Pittsburgh Steelers: Reassessing Draft Needs After 1st Wave of Free Agency
While the rest of the NFL kicked off free agency with a bang, the Pittsburgh Steelers sat back and watched it all happen.
Rather than spend any of their $10 million in cap space to bring in an outside free agent, general manager Kevin Colbert went about business as usual.
As reported by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers tendered all three of their restricted free agents as well as re-signed Arthur Moats and Matt Spaeth.
These signings were barely a blip on the radar compared to one of the most stunning moves in the entire NFL—Jason Worilds announcing his retirement via his Twitter account.
The move shocked the NFL world as the 27-year-old linebacker was bound to cash in on a multimillion-dollar contract. Beyond his own decision, his retirement left the Steelers with one less option to sign in free agency.
With Worilds out of the picture, so is the possibility of a big-money signing for the Steelers. Instead, they seem content to make several minor moves and focus their attention on the draft. Here is an updated look at Pittsburgh's draft needs following the first wave of free agency.
Defensive End
1 of 5
As expected, the depth at defensive end got thinner when the Steelers released Brett Keisel.
Affectionately known as "Da Beard" in Pittsburgh, Keisel was a rock on the defensive line, where he was the primary starter for eight seasons. Even as his body began to break down, he managed to play in 12 games—including four starts—last season and had 17 tackles, one sack, five passes defensed and one interception.
Keisel was one of Pittsburgh's best defensive linemen last year until his season ended due to a triceps tear. Rather than take a chance that Keisel could repeat last year's performance in 2015, the Steelers decided to keep the younger and healthier Cam Thomas.
In reality, Thomas may not be any better than an aging Keisel. He did not produce when given the opportunity last year, which means the Steelers must find a better option in free agency or the draft.
The draft is particularly important given the lack of young depth at the position in Pittsburgh. Last season, the Steelers allowed Nick Williams and Josh Mauro to get away, despite both flashing potential as role players.
Given the two or three years it takes for most rookie defensive ends to develop, the Steelers need to invest in their present and future. Henry Anderson from Stanford has a frame that "screams 3-4 defensive end," according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, and is a Day 3 prospect.
Safety
2 of 5
After an entire offseason of speculation, there is still no word on Troy Polamalu's status with the Steelers. Colbert even released a statement on the situation, via Steelers.com:
"At this time, we do not have an update on Troy Polamalu or his contract status. We will continue to communicate with Troy and his representatives regarding his future."
With or without Polamalu, the Steelers need to upgrade their depth chart at the safety position. Neither player expected to start next season is a sure bet to play at a high level.
Mike Mitchell struggled during his first year in Pittsburgh and was recognized more for his penalties and missed tackles than his playmaking. Meanwhile, Shamarko Thomas only registered three snaps on defense, according to Football Outsiders.
Bringing back restricted free agent Robert Golden adds some depth, but he is primarily a special teams player. The Steelers need some bona fide talent at the position and are not going to find it in free agency.
Landon Collins is the only first-round safety prospect and would be an option if he falls to the Steelers at No. 22 in the first round. Zierlein described him as "a tempo-setter who can energize a defense with his downhill, aggressive style."
However, Collins' weakness is in coverage, and the Steelers have enough safeties who can play the run. Instead, they could take a risk and go after a potential ball hawk. Gerod Holliman isn't a well-rounded safety, but he had 14 interceptions in his one year as a starter and may instantly have the best ball skills of any defensive back on the roster.
Running Back
3 of 5
The running back market is crowded with experienced talent, and the Steelers have plenty of options to sign. One such option will meet with the team on Friday, per Adam Schefter.
"Now here's a fit that makes a ton of sense: former Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams is scheduled to visit the Steelers on Friday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2015
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Williams had experience in a two-back system in Carolina and would be a nice complement to Le'Veon Bell. However, he remains unsigned, and until the Steelers officially make a move to sign a backup running back, it will remain one of their top needs.
Colbert will not be pressured into signing a veteran back, though, as the draft is equally stacked with talent. T.J. Yeldon and Duke Johnson are two talented options in the early rounds, but Colbert could wait and find quality options later, as well.
Javorius Allen, David Johnson, David Cobb and Jeremy Langford are potential fits in the third round or later.
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Cornerback
4 of 5
The free-agent cornerback market dried up quickly, and the Steelers even lost one of their own when Brice McCain signed with the Miami Dolphins.
While other teams are actively signing players or shopping around, all is relatively quiet at Steelers' headquarters. However, one name that has popped up is Patrick Robinson, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson.
"Source: I'm told free agent CB Patrick Robinson has received some interest from the #Vikings, #Saints, #Steelers, #Panthers & the #Dolphins.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 11, 2015
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Robinson would not be expected to step into the starting lineup if signed but rather replace McCain on the depth chart. That would still leave the door wide open for a cornerback early in the draft.
Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson, Jalen Collins and Marcus Peters are all names that will be talked about as possible first-round picks, but the real value is in the second round. P.J. Williams, Ronald Darby and Quinten Rollins are each second-round prospects with starting potential.
By selecting a cornerback in Round 2, the Steelers can focus on their top need in the first round.
Outside Linebacker
5 of 5
As it stands now, the Steelers' depth at outside linebacker is possibility the worst it has been since they switched to the 3-4 defense.
Arthur Moats performed well in a limited role, but what can he do as a starter? More importantly, will the light bulb finally click for Jarvis Jones? Just asking these questions of Pittsburgh's projected starters is unheard of for a team that prides itself on linebacker play.
Worilds' retirement further complicated the matter, as it eliminated him from the fold. Even using James Harrison as a fallback option doesn't seem likely, as his agent mentioned that Harrison would like to play for former Pittsburgh coordinator Dick LeBeau in Tennessee.
There is still time for Colbert to scour the market and sign a pass-rusher, but the options are limited now. Anyone whom they sign is likely to be nothing more than a stopgap player. That puts a strong emphasis on outside linebacker early in the draft.
A first-round linebacker would make for three in three years, but the Steelers cannot continue to lack an effective pass rush on defense. The problem, though, is that a rookie will need two or three years to develop fully.
That, however, doesn't mean that the Steelers shouldn't try. The draft is deep with edge-defenders, and players such as Alvin Dupree, Owa Odighizuwa, Eli Harold and Lorenzo Mauldin will each garner interest from Pittsburgh.
The Steelers defense thrives when it can get to the quarterback, and it is time to get back to what they do best—rushing the passer.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of ESPN.com, all combine results are courtesy of the NFL.com Combine Tracker, all draft rankings are courtesy of Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, all salary information is courtesy of Spotrac and all roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com.
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