Examining the Pittsburgh Steelers' Offseason Needs

Although it's just the beginning of the offseason, it's never too early to start looking to the NFL Draft and what needs the Super Bowl Champion Steelers need to fill.

In order to assess who the Steelers will have to draft, we must first look at their pending free agents.

The Steelers will have to make some tough calls. Bryant McFadden is an elite corner who will command a big salary. Dan Rooney has stated he's the team's No. 1 priority this offseason, but they will likely send him away if he makes it impossible to sign other players.

The big conflict of interest here is choosing between Max Starks and Marvel Smith. Smith is the better player when healthy, but with his back injuries in the past few years, I wonder how much is left in the tank.

Analysts believe Alex Mack from Cal would be a good first-round pick for Pittsburgh. This seems to be the obvious choice.

With LG Chris Kemoeatu and RG Darnell Stapleton, the Steelers' interior isn't actually all that bad. However, C Justin Hartwig is not anything special.

Having a center like Mack that can jump off the line and DRIVE his man will open up the Steelers' dormant running game. If Mack is still on the board, the Steelers HAVE to take him to maximize the potential of a backfield with fantastic depth.

I don't like to predict names, because the NFL Draft is crazy. Instead, I would like to discuss what position I think the Steelers are likely to draft by round.

First round

If Alex Mack is available, the Steelers will jump all over him. If he isn't, their primary concern rests at both tackle positions. Max Starks and Willie Colon are below average in pass protection. The question is whether Bryant McFadden is still a Steeler. If he isn't AND Mack is gone, look corner here.

Second round

If the Steelers have not secured Mack, look for a tackle here.

If everything works out ideally, they could draft a return specialist. Hopefully, someone that's a threat to take it to the house on kick returns rather than the specialists they have that aren't a threat to take it to the 40.

Third Round

The Steelers are hurting for defensive line depth. If someone like Brett Keisel goes down, teams are seeing running lanes that they can grind through. The Steelers need a run-stopping defensive end as an insurance policy and to inject some youth into the position.

Fourth round

The Steelers always draft a linebacker, even though they don't need one. They'll draft one, and he'll probably end up being a great role player and eventually replacing James Farrior or Larry Foote. Plus, youth is legitimately needed here.

Fifth round

Tackle. The Steelers shouldn't and won't expect to find an elite starter here, but with one of Marvel Smith or Max Starks likely departing, they're not going to be comfortable with a pool of Tony Hills and Trai Essex to backup the line.

Sixth round

The Steelers have their QB depth chart set for next year. Ben Roethlisberger will be the starter, followed by Charlie Batch and Dennis Dixon.

In all likelihood however, the Steelers will be looking for a future backup QB late in the draft.

Dixon is the team's future No. 2, but the Steelers like to carry three quarterbacks, and Charlie Batch is nearing retirement. They'll draft a more modern version of Brain St. Pierre, someone they can put on the practice squad until Charlie Batch retires.

Seventh round

The Steelers have two seventh-round picks.

A WR pick will serve two purposes. Firstly, this will be an effort to snare a return specialist in the last round.

The primary reason I'm seeing a wide receiver is because the Steelers love keeping them on the practice squad. If this pick doesn't work out, he can join Willie Reid and Dallas Baker as an emergency guy.

Lastly, probably another o-lineman, in case their earlier picks don't work out.

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