Steelers Draft Needs

By Donny Chedrick  

For the last handful of years, the Steelers have spent their first-round pick on a defensive player, and it has paid off to this point  You know the names - T.J. Watt, Artie Burns, Bud Dupree and Ryan Shazier are all guys that have made huge impacts on the Steelers' defense throughout the past few years, and especially this past season. The draft needs, however, aren't the same going into this year. The Steelers could also use free agency to mold their roster for next season 2018-2019 season. But we'll take a look at the Steelers' draft needs as if nothing happens in free agency this off-season. There are five positions the Steelers can look to build upon in April's draft.

Quarterback 

Photo creds to Heavy.Com

Although Ben Roethlisberger still has a deep touchdown pass or 20 left in him, he can't play forever. Currently,  QBs Landry Jones and Josh Dobbs are behind him. I wouldn't say this is the biggest need for the Steelers, but one that could be added to depending on what happens with Big Ben. Jones has looked below average in his five career starts. Although it's a relatively small sample size, Jones has been average. It wouldn't surprise me if the Steelers give Jones a chance as the starter once Ben retires, but there should be pressure behind him in the form of Josh Dobbs and another young QB. With the heavy quarterback class coming out in 2018, the Steelers could draft another signal caller in late April.

Tight End

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One of the bigger needs for the Steelers in the upcoming NFL Draft is the tight end position. Right now, there isn't much production at the position when you look at the combination of Jesse James, Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble. There has been a void at the position since Heath Miller retired a few seasons back and the Steelers are still looking for that next Heath Miller. With guys like Mark Andrews out of Oklahoma, Mike Gesiki out of Penn State and Troy Fumagalli out of Wisconsin being available in April, look for the Steelers to select a tight end in the draft.

Outside Linebacker 

This shouldn't be a surprise. It's the Steelers favorite position to draft. Dupree Watt, Jarvis Jones, etc. have all been high draft picks over the last few seasons. In this case, the Steelers wouldn't be using a high draft pick on an OLB, but it should be a pick for depth later in the draft. With Pittsburgh losing James Harrison (in more ways than one)  and possibly losing Anthony Chickillo and Arthur Moats to free agency, the Steelers could be using one of their later picks on an outside linebacker.

Offensive Line - Bulking up on the offensive front wouldn't be half bad either.   Since the Steelers could lose guys like Chris Hubbard and B.J. Finney to free agency, there is some need to pack some depth up front. With veterans up, the Steelers offensive line has turned into one of the best in football, but with frequent injuries to offensive linemen, building around that group with guys behind them will help Pittsburgh continue their success at the offensive line position.

Free Safety

Although the Steelers have done a great job of rebuilding that secondary with guys like Artie Burns, Sean Davis, Mike Mitchell and Joe Haden, finding a younger replacement for older players would be an intelligent move. Burns and Davis seem to be turning into very good, young defensive backs so if the Steelers can strike gold again, that secondary can become among the best in the NFL.

The Steelers don't have many holes as of right now, but there will be some more distinct openings, and those will need to be filled come draft day.