As expected, the Pittsburgh Steelers opted to let go of more players than not and we saw several starters and top players signing elsewhere. In addition to multiple withdrawals from key players, we also had a surprise when the Steelers chose to release veteran defender Vince Williams.
The technically free agency starts on Wednesday, but after just two days of legal manipulation, we decided we needed to update our draft needs based on the drama of this first wave of free agency.
A warning to all this. While I’m pretty close to the 1-6, the 7-10 are largely interchangeable right now.
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There are three things at stake in this decision. First, the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey, the second Matt Feiler signing with the Los Angeles Chargers and finally the age and contractual situation of David DeCastro. Getting an elite center is ideal, but a two-tool man who can move between center and guard would also work well. It is not the most striking selection, but it would satisfy the most striking needs of the list.
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It was concluded that Bud Dupree would sign elsewhere, but with the Steelers showing no real confidence in Ola Adeniyi, this team has very little depth. The top-of-the-line 2021 class is deep, but Pittsburgh needs to incorporate someone who can contribute as a rookie.
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The release of Vince Williams surprised and lets the Steelers need to replace him is a bigger need than before. Marcus Allen and Robert Spillane do not inspire confidence as a low-back defender and this puts a lot of pressure on Devin Bush returning from a torn ACL.
If the Steelers sign Alejandro Villanueva again, that need will diminish considerably. But assuming you go free agency, Zach Banner and Chuks Okorafor are your headlines, but there’s very little behind any of them in the depth chart.
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I think most assumed the Steelers could safely re-sign Tyson Alualu. But his return to Jacksonville leaves some questions inside the defensive line. Pittsburgh still needs to find a large, wide body to eat blockers and make life easier for defenders.
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The cornering degree of the Steelers ’draft need is directly related to the confidence they have 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 entrust them with a draft selection.
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I know many Steelers experts want to see Pittsburgh draft an ending very soon. I’m not one of those experts. Eric Ebron offers a solid reception option and if Pittsburgh wants to find a closed end, he can do so on the third day of the draft.
Fortunately, even if the Steelers eventually lose JuJu Smith-Schuster to another team, the wide receiver is not a concern for the Steelers. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and James Washington will complete the depth chart well. If the Steelers want to make a man a late flight, look for runway speed.
Many Steelers fans will claim a quarterback in the next draft. And if one of the top guys falls into the hands of the Steelers in the first round, the front office will have a decision to make. But if Pittsburgh can’t land one of those first-rate guys, it really doesn’t make sense to fill room QB.
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By 2020, the Steelers ’safety depth chart is fairly established. Minkah Fitzpatrick is truly an elite player and Terrell Edmunds is fine for what he has been asked to do. It is very unlikely that the Steelers will go on to choose another security with the other needs on the list.