st33lersguy
03-09-2015, 08:32 PM
This is my opinion of the most and least needs of the Steelers. Another list will come up right before the draft
1. Defensive back: This is combined because the Steelers have pressing needs in both areas. Depth and talent are both very low, long time Steelers Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu are not expected back, and the team finished 26th in pass defense, culminating in an abominable performance in the playoffs against Average Joe Flacco. Cornerback and safety both need upgrades
2. Outside linebacker: Moats was re-signed but Worilds will probably not be back, James Harrison is 37 and isn't even a lock to be back in Pittsburgh, Jarvis Jones hasn't improved, and the Steelers finished 26th in sacks, which is on the OLBers at most. No doubt the Steelers need to add a solid pass rusher
3. Running back depth: Le'Veon Bell is an elite back, but who is behind him. Another RB is not only needed to fill in adequately for Bell when needed, but a back-up RB will be needed to lighten the load on Bell. With his slimmed down frame, Bell runs the risk of breaking down early unless his load is lightened
4. Defensive line depth: Getting starters along the D-line isn't much of a problem, but depth is pretty thin, with Keisel being cut, and Cam Thomas is as useless as a Bengal during the divisional round. Some backups should be acquired, likely through the draft.
5. Offensive line depth: The starters are fine, but it would be wise to add depth in this area
6. Tight end: I will get criticized for not putting this higher as the last few years Steelers fans have been clamoring for a tight end. Sure Heath is old and Spaeth isn't much of a pass catcher but both of them are serviceable for now and if Heath goes down or slows down like Peyton, they still have plenty of weapons to compensate. This really isn't as big of an issue as fans make it out to be
7. Quarterback: This isn't much of a need either. Ben is 33 but seems to be getting better with age and is still a franchise QB. Also the QB market is not any good
8. Wide receiver: Brown, Bryant, and Wheaton are set as the no. 1, 2, and 3 WRs. Depth at the back end is a question mark with the release of Lance Moore, but no. 4 and 5 wide receivers are not used much and these roles can be adequately fulfilled through practice squad players. Remember, last year's no. 4 Lance Moore requested a release because he was used so little
9. Inside linebacker: Depth seems to be full and the position includes the defenses only pro bowler in Timmons.
1. Defensive back: This is combined because the Steelers have pressing needs in both areas. Depth and talent are both very low, long time Steelers Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu are not expected back, and the team finished 26th in pass defense, culminating in an abominable performance in the playoffs against Average Joe Flacco. Cornerback and safety both need upgrades
2. Outside linebacker: Moats was re-signed but Worilds will probably not be back, James Harrison is 37 and isn't even a lock to be back in Pittsburgh, Jarvis Jones hasn't improved, and the Steelers finished 26th in sacks, which is on the OLBers at most. No doubt the Steelers need to add a solid pass rusher
3. Running back depth: Le'Veon Bell is an elite back, but who is behind him. Another RB is not only needed to fill in adequately for Bell when needed, but a back-up RB will be needed to lighten the load on Bell. With his slimmed down frame, Bell runs the risk of breaking down early unless his load is lightened
4. Defensive line depth: Getting starters along the D-line isn't much of a problem, but depth is pretty thin, with Keisel being cut, and Cam Thomas is as useless as a Bengal during the divisional round. Some backups should be acquired, likely through the draft.
5. Offensive line depth: The starters are fine, but it would be wise to add depth in this area
6. Tight end: I will get criticized for not putting this higher as the last few years Steelers fans have been clamoring for a tight end. Sure Heath is old and Spaeth isn't much of a pass catcher but both of them are serviceable for now and if Heath goes down or slows down like Peyton, they still have plenty of weapons to compensate. This really isn't as big of an issue as fans make it out to be
7. Quarterback: This isn't much of a need either. Ben is 33 but seems to be getting better with age and is still a franchise QB. Also the QB market is not any good
8. Wide receiver: Brown, Bryant, and Wheaton are set as the no. 1, 2, and 3 WRs. Depth at the back end is a question mark with the release of Lance Moore, but no. 4 and 5 wide receivers are not used much and these roles can be adequately fulfilled through practice squad players. Remember, last year's no. 4 Lance Moore requested a release because he was used so little
9. Inside linebacker: Depth seems to be full and the position includes the defenses only pro bowler in Timmons.