Things could change, but there is an obvious choice for the Steelers in the upcoming draft. To understand who the favorite is, we must understand their current list of needs. Pittsburgh must fill holes at quarterback, running back, receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and the secondary. There is still enough time to fix those problems, but they will solve some through the draft.
With only $43 million in cap space, don't expect the Steelers to pull off many grandiose moves in free agency. They might try minor alterations unless they can locate more cap space through cuts and contract restructures. Either way, don't go into free agency expecting the club to plug all their holes on the roster through a massive spending spree.
Pittsburgh routinely leans on the NFL draft to build their roster. They will try and lean on certain positions of need by selecting rookies on cheap contracts.
One name that has emerged in countless mock drafts and discussions has been Emeka Egbuka. The Ohio State product has been a consistent producer at receiver since he started there. Rather than signing a receiver to a massive deal in free agency, picking someone like Egbuka would help solidify their offense. He has what the Steelers have been searching for.
Emeka Egbuka should be early favorite to land with Steelers as top pick
While looking at Egbuka as a prospect, his biggest weakness for being the Steelers top pick is being a slot receiver. He has played most of his football in the slot. That is not a negative per se, but Pittsburgh needs a dynamic receiver on the outside. Add in the fact that Russell Wilson rarely throws over the middle of the field, and it could be worse if the veteran quarterback gets re-signed.
Egbuka is a dynamic route runner who could be a prolific receiver at the next level.
Taking this three-year starter at Ohio State with the top pick would immediately open options in the middle of the field. His high skill with running routes is unmatched in this draft class. With a light crop of prospects at the receiver position, expect the Steelers to attack the position early. Unless they sign a big-name free agent, they will try to snag one between rounds one and two.
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Other than his route-running, Egbuka is a willing blocker. Arthur Smith will return as the Steelers offensive coordinator next season, and they want to get the run game rolling. If you want a successful attack on the ground, then you need receivers who are willing to do some dirty work. Egbuka has shown consistency as a dependable blocker in college.
There is still countless time between now and when the first round of the upcoming draft starts. Things could change between now and then, but Egbuka should remain a top target for the Steelers in Round 1. He has everything they are looking for. He can block and catch the ball consistently and has a superb knowledge of route running.