The challenges of Omar Khan for the next offseason

[polamalubeast]

The next offseason will be his first real offseason and first draft as GM,so what will be his biggest challenges and what he needs to do if the steelers want to become a very good team again for next year or the other years after?

Do you think a fire sale and having a true rebuilding is necessary for the steelers or they are not that bad and they are just terrible on offense especially because of Matt Canada?

Your thoughts?

[dislocatedday]

No to a fire sale. The team has some good pieces in place. A lot hinges on Pickett becoming "the guy" at QB.......and getting a viable OC in place well before the start of next season.

I believe Khan's and the Steelers biggest needs are to improve/rebuild the left side of the offensive line and get another stud defensive lineman in place. I'd also like a top cornerback and a good inside LB to replace Bush as well, but I think improving the lines and obviously getting rid of Matt Canada will yield the biggest immediate improvement.

[Mojouw]

1. Stabilize and improve the offensive line.
2. Upgrade the DL. Ogunjobi and Alualu are gone for different reasons. Need better options than Adams and Wormley. Leal likely starts opposite Heyward. Loudermilk not big enough for the middle. Heyward can only play so long. Etc. Just get more good DL and figure the rest out later.
3. Improve team speed at the CB position. Small and slow CBs limit what this team can realistically achieve in coverages.
4. Develop more depth at WR. Despite all the rosy off-season predictions, this team has 3 functional NFL receivers. Need more.
5. Figure out the ILB position. Who are they building around there and what do they want out of the position?
6. Find some other OLB options.
7. Sign Edmunds and just stop worrying about safety spots for a couple of years.
8. Get some juice at the RB position.

[DuckHodges]

OL DL and CB. Honestly think Bush is starting to play well so I’m ok with keeping him if this continues

[86WARD]

Fortify OL. CB needs to be addressed as well as MLB. DE needs depth and an eventual replacement for Cam and DL.

No need to bust it up because it has pieces there and I’m not positive teams would be knocking down the Steelers door if they put up a “fire sale” sign.

[Dwinsgames]

I would be against a fire sale .........

I would not be against dealing folks on the last year of their deal that you have no intention of resigning tho ....

a lot of what needs to be done is yet to be determined I think , does Picket show enough to be considered the future or a spark plug backup we have to figure that out first I think..

that said we clearly need a revamping of the 0-Line ... LG / LT both need addressed RT also needs help but they gave Chuks a chunk of cash so not sure they believe it is in the cards even though my opinion differs ....

we need RB help too I am not even close to impressed with Najee and beyond Warren the shelf is bare ...........

we passed on the 5th year option with Bush so that likely will be a hole come next year

we only signed Edmunds for 1 year so come next year he is probably gone too so that needs addressed unless they feel Norwood can step in

I'd like to say Center too but not sure they can afford to make 3 picks on the 0-Line in one draft


there is more that ideally needs done but we only have so many selections

[steelreserve]

DB, DL, and possibly LB all look to be positions where we will not have enough guys next year who can play at an acceptable starter level, and the answer is not on the roster.

OL would be nice if we could spare a pick for it.

RB we will probably just have to hope for the best, because we're already talking about 5th round picks at that point.

New offensive coordinator is obviously at the top of the list, probably more important than any of those.

[Mojouw]

There’s gonna be oodles of FA $$$ too.

No idea if any non dirt balls will hit the market.

[86WARD]

I’d like to see the CB, OL and DL addressed through free agency…at least part of it and also supplemented with draft picks.

[that1guy]

Khan faces multiple years of tough drafts before real change will be visible. The Steelers need at minimum 3 Offensive linemen, a solid D lineman, ILB and a couple of defensive backs. The team seems to be in constant turmoil.

[Dwinsgames]

Khan faces multiple years of tough drafts before real change will be visible. The Steelers need at minimum 3 Offensive linemen, a solid D lineman, ILB and a couple of defensive backs. The team seems to be in constant turmoil.

sometimes we are loyal to a fault with players we need to let go (like coaches see matt canada per example) we allow them to linger instead of keeping that rookie prospect that might (with coaching) turn into something we are more comfortable taking on the Joe Haeg's of the world as backups than a guy who not yet proved he sucks ... they are comfortable because the guy stuck on another roster instead of looking for someone who might actually turn into a player at some point... i'll never understand it but that is the way business has been conducted for a very long time and IMO its part of the broken aspect of roster construction ...

if Joe Haeg has to play significant snaps you are in real trouble so why pay this guy who you know can not do the job at a level required when you can pay someone else who may be able to do it by the time he is asked and pay him less because he isnt a "vet" ..what is the worst outcome here you get another eventual Joe Haeg ??? I fail to see the downside but there is an upside by default he is costing you less money to sit on the bench and he MIGHT turn into something more than Joe Haeg ....

yes I realize Haeg is no longer a steeler , he was just an example but there are many examples like him

[Born2Steel]

At LB we have Watt, Highsmith, Bush, and Jack. That is a pretty good starting 4some. Although you can never have too many LBs.

DL has been a focus lately with Leal, Loudermilk, and Adams joining aging vets.

Minkah and Terrell have Safety nicely locked down.

The CB position is maybe in the best shape of the last decade with Sutton, Spoon, and Wallace.

Obviously you keep adding quality but why would you even consider a fire sale with this defense?

The offense begins and ends with a rookie QB and a new OC. Nothing else matters until then.

[Mojouw]

sometimes we are loyal to a fault with players we need to let go (like coaches see matt canada per example) we allow them to linger instead of keeping that rookie prospect that might (with coaching) turn into something we are more comfortable taking on the Joe Haeg's of the world as backups than a guy who not yet proved he sucks ... they are comfortable because the guy stuck on another roster instead of looking for someone who might actually turn into a player at some point... i'll never understand it but that is the way business has been conducted for a very long time and IMO its part of the broken aspect of roster construction ...

if Joe Haeg has to play significant snaps you are in real trouble so why pay this guy who you know can not do the job at a level required when you can pay someone else who may be able to do it by the time he is asked and pay him less because he isnt a "vet" ..what is the worst outcome here you get another eventual Joe Haeg ??? I fail to see the downside but there is an upside by default he is costing you less money to sit on the bench and he MIGHT turn into something more than Joe Haeg ....

yes I realize Haeg is no longer a steeler , he was just an example but there are many examples like him

Yes! I will give the team the benefit of the doubt in that this kind sorta maybe made sense when you were a SB contender and wanted trustworthy veterans that could play meaningful snaps and have a well established NFL record of only being so bad.

But, now? Totally wrong way to approach this thing. No more reason to play it safe and go with the steady veteran. Push as many unknowns into the fire as possible and see what you have.

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Also...the CBs are, as a group, far too slow. They need speed. And tons of it.

[86WARD]

At LB we have Watt, Highsmith, Bush, and Jack. That is a pretty good starting 4some. Although you can never have too many LBs.

DL has been a focus lately with Leal, Loudermilk, and Adams joining aging vets.

Minkah and Terrell have Safety nicely locked down.

The CB position is maybe in the best shape of the last decade with Sutton, Spoon, and Wallace.

Obviously you keep adding quality but why would you even consider a fire sale with this defense?

The offense begins and ends with a rookie QB and a new OC. Nothing else matters until then.

Bush, Edmunds and I believe a couple others aren’t on the roster for next season. Maybe that’s the “fire sale” items they are speaking of? Like Insaid somewhere else, I don’t see a lot of interest in the pieces Pittsburgh would put “on sale”.

[teegre]

I didn’t read everything in this thread, but we aren’t far away.

1. re-sign Edmunds

2. Use free agency to fill three holes:
-best available LT
-under-the-radar CB
-best available C

3. Use the first three picks to fill three other holes (in any order):
DL, ILB, OL

[86WARD]

I didn’t read everything in this thread, but we aren’t far away.

1. re-sign Edmunds

2. Use free agency to fill three holes:
-best available LT
-under-the-radar CB
-best available C

3. Use the first three picks to fill three other holes (in any order):
DL, ILB, OL

I might want a better free agent CB and/or a CB in that first three picks. Other than that, we are on the same page to the “TEE”.

[teegre]

I might want a better free agent CB and/or a CB in that first three picks. Other than that, we are on the same page to the “TEE”.

IMO, the top free-agent corners are waaay overpaid. That next tier is good and paid more proportionately to their skill level. Someone like James Bradberry… a guy who is lockdown, but not many know his name (ergo, he won’t get a huge deal).

[Mojouw]

Speed. Speed. Speed.

I don't care where they get it from (draft or FA) but they need speed in the defensive backfield and LB level.

And please stop the desperate search for a DB that plays the run like a LB and covers like a CB. If you want to find that guy so darn bad - devote draft resources to it. Stop dumpster diving in the third week of FA.

[polamalubeast]

What will be his role with the steelers?

1586327263007604741

[polamalubeast]

What will be his role with the steelers?

1586327263007604741

Nobody know?

[Born2Steel]

Nobody know?

According to the article, Weidl and Kahn have been good friends for a long time. Hopefully he will begin by helping rebuild the OL.

[Steeler-in-west]

Assuming we have a competent OC soon I would start with solidifying the o line. Everything starts there; moving the ball and chains, controlling time of possession, giving the defense a rest, need a new LT and Guard (don’t know what happened to Dotson, thought Okafor was the weak link). Khan should make this top priority

after o line, get a NT to replace Alualu and a buck who can help with blitzing, more concerned with applying pressure on a qb and stopping the run, that will cover for pass defense.

Also, as another staff move Promote Flores and remove Austin,

[Mojouw]

Assuming we have a competent OC soon I would start with solidifying the o line. Everything starts there; moving the ball and chains, controlling time of possession, giving the defense a rest, need a new LT and Guard (don’t know what happened to Dotson, thought Okafor was the weak link). Khan should make this top priority

after o line, get a NT to replace Alualu and a buck who can help with blitzing, more concerned with applying pressure on a qb and stopping the run, that will cover for pass defense.

Also, as another staff move Promote Flores and remove Austin,

I'll bite. Why Flores over Austin?

The one thing we know that Flores has a responsibility for this season is the LBs. What about their play makes you think Flores deserves more responsibility and control on the defensive side of the ball?

FWIW, I like Flores track record over Austin's but based solely on the 2022 season...there's not much to laud Flores about.

[dislocatedday]

Assuming we have a competent OC soon I would start with solidifying the o line. Everything starts there; moving the ball and chains, controlling time of possession, giving the defense a rest, need a new LT and Guard (don’t know what happened to Dotson, thought Okafor was the weak link). Khan should make this top priority

after o line, get a NT to replace Alualu and a buck who can help with blitzing, more concerned with applying pressure on a qb and stopping the run, that will cover for pass defense.

Also, as another staff move Promote Flores and remove Austin,

I don't see a problem with Austin. It's just my opinion obviously, but I think Austin and the defense have done well considering the circumstances this year. I'd like them to upgrade some positions going into next year, but I like what I have seen from Austin and the defense for the most part.

[Rotorhead]

I don't see a problem with Austin. It's just my opinion obviously, but I think Austin and the defense have done well considering the circumstances this year. I'd like them to upgrade some positions going into next year, but I like what I have seen from Austin and the defense for the most part.

I generally agree with you here, the defense isn’t the issue this season. Yeah we have been outmatched a couple of games so far, but having a competent offense helps a lot of those issues. #1 in the league in 3-outs will kill a defense fast. Our top issues are OC and OL, get those 2 things fixed and our defense will be fine.

[Steeler-in-west]

I'll bite. Why Flores over Austin?

The one thing we know that Flores has a responsibility for this season is the LBs. What about their play makes you think Flores deserves more responsibility and control on the defensive side of the ball?

FWIW, I like Flores track record over Austin's but based solely on the 2022 season...there's not much to laud Flores about.

Changing the OC is obviously more important but I threw that last line in at the end because I'm not impressed with Austin. Flores Miami teams have ranked top 10, he built that defense up when he was there. I'll also credit him for Bush's resurgence this year. What have we done with Austin as DC since Watt went down? Our sacks and QB pressures have tanked. We're currently ranked 23rd in sacks per game. And the DB's have been exposed as a result. If some of our DB's would play the ball a little more that would help and might've prevented one or two of those sideline TD's last Sunday - again that's coaching.

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I don't see a problem with Austin. It's just my opinion obviously, but I think Austin and the defense have done well considering the circumstances this year. I'd like them to upgrade some positions going into next year, but I like what I have seen from Austin and the defense for the most part.

I sort of agree, but am bothered that we can't generate any pressure or sacks since Watt went down, can they not scheme some blitz packages? And are our DB's that slow or can't jam the receiver that they have to play the receiver 5 yards off the line of scrimmage?

[polamalubeast]

Austin is a classic case that he is a great position coach but not a good DC.The bengals defense in 2018 under him was on pace to be one of the worst ever before he was fired in mid season

[polamalubeast]

The steelers could have 3 pick in the top 45 or higher.Good first step now this is what the steelers will did with the draft pick who will matter!

[polamalubeast]

My concern I have right now is that the steelers win 5-6 games for the rest of the season since the schedule will be easier and the steelers will possibly think the first half of the season was a fluke...that's the last thing we need!

[86WARD]

My concern I have right now is that the steelers win 5-6 games for the rest of the season since the schedule will be easier and the steelers will possibly think the first half of the season was a fluke...that's the last thing we need!

I’m sure they will…they’ll wind up winning 7-8 games now…

Then they’ll be able to blame the offensive woes on Claypool, keep Canada and move onto 2023 with some false aspirations of magical free agents, magical draft picks and false hope…

[polamalubeast]

I’m sure they will…they’ll wind up winning 7-8 games now…

Then they’ll be able to blame the offensive woes on Claypool, keep Canada and move onto 2023 with some false aspirations of magical free agents, magical draft picks and false hope…

I hate the false hope!

[Born2Steel]

Sports is sports. No matter the situation it is never hopeless. No matter the level of success, it’s never automatic. Keep the lows to moderate lows and the highs to moderate highs.

Now…the focus and prep for this ‘team’ seems off. Even with the on-field struggles, the off-field complaining is worrisome. I’m hoping it is due to the youth of the players. Airing dirty laundry publicly is a sign of immaturity. Maybe just my opinion, but if they really want a coaching change then just do what you’re told to do. Let everything be on the calls, the plan, the scheme. When players distract from that it allows the blame to get shifted.

Does the GM have a clear picture of what’s holding this offense back? Talented weapons, rookie QB, OL has been better than preseason expectations.

[polamalubeast]

Time for a fire sale and a true rebuilding by accumulating draft picks...I just hope the Claypool trade is a start but I have my doubts

[that1guy]

Time for a fire sale and a true rebuilding by accumulating draft picks...I just hope the Claypool trade is a start but I have my doubts

There aren't many players currently on the Steelers that are worth keeping and that's a result of how poor the Steelers have been at drafting and development. On offense Pickett,Muth,Pickens and Harris. Defensively Heyward, Watt and Fitzpatrick. They have some guys who contribute week to week but overall not a solid group. Awful in the red zone, haven't scored 30+ this season, can't stop the run, horrid in pass coverage.

[86WARD]

There aren't many players currently on the Steelers that are worth keeping and that's a result of how poor the Steelers have been at drafting and development. On offense Pickett,Muth,Pickens and Harris. Defensively Heyward, Watt and Fitzpatrick. They have some guys who contribute week to week but overall not a solid group. Awful in the red zone, haven't scored 30+ this season, can't stop the run, horrid in pass coverage.

You could argue that Heyward isnt worth keeping because of age. I would never get rid of him but if you are doing a true breakdown and build up fire sale, Heyward would be one of the first to go because of age.

[polamalubeast]

In 1998 and 1999, it was 2 very tough years for the steelers, 2000, they were much better after their 0-3 start and then they were 13-3 in 2001 and in the AFC title game but the difference is that in 1998, the steelers had a great draft with Faneca, Ward and Porter, 3 big pieces .... So this steelers team are a true rebuilding and 2 great draft away to become a very good team

Hard to do but a great front office find a way to do it.....

[Mojouw]

And I think it is in this thread and another...before we all freak out about how wonderous the Eagles front office is....let's see what rabbit they pull out of the hat this off-season.

Projected to have a low amount of cap space and they have a wide array of starters to re-sign or replace.

[Mojouw]

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/draft.htm

In the past two drafts, the Steelers have gotten major contributors at QB, WR, TE, and RB. The kind of players that just take up a spot on the starting roster for entire careers. They have gotten minor contributors who may become more at Dl x 2, OL, and MAYBE at LB.

Why all the doom and gloom about their ability to add talent?

The Steelers are currently projected to pick somewhere in the top 12 or so. That is usually about where you can snag the second rated CB in the class. In the past two years, that has been Stingley and Horn. Both are pretty good and impactful players for their teams. Or maybe OT is more your speed...that area was the second OT off the board in 2021 and would be the third off the board in 2022. So that means that using some rough rankings now, the Steelers first round pick could be the Maryland OT Duncan or PSU's Porter.

Of course, it could also be some horrible player. Or those guys could stink.

But with 3 picks in the top 50 or so....that is a potential one draft class infusion of talent that we, as Steelers fans, just have not seen in a long time. Maybe ever - at least post 1970's. And we can look to other franchises that have brought in multiple top 50 picks that got it "right" and it dramatically turns a team around.

Look at Seattle. major contributors from several draft picks in similar overall slots. It can and has been done. No reason to suspect the Steelers can't either.

[polamalubeast]

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/draft.htm

In the past two drafts, the Steelers have gotten major contributors at QB, WR, TE, and RB. The kind of players that just take up a spot on the starting roster for entire careers. They have gotten minor contributors who may become more at Dl x 2, OL, and MAYBE at LB.

Why all the doom and gloom about their ability to add talent?

The Steelers are currently projected to pick somewhere in the top 12 or so. That is usually about where you can snag the second rated CB in the class. In the past two years, that has been Stingley and Horn. Both are pretty good and impactful players for their teams. Or maybe OT is more your speed...that area was the second OT off the board in 2021 and would be the third off the board in 2022. So that means that using some rough rankings now, the Steelers first round pick could be the Maryland OT Duncan or PSU's Porter.

Of course, it could also be some horrible player. Or those guys could stink.

But with 3 picks in the top 50 or so....that is a potential one draft class infusion of talent that we, as Steelers fans, just have not seen in a long time. Maybe ever - at least post 1970's. And we can look to other franchises that have brought in multiple top 50 picks that got it "right" and it dramatically turns a team around.

Look at Seattle. major contributors from several draft picks in similar overall slots. It can and has been done. No reason to suspect the Steelers can't either.

True and the hope is there and the next draft is going to be very exciting and important too!

The rebuilding won't last 5 years if they are right with their 3 draft pick in the top 40-45!

[polamalubeast]

Also,look at the impact that Sauce Gardner have in New York(Jets) this year,so if you hit a top 10 pick,it have a huge impact for a team.He is not alone but he is a big reason for the turnaround of the Jets defense this year.Unfortunately for them, they didn't choose the right QB in 2021 but this is another story!

[DuckHodges]

Also,look at the impact that Sauce Gardner have in New York(Jets) this year,so if you hit a top 10 pick,it have a huge impact for a team.He is not alone but he is a big reason for the turnaround of the Jets defense this year.Unfortunately for them, they didn't choose the right QB in 2021 but this is another story!

Shutdown corners are necessary in today's NFL imo. I wouldn't be mad if we went Ringo in rd. 1

[86WARD]

Shutdown corners are necessary in today's NFL imo. I wouldn't be mad if we went Ringo in rd. 1

You pretty much need three number 1-2 CBs in the nfl. If you don’t, you’re not going to have a good pass defense. Gone are the days of a shut down corner and a number two. You need ,ore than that to survive.

[polamalubeast]

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[Mojouw]

Also,look at the impact that Sauce Gardner have in New York(Jets) this year,so if you hit a top 10 pick,it have a huge impact for a team.He is not alone but he is a big reason for the turnaround of the Jets defense this year.Unfortunately for them, they didn't choose the right QB in 2021 but this is another story!


Shutdown corners are necessary in today's NFL imo. I wouldn't be mad if we went Ringo in rd. 1


You pretty much need three number 1-2 CBs in the nfl. If you don’t, you’re not going to have a good pass defense. Gone are the days of a shut down corner and a number two. You need ,ore than that to survive.

Goodness....the Steelers (when healthy) pass rush with Gardner or someone of that caliber behind them? C'mon. Give that guy some single cover responsibility. That means you can do more of that "robber/lurker" stuff with MFF because he can just ignore help on one side. It also helps your other CBs because it keeps them in roles they can excel at.

Or....improving multiple CB spots? The things this defense could do....

....remember what Ike Taylor did for the 2000's defense?

[polamalubeast]

This is a good time to talk about that now

[polamalubeast]

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[BlackAndGold]

1612233434876747776

Maulet has another year.

I think they try to bring back everyone on that list. Bush likely walks as Spillane is retained long term, and Alualu retires.

[tube517]

1612233434876747776

Sutton
Ogunjobi
Edmunds
Kazee

[pczach]

Sutton
Ogunjobi
Edmunds
Kazee



Bingo! Those are the 4 that I believe they should make sure they keep.

[teegre]

Sutton
Edmunds
Ogunjobi
Kazee

In that order

[tube517]

Highsmith will be a UFA in 2024. Will the Steelers (omar) get an extension done this offseason? They usually try and extend a year before the contract is up.

[polamalubeast]

Highsmith will be a UFA in 2024. Will the Steelers (omar) get an extension done this offseason? They usually try and extend a year before the contract is up.

I think it will be the case