5 Steelers Who Must Improve in 2017

[GBMelBlount]

Since 2014 the Pittsburgh Steelers have been slowly working their way towards a return to the Super Bowl. What started as a Wild Card berth was transformed into an AFC Championship appearance in 2016.

The Steelers, and their fan base, hope to take the next step and be the AFC representative in Super Bowl 52, but for this to happen there are several players who need to step up their game for this progression to take place.

Javon Hargrave
There isn’t a ton of pressure on the second year nose tackle to perform well his sophomore season, but if he could continue on his upward trend with the return of Cam Heyward, the Steelers’ defensive line could be ridiculously athletic. Stephon Tuitt, Hargrave and Heyward would be the best defensive line in Pittsburgh since Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel took care of business on the defensive front. Hargrave could be the spark plug in the middle of the defensive line.

Sean Davis
You can see a growing trend here with these second year defenders, but Sean Davis was a dynamic playmaker as a rookie, and will need to be even more dynamic in 2017. Alongside Mike Mitchell, Davis was incredible in both run support, as well as pass coverage, but there is room for improvement. As the season progressed, Davis was visibly more comfortable, and that was with an injured shoulder too. He is healthy now, and is ready to make his mark on the team.

Artie Burns
The last of the Pirates rookie starters, Burns will have to be more sound next year. Yes, he got better as the season went on, but there were many occasions where he was fortunate the quarterback didn’t recognize just how out of position he was. Nonetheless, Burns does have the look of a shutdown corner, and that is exactly what the Steelers are hoping Burns develops into — starting in 2017.

Ben Roethlisberger (continued)

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...rns-sean-davis

[Count Steeler]

Artie Burns
The last of the Pirates rookie starters, Burns will have to be more sound next year. Yes, he got better as the season went on, but there were many occasions where he was fortunate the quarterback didn’t recognize just how out of position he was. Nonetheless, Burns does have the look of a shutdown corner, and that is exactly what the Steelers are hoping Burns develops into — starting in 2017.

Didn't know Burns was a 2 sport player.

Of course, everyone has to step up their game. If the SB is the goal, they have to kick ass and take names.

[st33lersguy]

I'd add Bud to the list to become a great pass rusher for the team. Everyone of course can stand to improve but all the young guys on defense needs to the most if the defense is to take the next step

[BlackAndGold]

Everyone needs to improve.