Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

2015 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

+Read full article
Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Pittsburgh Steelers
Getty Images

After an early exit from the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very quiet offseason so far. The team has never been known for signing players from outside the organization to big contracts, so it's not too much of a surprise that RB DeAngelo Williams has been the biggest addition up to this point. After cutting ties with numerous players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, these are the five biggest needs entering the draft.

5. Backup Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Backup Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After signing a new five-year deal, Ben Roethlisberger doesn't have to worry about anyone taking his job. However, the Steelers could afford to upgrade the depth behind Big Ben. Backup Bruce Gradkowski is entering the final year of his contract and Landry Jones has completed just 51 percent of his career passes in a Steelers uniform. A late-round addition such as Garrett Grayson or Brandon Bridge is a possibility.

4. Edge Rusher

Steelers NFL Draft
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. Edge Rusher

Steelers NFL Draft
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Edge rushers Brett Keisel and Jason Worilds are no longer with the team. Add in the age of James Harrison and the disappointing play of Jarvis Jones, and the Steelers have a problem. After recording just 33 sacks in 2014, which was the team's lowest in 25 years, the Steelers must make multiple upgrades. Unfortunately, the top edge rushers will all be long gone by the time Pittsburgh is on the clock at No. 22.

3. Tight End

Heath Miller Steelers
Getty Images

3. Tight End

Heath Miller Steelers
Getty Images

Heath Miller isn't getting any younger. He's had a long career in Pittsburgh, but the Steelers must add depth and youth to the position. The Steelers wouldn't have to travel very far to study two potential fits. Penn State's Jesse James and Ohio State's Jeff Heuerman are both mid-round picks who are about a three-hour drive from Pittsburgh. Whether or not the Steelers add a local product in the draft, a TE must be selected on Day 3.

2. Safety

Troy Polamalu Steelers
Getty Images

2. Safety

Troy Polamalu Steelers
Getty Images

Will Allen is already out the door, and even if Troy Polamalu returns, the team needs to add a safety in the draft. Mike Mitchell appears to have one of the starting jobs locked down, but the Steelers will be living dangerously if Shamarko Thomas and Ross Ventrone are competing for the other starting spot. Landon Collins is the only safety worth a first-round pick and his style of play fits the Steelers' scheme. Will he be on the board at No. 22?

1. Cornerback

Steelers Cornerbacks
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cornerback

Steelers Cornerbacks
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

With Brice McCain and Ike Taylor no longer members of the team, the depth at cornerback is terrible. Cortez Allen, William Gay and B.W. Webb are the top three players at the position. This position will be addressed in the draft, possibly more than once. Several of the top corners in this draft should be available in Round 1, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Steelers draft a starter in the first round and add a backup on Day 3.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

2015 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears’ 5 Biggest Needs

Shawn Spencer is a writer for RantSports.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NFL• Videos•

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Trains With Navy SEALs

Big Ben Goes DeepBen Roethlisberger, his father Ken and Mike Get long range training from Former SEAL Clayton Hergert in west Texas. Please like and share with all your friends. WHO thinks they can make that shot? Leave us a comment.

Posted by Gridiron Outdoors with Mike Pawlawski on Monday, March 14, 2016

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently appeared on an episode of 'Gridiron Outdoors' and took some long range shooting lessons from Navy SEALs. This spot is Americana at its finest.

Comment 0 Comments