As expected, the Pittsburgh Steelers chose to let more players leave than not and we saw multiple starters and top-tier players sign elsewhere. In addition to multiple retirements by key players, we also got something of a surprise when the Steelers chose to release veteran linebacker Vince Williams.
Technically free agency starts on Wednesday but after just two days of legal tampering, we decided we needed to update our draft needs based on the drama of this first wave of free agency.
One caveat to all of this. While I’m fairly locked in on 1-6, 7-10 are largely interchangeable at this point.
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Three things play into this decision. First, Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement, second Matt Feiler signing with the Los Angeles Chargers and finally the age and contract situation of David DeCastro. Getting an elite center is ideal but a two-tool guy who can move between center and guard would work well here also. Not the flashiest pick but it would fill the most glaring need on the roster.
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It was a foregone conclusion that Bud Dupree would sign elsewhere but with the Steelers showing no real confidence in Ola Adeniyi, this team has very little depth. The 2021 class of edge rushers is deep but Pittsburgh needs to bring someone in who can contribute as a rookie.
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The release of Vince Williams came as something of a surprise and leaves the Steelers needing to replace him is a bigger need than before. Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane don’t inspire confidence as an every-down linebacker and this puts a ton of pressure on Devin Bush coming back from a torn ACL.
If the Steelers re-sign Alejandro Villanueva, this need drops considerably. But assuming he leaves in free agency, Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor are your starters but ther is very little behind either of them on the depth chart.
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I think most assumed the Steelers would be able to safely re-sign Tyson Alualu. But his return to Jacksonville leaves some questions on the inside of the defensive line. Pittsburgh still needs to find a big, wide body to eat up blockers and make life easier on the linebackers.
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How high cornerback is on the Steelers draft need relates directly to how confident they are in Justin Layne now that Mike Hilton has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Steelers want to find another slot corner similar to Hilton, they will have to commit a draft pick to them.
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I know many Steelers pundits want to see Pittsburgh draft a tight end early. I’m not one of those pundits. Eric Ebron offers a solid receiving option and if Pittsburgh wants to find a blocking tight end they can do that on the third day of the draft.
Thankfully, even if the Steelers do eventually lose JuJu Smith-Schuster to another team, wide receiver isn’t a worry for the Steelers. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and James Washington will round out the depth chart nicely. If the Steelers do want to take a late flyer on a guy, look for track speed.
Many Steelers fans will clamor for a quarterback in the upcoming draft. And if one of the top guys falls to the Steelers in the first round, the front office will have a decision to make. But if Pittsburgh can’t land one of those top guys, there’s really no point in crowding the QB room.
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For 2020, the safety depth chart of the Steelers is fairly set. Minkah Fitzpatrick is truly an elite player and Terrell Edmunds is fine for what he’s asked to do. It’s highly unlikely the Steelers are going to spend a pick on another safety with the other needs on the roster.