NFL Pittsburgh Steelers

2015 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Top 5 Needs

2015 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Top 5 Needs

Ryan Shazier
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

It might be the Killer Bs who are all the buzz in the Burgh, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will certainly have more than their fair share of issues to address in time for the NFL Draft. The Steelers’ uncharacteristic drop off in dominant defense – the unquestioned staple of their success during the Mike Tomlin era – means this will need to be a defense-heavy draft if Pittsburgh hopes to return to heavyweight status.

5. Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

5. Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

It’s true that Pittsburgh needs to go big on D, but at some point they need to play smart at QB. It isn’t insane to suggest Ben Roethlisberger could go on to play another half-decade, but grooming an incumbent suitor a la the Green Bay Packers should be addressed with a mid-round pick. Todd Haley’s offense has been beneficial to Big Ben’s health, but after all the punishment he’s taken, there’s no telling when his body will quit.

4. Defensive Line

Stephon Tuitt, James Harrison
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

4. Defensive Line

Stephon Tuitt, James Harrison
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

It took a few years, but Cam Heyward is finally starting to emerge as the emotional leader of this defense. He’s quietly had an excellent season, but won’t be able to do it all on his own following the expected retirements of Brett Keisel and James Harrison at season’s end. Second-round rookie Stephon Tuitt is raw but talented, so a training camp body to push his progress might be the best bet here.

3. Safety

Troy Polamalu
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Safety

Troy Polamalu
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

There isn’t a single Steeler fan who isn’t hurting watching the downfall of Troy Polamalu this season. When he does decide to hang up the cleats, he’ll be rightly mentioned in the same breath as Mean Joe Greene and Jack Lambert as one of the greatest Steelers ever. Until then, Pittsburgh needs to turn to youth. Shamarko Thomas is still unproven, and veteran Mike Mitchell hasn’t earned a cent of his five-year, $ 25 million contract.

2. Nose Tackle

Steve McLendon
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2. Nose Tackle

Steve McLendon
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh’s decline in defensive rankings can be best attributed to the absence of a true NT since the departure of Casey Hampton. “Big Snack” would regularly devour two or three O-linemen at a time and simply refuse to allow a runner up the middle. Steve McLendon is not a poor defensive anchor in the general sense, but regularly fails to occupy multiple blockers and allow his more talented linebackers to make the splash plays.

1. Cornerback

Cortez Allen
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cornerback

Cortez Allen
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

“Atrocious” is the only safe-for-publication word appropriate for describing the Steelers’ secondary play in 2014. Cortez Allen received a contract extension last season, then “rewarded” the franchise by having one of the worst DB seasons on record. With Allen’s benching, and neither Ike Taylor nor William Gay serving as a long-term answer, this position is a first-round need if ever there was one.

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