The 2015 NFL draft kicks off tomorrow and the Steelers have some work to do! The offense is in great shape and will look for great bargains or can’t pass up guys, the Defense needs a reload…not a rebuild. The building blocks are in place, the Steelers need to focus getting on Defensive Backfield help.
Needs:
1. Cornerback:
Current: The Steelers struggled at the cornerback position most of last season. Cortez Allen looked lost, Ike Taylor showed every second of his age and ended his illustrious career. Brice McCain and Antwon Blake both had flashes of brilliance but also looked overmatched at times. McCain left town and is headed to Miami. Blake will be back but it is hard to see him as more than a nickel or dime back. William Gay played well all year and will go to camp as the starter.
The Draft: This years draft is not a great one for Corner but there are several good looking prospects that the Steelers can get sitting at 22. No matter what happens the Steelers need to spend at least two picks on this spot. Last year we missed two great prospects, so this is a must address. I would also consider trading out of 22 if you can get better value.
2. Outside Linebacker:
Current: This is another position that must be addressed in the first three rounds. The Steelers have lost Jason Worilds to retirement. He had an inconsistent season and struggled at times. Jarvis Jones is running out of “some days” and this is his make or break year. I think he will benefit from a leadership change and I wouldn’t count him out. James Harrison, our beloved Silverback, will be back and he had a great comeback season. Again, I wouldn’t count him out but it isn’t realistic to have him as an every down linebacker at 37+ years. He needs to be in on pass rushing series to make his season last. Howard Jones is someone to keep an eye on in camp:
The Draft: This years draft is solid but again not great at OLB. There are several great value picks here. The Steelers also look at “tweener” Defensive Ends and there are several that can be had late to sure up this position.
3. Safety:
Current: An era ended when Troy Polamalu retired and ended his Hall Of Fame Career. It is impossible to replace a Troy Polamalu as he is a once in a generation player. The Steelers have Shamarko Thomas who was drafted as the heir apparent, but like Jarvis Jones is running out of “some days”. This is his make or break year. The Steeler brought back Will Allen who is a capable backup but can’t be the starter. Mike Mitchell had an awful season and needs to step it up or he will be out of the ‘Burgh.
The Draft: The Steelers will struggle to grab a huge impact player in this spot. There will be several huge upside prospects toward the last two days of the draft.
The rest of the positions:
QB: Look for at least one pick spent on this.
RB: Not a dire need with the signing of De’Angelo Williams but look for the Steelers to grab a banger if one falls in their lap. The draft is deep with good backs.
WR: The Steelers have the best WRs in football and it is hard to see them investing in this spot.
TE: Absolutely need to take a long hard look. Heath Miller is about to wind down his Canton worthy career and the Steelers have no heir apparent ready. Their are a bunch of great upside prospects but no clear cut can’t miss guy
OL: After years of this being a huge liability the Steelers have a very good interior line and underrated Tackles. Not a major need but always worth a look as great values can always be had.
DL: The Steelers need some D-Line hep at depth. But Stephon Tuitt and Cam “Steelhead” Heyward have it locked down on the ends. I don’t see anyone who jumps out but the Steelers will almost certainly draft a DT.
ILB: The Steelers are set inside.
Specials: Brad Wing scares me but not half as much as the idea of wasting a draft pick on a punter.
BTW I think Jameis Winston is going to be a huge bust if he stays out of trouble long enough to actually play in the NFL.
BEER WE GO STEELERS!!!