My rankings of steelers positional needs 2021

[st33lersguy]

Free agency is nearly here again as I give list ranking needs of the Steelers from most pressing to least pressing. Overall, there is plenty of depth issues looming for the Steelers. Rankings will likely fluctuate based off of what positions are signed/resigned

1. Quarterback: A controversial take but positional importance puts it over the top. The Steelers need to start their search for a new franchise QB. Ben may be back but he is past his prime. I know some will argue against this based on his performance in garbage time against a GOD AWFUL Browns secondary, but Ben is no longer a franchise caliber QB. He's regressed into an iteration of all the QBs between Bradshaw and him. Mason Rudolph is a backup and Haskins isn't an answer. They need a new franchise QB. They won't draft one as long as Ben stays and Art will let Ben stay as long as he wants but that doesn't eliminate the need

2. Offensive Line: O-line was given strong consideration for the no. 1 spot. The importance of the franchise QB puts it number 2. That being said it is closer to 1a. The o-line has been declined for 2 years, Pouncey retired so they need a new center, and AV among other tackles are free agents and AV hasn't played well the last 2 years. The O-line needs an overhaul and will need multiple picks to be retooled (It may even take multiple offseasons to give the re-tooling that it needs). Plus DeCastro is over 30 and he hasn't played as well as he did in his prime either. BJ Finney is rumored to be returning but they still need more

3. Running Back: They need better running backs. Yes the offensive line really influences RB play, but the RBs themselves need to get better. Conner was their best back last year and he is oft-injured and is likely gone to boot. Everyone else is inconsistent at best. While I recognize the devaluation of the RB position and am against spending one in round one because of it, drafting one as early as Day 2 is warranted as an infusion of talent at this position is necessary. In general, short yardage running must improve

4. Tight End: Vance McDonald is gone. While he really wasn't that productive it still leaves Eric Ebron as the lone notable TE. He caught some passes but is also unreliable and can't block. Not to mention his mouth is too big for his level of play. He likely stays due to McDonald's retirement but depth is needed

5. Cornerback: Impending depth concerns loom with Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton set to hit free agency and Joe Haden's age. Hopefully they re-sign at least one of Hilton or Sutton preferably both but that seems like a pipedream

6. Safety: People will argue this one. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a solid safety but after that it's a question mark. Terrell Edmunds gets love for intercepting Jake Luton twice but really he needs better defensive backs around him to look better. Then there is depth where the backups leave a lot to be desired. A solid backup safety in free agency is likely necessary so the pass defense can hold up in Fitzpatrick's absence

7. Outside Linebacker: Alex Highsmith appeared to play serviceably as a rookie as he got more snaps and honestly playing OLB in the NFL is always easier next to TJ, but Bud Dupree's impending free agency could create a depth need

8. Defensive Line: Cam Heyward still appears to be playing well and Stephon Tuitt was a pro bowl snub but Cam is aging and there are a couple impending free agents. You guessed it there is potential depth issues here as well

9. Inside Linebacker: People arguing for certain ILBs to be the pick in round 1 here will probably argue for this to be higher but honestly what position ranked above it would you put over ILB? Maybe a couple if you want to somehow try and argue that Ben isn't declining, if you think Terrell Edmunds is a solid safety, or if somehow you think Haskins is the future of this franchise. Devin Bush will be back, VW had a career year last year, and Spillane seemed to do well for a backup. People may be captivated by the thought of a 2nd fast ILB the way some may be captivated by a shiny object, but there are far bigger and more important needs

10. Wide Receiver: Even with Juju possibly gone, this seems like an easy choice for the bottom. Chase Claypool showed he has what it takes to be a no. 1 when actually allowed to play, Johnson could be a no. 2 as long as he gets his head on straight and Washington is a good no. 3 option

[teegre]

I would swap ILB with OLB, but aside form that... spot on.

[vasteeler]

So, you're saying Ben is no better than Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, Bubby Brister, Mike Tomzac(sp), Kent Graham, Neil Odonnell, Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox...that is laughable. Ben certainly isn't in his prime any more but I would take him right now over any of those in their prime.

[teegre]

So, you're saying Ben is no better than Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, Bubby Brister, Mike Tomzac(sp), Kent Graham, Neil Odonnell, Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox...that is laughable. Ben certainly isn't in his prime any more but I would take him right now over any of those in their prime.

As far as "draft needs" go, if the future QB is there, I take him without thinking twice. Better to have drafted Dan Marino and have him sit for a year, than to spend 25 years going through Tier B player after Tier B player.

[vasteeler]

That i agree with.

[st33lersguy]

So, you're saying Ben is no better than Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, Bubby Brister, Mike Tomzac(sp), Kent Graham, Neil Odonnell, Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox...that is laughable. Ben certainly isn't in his prime any more but I would take him right now over any of those in their prime.

Can you honestly say he wasn't holding the team back in the last few weeks of the year? Can you honestly say he can carry a franchise anymore based on how he played the last few weeks?

[Born2Steel]

Free agency is nearly here again as I give list ranking needs of the Steelers from most pressing to least pressing. Overall, there is plenty of depth issues looming for the Steelers. Rankings will likely fluctuate based off of what positions are signed/resigned

1. Quarterback: A controversial take but positional importance puts it over the top. The Steelers need to start their search for a new franchise QB. Ben may be back but he is past his prime. I know some will argue against this based on his performance in garbage time against a GOD AWFUL Browns secondary, but Ben is no longer a franchise caliber QB. He's regressed into an iteration of all the QBs between Bradshaw and him. Mason Rudolph is a backup and Haskins isn't an answer. They need a new franchise QB. They won't draft one as long as Ben stays and Art will let Ben stay as long as he wants but that doesn't eliminate the need

2. Offensive Line: O-line was given strong consideration for the no. 1 spot. The importance of the franchise QB puts it number 2. That being said it is closer to 1a. The o-line has been declined for 2 years, Pouncey retired so they need a new center, and AV among other tackles are free agents and AV hasn't played well the last 2 years. The O-line needs an overhaul and will need multiple picks to be retooled (It may even take multiple offseasons to give the re-tooling that it needs). Plus DeCastro is over 30 and he hasn't played as well as he did in his prime either. BJ Finney is rumored to be returning but they still need more

3. Running Back: They need better running backs. Yes the offensive line really influences RB play, but the RBs themselves need to get better. Conner was their best back last year and he is oft-injured and is likely gone to boot. Everyone else is inconsistent at best. While I recognize the devaluation of the RB position and am against spending one in round one because of it, drafting one as early as Day 2 is warranted as an infusion of talent at this position is necessary. In general, short yardage running must improve

4. Tight End: Vance McDonald is gone. While he really wasn't that productive it still leaves Eric Ebron as the lone notable TE. He caught some passes but is also unreliable and can't block. Not to mention his mouth is too big for his level of play. He likely stays due to McDonald's retirement but depth is needed

5. Cornerback: Impending depth concerns loom with Mike Hilton and Cam Sutton set to hit free agency and Joe Haden's age. Hopefully they re-sign at least one of Hilton or Sutton preferably both but that seems like a pipedream

6. Safety: People will argue this one. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a solid safety but after that it's a question mark. Terrell Edmunds gets love for intercepting Jake Luton twice but really he needs better defensive backs around him to look better. Then there is depth where the backups leave a lot to be desired. A solid backup safety in free agency is likely necessary so the pass defense can hold up in Fitzpatrick's absence

7. Outside Linebacker: Alex Highsmith appeared to play serviceably as a rookie as he got more snaps and honestly playing OLB in the NFL is always easier next to TJ, but Bud Dupree's impending free agency could create a depth need

8. Defensive Line: Cam Heyward still appears to be playing well and Stephon Tuitt was a pro bowl snub but Cam is aging and there are a couple impending free agents. You guessed it there is potential depth issues here as well

9. Inside Linebacker: People arguing for certain ILBs to be the pick in round 1 here will probably argue for this to be higher but honestly what position ranked above it would you put over ILB? Maybe a couple if you want to somehow try and argue that Ben isn't declining, if you think Terrell Edmunds is a solid safety, or if somehow you think Haskins is the future of this franchise. Devin Bush will be back, VW had a career year last year, and Spillane seemed to do well for a backup. People may be captivated by the thought of a 2nd fast ILB the way some may be captivated by a shiny object, but there are far bigger and more important needs

10. Wide Receiver: Even with Juju possibly gone, this seems like an easy choice for the bottom. Chase Claypool showed he has what it takes to be a no. 1 when actually allowed to play, Johnson could be a no. 2 as long as he gets his head on straight and Washington is a good no. 3 option

I am one of those that has put ILB in the first round. One last explanation and that's all I have left for you on this. The 1st round is for BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE regardless of position or NEED. If it's ILB, then you draft the ILB. IF the BPA and the position of NEED coincide, then bonus! But you do not draft specifically for position of need in the first round.

Now, however YOU rank the Steelers positions of need is how you do it. I will never complain about you giving your opinion with your reasons and opening it up to discussion. In fact, I love that. But you need to read and comprehend what others are saying as well, especially when they have explained themselves multiple times. The NEED for ILB does not necessarily need to be higher. The ILB predicted to be selected in the 1st round are just that promising as prospects which puts them in the category of BPA. I don't NEED a Macallan15, but it's the better choice because of how good it is.

[vasteeler]

Certainly better than any of those guys I've listed. He may not have been perfect but when you have the 32nd ranked runming game that's what you get. Not to mention the number of drops from our wide receivers. Get Ben a running game he can get us another championship.

[Lloydwoodsonjr]

1. Sign Jake Luton. Start him all 16 games while Ben sits. Use #1 overall pick on a QB.

[teegre]

I honestly did not read the descriptors (only the positions). Here would be my tiers:

TIER 1: QB
I see QB as always being the #1 need. If a franchsie QB is there, you take him 100% of the time.

TIER 2: OC, RB
With Pouncey retiring, there is a huge hole at center.
The RB room is pretty drab.

TIER 3: OT, TE, SS, ILB, CB
The Steelers "could" use an upgrade at any one of these positions... but, none is a glaring need. Banner & Okorafor could be long-term answers (or not). Ebron could rekindle his 13 TD season (or not); either way, he is a free agent after the season. Same goes for SS, where Edmunds might emerge as a good player OR he won't; he could be a free agent after the season. Bince is solid, but he is limited and he will likely not be here in 2022. If Hilton and Sutton leave, then CB slides up into Tier 2; if they both return, this is becomes a pick for the future.

NOTE: As Born2Steel stated: if the BPA at 24 happens to be one of these positions, I am 100% in favor of taking that player. It just so happens that the "sweet spot" for the top tier ILBs happens to fall between 18-30

TIER 4: DL, OLB
The starters are set, but we need some quality depth. Depending on what they think of Buggs, I could see DT moving into Tier 3.

TIER 5: WR, OG
We do not "need" a WR, but it is a position where you have 5 guys on the field at one time... so, one can always add a quality WR to the mix. For the OG position: Dotson, DeCastro, Finney, and a late-round rookie sounds very nice to me.

[ThorndikeFFA]

1. OL
2. OL
3. RB
4. OLB
5. BPA
6. BPA
7. BPA


a. OL! OL! OL! It ALL starts up front. Don't lose focus and don't draft some shiny bit of worthless foil. OL first and second, then again on day 3!
b. Some are much too down on Ben. He can still make all of the reads, calls and throws of an elite NFL QB...when he has time. No QB at 39 or 22 will be successful if they have to look to see who's coming to decapitate them on the snap of the ball. We all just watched the Super Bowel where a 42 YO QB destroyed a fine team, while a 23 YO phenom QB look pedestrian, at best...all due to OL play.
c. I believe that the Steelers held Haskins in high regard when he came out. And I believe that there are some in the organization who think that they may have stolen the next franchise QB when we signed him to a futures contract. He will be given every opportunity to become the Steelers' next franchise QB.
d. RB, a lot like QB, is only as good as the OL.
e. Not enough talk here about the TE position. Depending on who falls, look out. This one could surprise as a very early pick.

[Born2Steel]

I honestly did not read the descriptors (only the positions). Here would be my tiers:

TIER 1: QB
I see QB as always being the #1 need. If a franchsie QB is there, you take him 100% of the time.

TIER 2: OC, RB
With Pouncey retiring, there is a huge hole at center.
The RB room is pretty drab.

TIER 3: OT, TE, SS, ILB, CB
The Steelers "could" use an upgrade at any one of these positions... but, none is a glaring need. Banner & Okorafor could be long-term answers (or not). Ebron could rekindle his 13 TD season (or not); either way, he is a free agent after the season. Same goes for SS, where Edmunds might emerge as a good player OR he won't; he could be a free agent after the season. Bince is solid, but he is limited and he will likely not be here in 2022. If Hilton and Sutton leave, then CB slides up into Tier 2; if they both return, this is becomes a pick for the future.

NOTE: As Born2Steel stated: if the BPA at 24 happens to be one of these positions, I am 100% in favor of taking that player. It just so happens that the "sweet spot" for the top tier ILBs happens to fall between 18-30

TIER 4: DL, OLB
The starters are set, but we need some quality depth. Depending on what they think of Buggs, I could see DT moving into Tier 3.

TIER 5: WR, OG
We do not "need" a WR, but it is a position where you have 5 guys on the field at one time... so, one can always add a quality WR to the mix. For the OG position: Dotson, DeCastro, Finney, and a late-round rookie sounds very nice to me.

I think this is a great way to break them down into ‘need’ positions. I don’t like to put things in a need vs BPA box. All of us hope the BPA also plays a position of need. So rather than putting positions in a ranking list, listing positions as same levels or tiers of need opens up a wider spectrum of who BPA could be. Helps keep the process fluid.

[Dissolv]

The thing about need is that is kind of a tie breaker when you are looking at BPA. Two available players that are nearly the same "BPA", then you pick the one your team has the most need for.

An elite, franchise QB is never a guarantee, even with the very 1st pick of the draft. On the other hand, the Steelers have a great track record at Center, so if they went OL heavy, I would object....at all. Frankly reloading multiple slots at OL is what I would prefer, but these are often slots filled with later rounds of the draft. RB is great, but without a good OL, what's the point?

We almost sort of need a QB to drop to us, or pick one of the many vets leaving their teams off the free agent pile. That won't be a franchise QB, but it will be better than most draft options and might help a transition period.

I don't see how they can address the ILB, SS, QB, and OL slots in the same draft. And we likely want another WR to replace JuJu, or maybe a TE to run those routes. I mean they can get bodies, but there are going to have to be hard choices made. I would prefer that they focus on the OL, and then RB positions, by draft or by FA. Defense won't be as good as last year, but the needs up front on offense are just to great.

[DesertSteel]

1. Sign Jake Luton. Start him all 16 games while Ben sits. Use #1 overall pick on a QB.
We essentially did that in 2019 and went 8-8 barely missing the playoffs.

[jens.karlsson.14]

1. OL
2. OL
3. RB
4. OLB
5. BPA
6. BPA
7. BPA


a. OL! OL! OL! It ALL starts up front. Don't lose focus and don't draft some shiny bit of worthless foil. OL first and second, then again on day 3!
b. Some are much too down on Ben. He can still make all of the reads, calls and throws of an elite NFL QB...when he has time. No QB at 39 or 22 will be successful if they have to look to see who's coming to decapitate them on the snap of the ball. We all just watched the Super Bowel where a 42 YO QB destroyed a fine team, while a 23 YO phenom QB look pedestrian, at best...all due to OL play.
c. I believe that the Steelers held Haskins in high regard when he came out. And I believe that there are some in the organization who think that they may have stolen the next franchise QB when we signed him to a futures contract. He will be given every opportunity to become the Steelers' next franchise QB.
d. RB, a lot like QB, is only as good as the OL.
e. Not enough talk here about the TE position. Depending on who falls, look out. This one could surprise as a very early pick.This [emoji3577]
Agree on OL = running game
Agree on Haskins, he could be it
Agree on TE

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[st33lersguy]

Update right before the draft
1. Quarterback: Isn't looking like this will be adequately addressed this year (which I figured at the start of free agency anyway). There wasn't an adequate franchise QB in free agency (there hardly ever is), and the guys that will be available at pick 24, all seem like a 90% chance or greater of being journeymen backups (which we don't need more of)

2. Offensive line: After bringing back Finney, all they did was add a couple low-rung back-ups. This needs to be addressed in the first 3 rounds at least. Specifically they need a new center and at least another T (even if it is just for depth). Super Bowl 55 made perfectly clear the need to protect the QB and a better run-blocking O-line will also help a run game that desperately needs to be better

3. Running back: Conner is officially gone (which I figured and accounted for in my pre-FA ranking). All they added to this group was Kalen Ballage (who feels like what they already have by another name). The lack of action in free agency places a greater need to draft one in the first 3 rounds

4. Cornerback: They re-signed Cam Sutton, but Mike Hilton is gone and then Steven Nelson asked to leave and was granted release. Nelson's absence moves this up. All they have is Sutton, the aged Haden, and unprovens with very little playing experience (including the recently arrested Justin Layne)

5. Tight end: I ultimately moved tight end below CB based on the Nelson exit and factored in positional value. They didn't add anyone in FA so getting someone other than Ebron who isn't a campbody (ideally someone who can block) remains of importance

6. Outside Linebacker: Bud Dupree is now a Titan and so is Ola. They brought in a few other OLBs, but those guys seem like people to fill out a 90 man training camp roster. They need depth but with TJ and Highsmith, they can probably get away with waiting until day 3. Other needs are more pressing

7. Safety: They signed Miles Killibrew which moves safety down. May benefit them to add someone else but again, they can get away with waiting to do it

8. Inside Linebacker: For most of free agency, it looked like ILB would move up after the release of Vince Williams. They thankfully re-signed him (he brought too much to the team to cut just to save a piddly $4 million). Even with Avery Williamson remaining unsigned, again it will be wiser to address other needs first in the draft

9. Defensive line: Tyson Alualu re-signed after initially choosing to return to Jacksonville. Alualu's re-signing solidifies the starting DL and reduces the need to address any lingering depth issues

10. Wide Receiver: I ranked this no. 10 prior to free agency even while I was convinced Juju was leaving. With Juju back in the fold, any additional WR they get will rarely if ever see the field barring a couple injuries