough, but outside of that, a rookie won’t be starting along the offensive line. Because of that, I don’t see the line as the biggest need. Improvements can and should be made, but there are certainly other more pressing needs for this team heading into the draft.
Steelers need number 3: DL
On the other side of the trenches, the defensive line has been maintained, but the draft should be a time to improve the unit. Cameron Heyward is the only true star on the line. Larry Ogunjobi is a fine player, and while he is back this season, he wasn’t a huge impact player last year. The middle of the defense is a mess though.
Even with the newly signed Breiden Fehoko and Armon Watts, this team is lacking a capable nose tackle. Fehoko looks like he could fill that void, but he hasn’t been a consistent starter since entering the league. This draft is full of potential upgrades there, and the Steelers should exploit that. They could use an upgrade there for the long term.
The team could also add an end to develop. Heyward isn’t getting any younger and Ogunjobi isn’t an impact player. There are a few great fits at defensive end, and a couple more that have the size to play inside and at end. The team needs to add to this group from an instant impact, depth, and developmental perspective.
Steelers need number 2: WR
I’m not sure how you can argue that a receiver isn’t a huge need for this team. You have a young and developing quarterback that needs weapons, and he only has two proven weapons at the position. While many fans are banking on Calvin Austin filling that third role, he missed his entire rookie season and shouldn’t be counted on. Even if he is ready to start, being four deep at the receiver is important.
I was personally hoping that the Steelers would have added a veteran at the position. There were a few cheaper slot options that just made sense. Now though, it appears as though a rookie will have to fill that spot, as the team hasn’t shown any significant interest in signing anyone. More than likely, a receiver will be added in the first four rounds.
Pickett needs more weapons to aid in his development, and it appears as though Pittsburgh will continue to add rookies to the mix. You can’t only have two proven receivers around in a competitive offense. With other needs getting at least band-aids, receiver has shot up to a significant need and will need to be addressed early in the draft.
Steelers need number 1: DB
One of the Steelers top needs heading into the offseason was defensive back, and based on the recent string of moves, it is now the sole owner of the top need for the team. While Patrick Peterson should be a capable starter in the short term, Pittsburgh is lacking a top outside cornerback still. The slot is bare right now with Cameron Sutton leaving, and the team could still upgrade strong safety.
Based on the pre-draft followings of the team, I expect the Steelers to go heavy with defensive backs early. Someone that can cover the slot should be the top priority, but beyond that finding a capable outside cornerback to develop is key. Both can and should be addressed earlier than later in this draft class.
While I couldn’t tell you who will go where in the draft order, don’t be surprised to see this secondary revamped. They need instant contributors and developmental depth right now at multiple positions. Based on how free agency shook out, this is easily the most important positional group that this team needs to address in the draft.
The Steelers are likely done with most of their big moves in free agency, and that means all eyes should be on the draft. There is still a lot of work to be done with this roster, and the draft will be crucial for filling the remaining needs of this team.