Team Needs - Discussion - Post Combine/Free Agency

[BEERgods225]

Players currently on the roster

Offensive (25)

Quarterbacks - Roethlisberger, Rudolph, Dobbs, Roback

It looks to me like we're solid here.

Runningbacks - Conner, Samuels, Nix, Edmunds, Webb, Williams

3 solid spots filled and 3 more young guys fighting for one spot. (IMO - RB NEED)

Tightends - McDonald, Grimble, Hodges, Rader, Scotland-Williamson

We have one solid, yet oft injured player with two more borderline players and another two more young depth players. (IMO - TE NEED)

Wide Receivers - JUJU, Moncrief, Washington, Switzer, Rogers, Griffey, Jones, Spencer, White

I think that this group of five players could get by, improving as the year moves on, but I think that adding a potential Starter would be nice. (IMO - WR NEED)

Offensive Tackles - Feiler, Villanueva, Okorafor, Hawkins, Prince, Banner

We have two starters and a young depth guy but need another player if Hawkins isn't healthy. (IMO - OT NEED)

Offensive Guards - DeCastro, Foster, Finney

I know the team like Finney but I'm not a fan, plus Foster is nine hundred years old. IMO we need a future starter here but it might now be an immediate need. (IMO - OG NEED)

Offensive Centers - Pouncey, Morris


Defensive (25)

Defensive Ends - Heyward, Tuitt, Alualu, Hooks, Sheehy

again with three solid starting caliber players but a fourth depth option is needed. (IMO - DE NEED)

Defensive Tackles - Hargraves, McCullers

McCullers has all the ability in the world but needs to finally live up to it.

Outside Linebackers - Watt, Dupree, Chickillo, Adeniyi

Watt is money, Dupree is an ok starter but Chickillo is depth only and Adeniyi has yet to earn a spot. (IMO - OLB NEED)

Inside Linebackers - Shazier-IR, V.Williams, Barron, Matakavich, Bostic, Scales, SpillaneRyan isn't coming back. I'm not a Vince fan, don't know what Barron has and Tyler is a back up. (IMO - ILB NEED x2)

Cornerbacks - Haden, Hilton, Nelson, Sutton, Burns, B.Allen, Waters

Nelson and Haden are starters, Sutton and Hilton are slot players. We need future starters and more talent (IMO - CB NEED)

Safeties - Davis, Edmunds, M.Allen, Burnett, Dangerfield

Burnett is on his way out, Dangerfield is a PS talent, and I don't know what the other three offer yet...still young and unproven. (IMO - S NEED)


Special Teams (3)

Kickers - Boswell, McCrane

Punters - Berry

Long Snappers - Canaday


GREEN - Should make the roster

BLUE - Borderline roster spot

RED - Injured Reserve


Team Needs

Immediate - ILB, TE, DL

Moderate - WR, CB, S

Future/Depth - EDGE, OT, OG, RB, ILB


TDN - Predictive - MOCK DRAFT - based off need vs. BPA

RD1 - TE - TJ Hockenson - Iowa

RD2 - WR - Riley Ridley - Georgia

RD3 - S - Taylor Rapp - Washington
RD3 - DL - Khalen Saunders - W.Ill

RD4 - ILB - Germaine Pratt - NC State

RD5 - OG/C - Michael Jordan - OSU

RD6 - EDGE - Carl Granderson - Wyoming
RD6 - CB - Jamal Peters - Miss. St.
RD6 - OT - Mitch Hyatt - Clemson

RD7 - RB - Bryce Love - Stanford

[Born2Steel]

I don’t necessarily love the draft but I do love the format and post. Well done.

[BEERgods225]

Revised - TDN - Predictive - MOCK DRAFT - (based off need vs. BPA)

RD1 - ILB - Devin Bush - Michigan

RD2 - TE - Irv Smith Jr. - Alabama

RD3 - OLB - Chase Winovich - Michigan
RD3 - WR - Riley Ridley - Georgia

RD4 - S - Chauncey Gardner-Johnson - Florida

RD5 - OG/C - Michael Jordan - OSU

RD6 - RB - Bryce Love - Stanford
RD6 - DE - Jonathon Ledbetter - Georgia
RD6 - CB - Mark Fields - Clemson

RD7 - OT - Mitch Hyatt - Clemson

[Born2Steel]

The more game tape I watch on Greedy, White, Murphy, Sweat, Bama, etc, the more impressed I have become with Auburn QB Stidham. If he’s still there in the 5th/6th I would have to consider him.

[Dwinsgames]

Players currently on the roster

Offensive (25)

Quarterbacks - Roethlisberger, Rudolph, Dobbs, Roback

It looks to me like we're solid here.

Runningbacks - Conner, Samuels, Nix, Edmunds, Webb, Williams

3 solid spots filled and 3 more young guys fighting for one spot. (IMO - RB NEED)

Tightends - McDonald, Grimble, Hodges, Rader, Scotland-Williamson

We have one solid, yet oft injured player with two more borderline players and another two more young depth players. (IMO - TE NEED)

Wide Receivers - JUJU, Moncrief, Washington, Switzer, Rogers, Griffey, Jones, Spencer, White

I think that this group of five players could get by, improving as the year moves on, but I think that adding a potential Starter would be nice. (IMO - WR NEED)

Offensive Tackles - Feiler, Villanueva, Okorafor, Hawkins, Prince, Banner

We have two starters and a young depth guy but need another player if Hawkins isn't healthy. (IMO - OT NEED)

Offensive Guards - DeCastro, Foster, Finney

I know the team like Finney but I'm not a fan, plus Foster is nine hundred years old. IMO we need a future starter here but it might now be an immediate need. (IMO - OG NEED)

Offensive Centers - Pouncey, Morris


Defensive (25)

Defensive Ends - Heyward, Tuitt, Alualu, Hooks, Sheehy

again with three solid starting caliber players but a fourth depth option is needed. (IMO - DE NEED)

Defensive Tackles - Hargraves, McCullers

McCullers has all the ability in the world but needs to finally live up to it.

Outside Linebackers - Watt, Dupree, Chickillo, Adeniyi

Watt is money, Dupree is an ok starter but Chickillo is depth only and Adeniyi has yet to earn a spot. (IMO - OLB NEED)

Inside Linebackers - Shazier-IR, V.Williams, Barron, Matakavich, Bostic, Scales, SpillaneRyan isn't coming back. I'm not a Vince fan, don't know what Barron has and Tyler is a back up. (IMO - ILB NEED x2)

Cornerbacks - Haden, Hilton, Nelson, Sutton, Burns, B.Allen, Waters

Nelson and Haden are starters, Sutton and Hilton are slot players. We need future starters and more talent (IMO - CB NEED)

Safeties - Davis, Edmunds, M.Allen, Burnett, Dangerfield

Burnett is on his way out, Dangerfield is a PS talent, and I don't know what the other three offer yet...still young and unproven. (IMO - S NEED)


Special Teams (3)

Kickers - Boswell, McCrane

Punters - Berry

Long Snappers - Canaday


GREEN - Should make the roster

BLUE - Borderline roster spot

RED - Injured Reserve


Team Needs

Immediate - ILB, TE, DL

Moderate - WR, CB, S

Future/Depth - EDGE, OT, OG, RB, ILB


TDN - Predictive - MOCK DRAFT - based off need vs. BPA

RD1 - TE - TJ Hockenson - Iowa

RD2 - WR - Riley Ridley - Georgia

RD3 - S - Taylor Rapp - Washington
RD3 - DL - Khalen Saunders - W.Ill

RD4 - ILB - Germaine Pratt - NC State

RD5 - OG/C - Michael Jordan - OSU

RD6 - EDGE - Carl Granderson - Wyoming
RD6 - CB - Jamal Peters - Miss. St.
RD6 - OT - Mitch Hyatt - Clemson

RD7 - RB - Bryce Love - Stanford


good work , I would argue that TE or DL is not any bigger need than S or Edge ... in fact I would say Edge and S are bigger needs than DL ...Davis final year of his rookie deal and likely wont be returning , Dupree on his 5th year option and likely gone after this year and both could afford to be upgraded anyways getting a guy a year early and working him in when ready instead of forcing him into action is our normal MO


Taylor Rapp no way slides to round 3 IMO ( unless he got busted for something in the past week that I am not aware of )

[BEERgods225]

I list EDGE and S as moderate, IMO, because both positions have bodies but are young and really have left us in limbo not knowing what their worth is. Yes we need someone to step up at those positions but there are bodies there that we hope can fill those voids. We don't know just yet. At TE, we have one good TE (WHEN HEALTHY) and nothing behind him. A good TE opens the entire field of play up for the offense. I think that's important, especially in the endzone where Ben has been struggling for a few seasons now. DL has us with solid/great starters and even one starting caliber back up but McCullers has been a let down every year since being drafted and there is no depth at DE.

[Dwinsgames]

I list EDGE and S as moderate, IMO, because both positions have bodies but are young and really have left us in limbo not knowing what their worth is. Yes we need someone to step up at those positions but there are bodies there that we hope can fill those voids. We don't know just yet. At TE, we have one good TE (WHEN HEALTHY) and nothing behind him. A good TE opens the entire field of play up for the offense. I think that's important, especially in the endzone where Ben has been struggling for a few seasons now. DL has us with solid/great starters and even one starting caliber back up but McCullers has been a let down every year since being drafted and there is no depth at DE.


TE from what I witnessed at camp last year ( and the fact they kept him on the PS all year ) I think many get surprised by Hodges ... he gives you the mismatch your looking for in the passing game but his blocking was poor being the knock ... that blocking vastly improved during camp and with the entire season on the PS and another off season and camp I look for him to make the 53 and contribute


DE Tyson Alualu , Lavon Hooks ( whom I like )

DT Alualu is pos flexible and able to play all across the line in a 3-4 ( so McCullers is never the first guy off the bench unless someone is hurt and Alualu is now starting )

N Hargrave ............ Alualu / McCullers

I think this is a strong group and they will likely draft someone middle rounds or later or add a vet at cutdown ...

we can find bigmen what we have lacked the ability to find are quality secondary players and inside linebackers who can cover and still tackle in the run game without being drug or run over and hanging on for the tackle 5 yards later

[Born2Steel]

If Devin White is not there at 20, how would you guys feel about taking Blake Cashman there? I doubt he’s on the board at pick 52. I understand other players on the board and all. Asking from an ILB pov. Cashman at 20, yes or no? I would take him depending on the board.

[BEERgods225]

If Devin White is not there at 20, how would you guys feel about taking Blake Cashman there? I doubt he’s on the board at pick 52. I understand other players on the board and all. Asking from an ILB pov. Cashman at 20, yes or no? I would take him depending on the board.

In order to take Cashman at 20, numerous other players would have to be off the board first. (In no particular order)

ILB Devin White
ILB Devin Bush
ILB Mack Wilson

DT Quinnen Williams
DT Ed Oliver
DT Christian Wilkins
DT Jeffrey Simmons
DT Dexter Lawrence
DT Jerry Tillery

EDGE Nick Bosa
EDGE Josh Allen
EDGE Rashan Gary
EDGE Montez Sweat
EDGE Clelin Ferrell

TE TJ Hockenson
TE Noah Fant

WR AJ Brown
WR Deebo Smauels
WR Riley Ridley

CB DeAndre Baker
CB Byron Murphy
CB Greedy Williams
CB Rock Ya-Sin

OG Cody Ford
OG Garrett Bradbury

IF all of the above 25 listed players are off the board at 20, then I would contemplate taking Cashman at 20. I not saying all of the above listed player fit a need but they would be a more highly rated option at that position.

Come to think of it, if all 25 of those players are off the board at 20 then I'd probably take Chase Winovich or even maybe Brian Burns first.

[BEERgods225]

TE from what I witnessed at camp last year ( and the fact they kept him on the PS all year ) I think many get surprised by Hodges ... he gives you the mismatch your looking for in the passing game but his blocking was poor being the knock ... that blocking vastly improved during camp and with the entire season on the PS and another off season and camp I look for him to make the 53 and contribute

So, what are you thinking it looks like?

Team Needs

Immediate - ILB, CB

Moderate - S, TE, EDGE, WR

Future/Depth - DL, OT, OG, RB, ILB

[Dwinsgames]

So, what are you thinking it looks like?

Team Needs

Immediate - ILB, CB

Moderate - S, TE, EDGE, WR

Future/Depth - DL, OT, OG, RB, ILB


I think we can not rule out any of the following ( in no specific order ) CB /ILB/ S /Edge

and I would not be surprised if the first 4 picks off the board for the steelers consist of at least 3 of those 4 slots ( WR perhaps taking the 4th spot )

[Mojouw]

I think we can not rule out any of the following ( in no specific order ) CB /ILB/ S /Edge

and I would not be surprised if the first 4 picks off the board for the steelers consist of at least 3 of those 4 slots ( WR perhaps taking the 4th spot )

Seems like a solid plan. Any idea that they grab another DL?

[Born2Steel]

In order to take Cashman at 20, numerous other players would have to be off the board first. (In no particular order)

ILB Devin White
ILB Devin Bush
ILB Mack Wilson

DT Quinnen Williams
DT Ed Oliver
DT Christian Wilkins
DT Jeffrey Simmons
DT Dexter Lawrence
DT Jerry Tillery

EDGE Nick Bosa
EDGE Josh Allen
EDGE Rashan Gary
EDGE Montez Sweat
EDGE Clelin Ferrell

TE TJ Hockenson
TE Noah Fant

WR AJ Brown
WR Deebo Smauels
WR Riley Ridley

CB DeAndre Baker
CB Byron Murphy
CB Greedy Williams
CB Rock Ya-Sin

OG Cody Ford
OG Garrett Bradbury

IF all of the above 25 listed players are off the board at 20, then I would contemplate taking Cashman at 20. I not saying all of the above listed player fit a need but they would be a more highly rated option at that position.

Come to think of it, if all 25 of those players are off the board at 20 then I'd probably take Chase Winovich or even maybe Brian Burns first.

I love that you put so much into this response but it wasn’t necessary. I have the list of players too. As I asked in my post, from an ILB point of view. So if Devin White and Devin Bush are gone at 20, who at ILB would you consider taking at 20?
1. I think ILB is at such a need right now a bit of reach is allowable to get someone that can play.

2. I also think there are ILBs in this draft that are not as much of a reach as the rest of you guys, so it seems.

3. Mack Wilson has been completely shot down on this forum. Blake Cashman is the next ILB ‘I’ personally think is exactly the type LB the Steelers need.

4. I don’t think White, Bush, Wilson, or Cashman will be there at 52. Thus I give those 4 ILBs, reach or not, a first round value for the Steelers.

I’m just asking to see if anyone agrees or if not, what are the reasons.

[SteelMember]

If Devin White is not there at 20, how would you guys feel about taking Blake Cashman there? I doubt he’s on the board at pick 52. I understand other players on the board and all. Asking from an ILB pov. Cashman at 20, yes or no? I would take him depending on the board.

I'd take my chances later on ILB in your scenario. Cashman is a decent enough ILB, but imo, if you're going to reach for need, that is a proven fail... and honestly I have Pratt as a higher ranking than Cashman, so I don't think I reach for Pratt at 20 either. We need to stick with the BPA calculation. Only positions I would not consider on the board that early are QB and possible OL since we we already have a solid core under contract. For my money, if you're gonna make a reach that early, it better be for an edge guy. Which would put us in Winovich territory on most accounts.

[Born2Steel]

I'd take my chances later on ILB in your scenario. Cashman is a decent enough ILB, but imo, if you're going to reach for need, that is a proven fail... and honestly I have Pratt as a higher ranking than Cashman, so I don't think I reach for Pratt at 20 either. We need to stick with the BPA calculation. Only positions I would not consider on the board that early are QB and possible OL since we we already have a solid core under contract. For my money, if you're gonna make a reach that early, it better be for an edge guy. Which would put us in Winovich territory on most accounts.

I completely agree on BPA in the 1st. I believe that is where you get the game changers and generational talent guys. I very much dislike the idea of reaching for position of need in the first round. Watching game tape though I don’t see guys like Wilson, Cashman, or maybe even Pratt, as a much bigger reach than “the Devins”. I don’t see anything in “the Devin’s” game tape that says “game changer or generational talent”. I’m not sure either would have been first round guys at all in last year’s draft. I would put them behind Roquan Smith, LVE, and Evans at any rate. But that’s how the LB class falls this draft so I get it. But from a talent perspective I don’t see Wilson or Cashman as a dropoff from Bush. Somewhat a dropoff from White just because he is so big and fast. But he has his warts as well.

I believe the target this year is Devin Bush. I think he’s a reach as well. I think the better option is offensive playmaker, or one of Greedy, Murphy, or Baker. Even a couple of the edge rushers make more sense to me than Devin Bush. Just my opinion.

[Dwinsgames]

Seems like a solid plan. Any idea that they grab another DL?

I think we take one late if I am honest , and I also think we bring someone in at cutdown that forces that later round DL to the PS to learn the scheme and get up to speed ( see Keisel )

[st33lersguy]

I cannot agree that DL is an immediate need and that ILB and Edge only go on as future/depth. DL is a strong point on the team at most there needs back end depth. ILB and OLB both need high impact starters/upgrades at the starting position.

[Mojouw]

I think we take one late if I am honest , and I also think we bring someone in at cutdown that forces that later round DL to the PS to learn the scheme and get up to speed ( see Keisel )

I like it. Now if they just would ask...

[BEERgods225]

I love that you put so much into this response but it wasn’t necessary. I have the list of players too. As I asked in my post, from an ILB point of view. So if Devin White and Devin Bush are gone at 20, who at ILB would you consider taking at 20?
1. I think ILB is at such a need right now a bit of reach is allowable to get someone that can play.

2. I also think there are ILBs in this draft that are not as much of a reach as the rest of you guys, so it seems.

3. Mack Wilson has been completely shot down on this forum. Blake Cashman is the next ILB ‘I’ personally think is exactly the type LB the Steelers need.

4. I don’t think White, Bush, Wilson, or Cashman will be there at 52. Thus I give those 4 ILBs, reach or not, a first round value for the Steelers.

I’m just asking to see if anyone agrees or if not, what are the reasons.



1. This team has so many needs (CB, TE, DL, EDGE, WR, S, ILB, ILB) that reaching when other talent is on the board is not a successful plan IMO.

2. There are many options in this draft that I agree are not a reach.....later in the draft. IMO, there is no LVE in this draft. However should a Devin fall to us, I think the value is on point with the position.

3. Mack Wilson is a viable option, as is Cashman and Pratt etc. etc..... but not in the first round. Realistically a CB is probably the most logical pick at 20 followed by a TE....If a Devin isn't on the board at 20.

4. If I had to follow the rules of your question and select a LB without the Devins being on the board, then I think Chase Winovich would be my choice here at 20.

ULTIMATELY without a Devin, LB is off the board IMO at 20.

[Born2Steel]

1. This team has so many needs (CB, TE, DL, EDGE, WR, S, ILB, ILB) that reaching when other talent is on the board is not a successful plan IMO.

2. There are many options in this draft that I agree are not a reach.....later in the draft. IMO, there is no LVE in this draft. However should a Devin fall to us, I think the value is on point with the position.

3. Mack Wilson is a viable option, as is Cashman and Pratt etc. etc..... but not in the first round. Realistically a CB is probably the most logical pick at 20 followed by a TE....If a Devin isn't on the board at 20.

4. If I had to follow the rules of your question and select a LB without the Devins being on the board, then I think Chase Winovich would be my choice here at 20.

ULTIMATELY without a Devin, LB is off the board IMO at 20.

I actually kind of agree about CB. By eliminating players from the board, when you take away both Devins before the 20th pick, CB is the most logical choice. As far as talent level at the position meets team need meets dropoff at the position at 52.

[Born2Steel]

Without ranking by position of need, each position and the players from that group that are options(In my opinion) at pick 20. I think the only position groups I would be disappointed with would be QB, RB, or Safety. QB because WHY? And Safety because we already have a round 1 and round 2. Maybe Gardner-Johnson because he is really that versatile.

DL there are obviously a few guys in this group that if they fell to 20 would be awesome.
OLB is a different criteria due to dropping into coverage s we like to do.
ILB is our biggest need for a cover ILB. White, Bush, Wilson, or Cashman all fit the criteria for me.
CB is pretty much Greedy or Murphy in the first for me. I think Mullen, Rock, or Love could be justified reaches.
Safety as I said before only Gardner-Johnson would not be a disappointing pick.
OL if the next Pouncey/Decastro should fall then why not. 2-3 years as a backup is the only why not.
WR who is worthy of going in the first? Metcalf, Butler, AJ, Harry, Harmon, Samuel, Whiteside? All very productive. Which names would disappoint?
TE is Hockenson or mid round IMO.

[SteelMember]

Without ranking by position of need, each position and the players from that group that are options(In my opinion) at pick 20. I think the only position groups I would be disappointed with would be QB, RB, or Safety. QB because WHY? And Safety because we already have a round 1 and round 2. Maybe Gardner-Johnson because he is really that versatile.

DL there are obviously a few guys in this group that if they fell to 20 would be awesome.
OLB is a different criteria due to dropping into coverage s we like to do.
ILB is our biggest need for a cover ILB. White, Bush, Wilson, or Cashman all fit the criteria for me.
CB is pretty much Greedy or Murphy in the first for me. I think Mullen, Rock, or Love could be justified reaches.
Safety as I said before only Gardner-Johnson would not be a disappointing pick.
OL if the next Pouncey/Decastro should fall then why not. 2-3 years as a backup is the only why not.
WR who is worthy of going in the first? Metcalf, Butler, AJ, Harry, Harmon, Samuel, Whiteside? All very productive. Which names would disappoint?
TE is Hockenson or mid round IMO.

I noticed you leave Baker off of your CB possibilities... I think that kid has some real talent, and the swagger/confidence of an Ike Taylor. He truly thinks he's the best. And while the "long speed" seems to be his biggest knock by most, it wasn't something that noticeable in his game file that turned me off. Most times he does well with his coverage, and even more times he wasn't even throw at... Personally, I'd consider him at 20.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Cashman at 20, yes or no?

WAY too early imo...

[Born2Steel]

WAY too early imo...

You're right. It's more I think the Steelers are less likely to take him at 20.

[Born2Steel]

I noticed you leave Baker off of your CB possibilities... I think that kid has some real talent, and the swagger/confidence of an Ike Taylor. He truly thinks he's the best. And while the "long speed" seems to be his biggest knock by most, it wasn't something that noticeable in his game file that turned me off. Most times he does well with his coverage, and even more times he wasn't even throw at... Personally, I'd consider him at 20.

Oops, Baker should be on there.