NFL1000: Pittsburgh Steelers 2017 NFL Draft Preview
The 2016 Steelers featured one of the league's most explosive offenses and made the conference championship for the first time since 2010, but it's not as if all is rosy in Pittsburgh.
Ben Roethlisberger quashed retirement rumors at the beginning of the month, but we'll have to wait and see if the quarterback's late-season regression was about more than injuries. A defense that was a bit better than average lost linebacker Lawrence Timmons to the Miami Dolphins and wasn't able to make big gains to a front seven in need in 2017 free agency.
The Steelers have running back Le'Veon Bell, their best player, under the franchise tag for next season, but beyond that, Bell's future with the team is uncertain. And placing the tag on a running back, guaranteeing him $12.12 million for the season, is an interesting use of cap space for a team that doesn't have a lot to spare.
For head coach Mike Tomlin's team to get back to the Super Bowl for the second time this decade, the improvements will have to be at running back (depth behind Bell), pass-rusher, cornerback and inside linebacker. It's a tall order for a franchise that has drafted inconsistently over the last few seasons, but general manager Kevin Colbert needs to come through in that regard. And if Roethlisberger can't right his own ship, the Steelers could return to the 8-8 seasons of 2012 and 2013.
Methodology
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The NFL1000 team of scouts graded a series of important attributes for every player in their positional review. Using a scale starting at zero and going up to anywhere from five to 50 based on the position and the attribute, our scouts graded each player based on their own expertise and countless hours of tape review over the years. Our evaluators had specific positional assignments based on their proven fields of expertise.
- Doug Farrar: Lead scout/quarterbacks
- John Middlekauff: Running backs/fullbacks
- Marcus Mosher: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Mark Schofield: Wide receivers/tight ends
- Duke Manyweather: Offensive tackles
- Ethan Young: Offensive guards
- Joe Goodberry: AFC defensive ends
- Justis Mosqueda: NFC defensive ends
- Charles McDonald: Defensive tackles
- Zach Kruse: 3-4 outside linebackers
- Derrik Klassen: 4-3 outside linebackers
- Jerod Brown: Inside linebackers
- Kyle Posey: Cornerbacks
- Ian Wharton: Cornerbacks
- Mark Bullock: Safeties
- Chuck Zodda: Special teams
Each corresponding position slide was written by the assigned scout.
Quarterback
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Scheme: Erhardt-Perkins/Zone
Starter: Ben Roethlisberger
NFL1000 Scores: 73.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 11/38
There was a bit of noise this offseason regarding Roethlisberger's possible retirement, though he's put that to rest. But the Steelers do need to deal with his clear regression in the second half of the 2016 season. From Week 9 through the playoffs, Big Ben threw 11 interceptions to 16 touchdowns and, more frequently than usual, made awful decisions throwing into obvious coverages.
There's always been a random element to his play—Roethlisberger excels outside of structure—but this was different. Maybe it was an aberrational blip on the radar, and perhaps foot and ankle injuries exacerbated the issues. But it bears watching in future, especially if further injuries come up.
Backup: Landry Jones
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Jones started two games in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger last season, completing 61.6 percent of his passes and throwing four touchdowns to two interceptions. He doesn't have Big Ben's touch with the deep ball just yet—both of his picks last season came on deep throws—but he's decent under pressure and has shown development in game management. The Steelers showed their commitment to his future by signing him to a new two-year deal in March, but questions about his starting future remain.
Backup: Zach Mettenberger
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Following two nondescript seasons for the Tennessee Titans in 2014 and 2015, Mettenberger landed with the Chargers organization for a short time until the Steelers took a flier on him last August. From a physical perspective, he fits Pittsburgh's quarterback prototype—he's a big guy with a good deep arm and some mobility. However, as he showed in Tennessee, Mettenberger will have to balance his love of the big play with field-reading and game management if he's ever to see more starting snaps in the NFL.
Team Need: 5/10
Potential Draft Fits: Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina Tar Heels); DeShone Kizer (Notre Dame Fighting Irish); Brad Kaaya (Miami Hurricanes)
Running Back
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Scheme: Power/West Coast
Starter: Le'Veon Bell
NFL1000 Scores: 80.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 1/82
Despite being suspended the first three games of the 2016 season, Le'Veon Bell had an MVP-worthy year in only 12 games. He rushed for 1,268 yards to go with 75 catches. He also established himself as one of the most versatile running backs NFL history. Bell helped carry the Steelers to the playoffs and had stretches during the season when he was unstoppable. The 25-year-old is entering the prime of his career, and Pittsburgh acknowledged his value by placing the franchise tag on him this offseason.
Bell has a unique style of patience that is unmatched in the league. He sets up blockers, slowly finds a hole and then hits it with an explosive downhill burst. He has elite feet and the wiggle to make defenders miss in space. Because of his style, he's a natural outside runner and has the ability to let offensive linemen locate.
While he's not a home run hitter, he does play fast and can break long runs. In the passing game, he is elite, a great route-runner with the flexibility to move and motion all over the field. He can get open on any defender. Bell has natural hands and will make tough catches. Overall, he is one of the best players in the league and should help carry the Steelers for the foreseeable future.
Backup: Fitzgerald Toussaint
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Fitzgerald Toussaint has 38 career carries, with only 14 in 2016. He has played a limited role for the Steelers, mainly contributing on special teams. With DeAngelo Williams likely leaving in free agency, Toussaint's role could grow. If the Steelers draft someone at the end of April to add depth, Toussaint's roster spot will be in jeopardy.
Backup: Knile Davis
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Knile Davis bounced around in 2016 with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers. He'll have an uphill battle to make this Steelers roster. The 25-year-old had only 18 carries last season, averaging 1.6 yards per tote. He just doesn't play fast and struggles to gain yards. He will need a good, productive training camp, or he will be out of the league in the near future.
Team Need: 5/10
Potential Draft Fits: Jamaal Williams (BYU Cougars), D'Onta Foreman (Texas Longhorns)
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Fullback
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Scheme: West Coast
Starter: Roosevelt Nix
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
He only played in 10 games in 2016 and struggled to get on the field with the Steelers offense. He's an old-school, physical hammer of a fullback the Steelers use sparingly with Bell's ability to excel in single-back sets. Nix doesn't bring anything as a runner or a receiver, but he does contribute as a core special teams player. Overall, Nix should play a similar role in 2017 as he did last season.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Wide Receiver
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Scheme: West Coast/Hybrid
Starter: Antonio Brown
NFL1000 Scores: 72.7/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 5/155
By his lofty standards, 2016 might have been a down year for Antonio Brown.
The Central Michigan product caught 106 passes for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns, but those numbers were down a bit from his 136 receptions for 1,834 yards in 2015. However, by any standard, Brown is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL today. He is a master of his craft, with the ability to get open on every single route in the passing tree.
Brown is quick with his feet and keeps most defensive backs guessing as he enters and exits cuts on a given play. His well-rounded nature was on full display Thanksgiving night against the Indianapolis Colts, when he caught five passes for 91 yards and three touchdowns. On his first scoring play, he made a great adjustment to the ball in flight and manages to get both feet down for the score. On his second TD, he executes an out-and-up pattern to perfection, selling the defender on the short route and exploding down the field to get separation off the break.
But perhaps his true value shone on Christmas night, when the game and likely the division were on the line late in the contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Ben Roethlisberger hit Brown with a pass short of the goal line, but the receiver was able to fight his way into the end zone.
Brown is 28 and in the peak years of his career as a football player. In coordinator Todd Haley's versatile West Coast offense, the Steelers find many ways to get him involved, whether it's in the quick screen game, on shorter routes or on plays down the field. Brown is able to deliver in each situation and should continue putting up big numbers for the foreseeable future.
Starter: Darrius Heyward-Bey
NFL1000 Scores: 61.4/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 117/155
After posting a blazing 4.30 40-yard dash at the 2009 NFL combine, the Oakland Raiders selected Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick, making him the first WR selected in that draft.
Despite his early selection, the Maryland product has never quite lived up to the expectations. His best season came in 2011, when he caught 64 passes for 975 yards and four touchdowns with the Raiders. Oakland released him in 2013, and he spent one year in Indianapolis before signing with the Steelers as a free agent in 2014.
While in Pittsburgh, he has served as a reserve receiver. In 2015 he appeared in 16 games and caught 21 passes for 314 yards and two scores. Last season, he saw action in only 10 games as he battled an ankle injury midway through the year. While healthy, he caught six passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns. With his speed, Heyward-Bey remains a vertical threat, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued a once-promising career.
Backup: Sammie Coates
NFL1000 Scores: 64.2/100
NFL100 Position Ranking: 83/155
Similar to Heyward-Bey, inconsistency has been one of Sammie Coates' hallmarks, albeit at a much earlier time in his career. Drafted in the third round of the 2015 draft, Coates appeared in six games as a rookie, notching one catch in Week 4 against the Ravens. But he had a big opportunity last season, as Martavis Bryant was suspended for the year. Coates saw action in 14 games with five starts, and he caught 21 passes for 435 yards and two scores, both of which came against the Jets in Week 5.
The Steelers have used Coates primarily as a vertical threat, but at times in 2016, he struggled to get separation on these routes. In addition, he has mixed results when facing press coverage, and he has more success when running routes against zone or off coverage. Coates also struggled with drops at times last season. He underwent surgery for a sports hernia in February, and perhaps he can show more growth in 2017 as he enters the season fully healthy.
Backup: Martavis Bryant
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The league suspended Bryant for the entire 2016 season for violating its substance-abuse policy. But he's expected to be reinstated for the upcoming year, per Alex Marvez of Sporting News, and gives the Steelers’ receiving corps a bit of a boost. When on the field, Bryant is a dynamic playmaker, with the speed (4.42 40-yard dash) and size (6'4" 211 lbs) to serve as an ideal X receiver across from Brown.
Backup: Justin Hunter
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
The Titans selected Justin Hunter with the 34th overall pick in the 2013 draft, and they expected him to play a big role in their growth. However, Hunter never reached his potential in Tennessee. As a rookie, he caught 18 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns. After he suffered a fractured ankle late in 2015, the Titans placed him on injured reserve.
Before the start of the 2016 season, Tennessee waived Hunter. He spent a few weeks with the Dolphins before the Bills signed him after placing Sammy Watkins on IR. Pittsburgh signed the former Volunteer as a free agent.
Hunter has prototypical size for an X receiver, standing 6'4" and weighing 203 pounds. But despite his size and his speed—he ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at his combine—he has never lived up to the potential he showed in college.
For example, Hunter was targeted three times in Week 15 against the Browns. Two of his targets were on red-zone fade routes, the perfect scheme for a player with his size and his skill set. On both, he failed to complete the play. Earlier in the season, during Week 13, he saw four targets against Oakland and struggled to get consistent separation. He even bobbled the football at the catch point on his one reception.
Team Need: 3/10
Potential Draft Fits: JuJu Smith-Schuster (USC Trojans); Carlos Henderson (Louisiana Tech Bulldogs); Zay Jones (East Carolina Pirates)
Tight End
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Scheme: West Coast/Hybrid
Starter: Jesse James
NFL1000 Scores: 64.9/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 31/96
For the first time in years, the Steelers offense looked a little different as it took the field for the season opener. Gone was mainstay Heath Miller, who retired at the close of the 2015 season. Enter James, a fifth-round selection out of Penn State in the 2015 draft. He saw limited action as a rookie, but with Miller's retirement and Ladarius Green's starting last year on injured reserve, James began the season as the top tight end on the team.
He performed well, catching 39 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He is a good blocking tight end, receiving the third-highest grade in this trait in the NFL1000 project last season behind Minnesota's Kyle Rudolph and New England's Rob Gronkowski, respectively.
As a receiver, James is reminiscent of Miller. He can serve as a capable outlet for Roethlisberger on underneath routes such as curls or on routes to the outside or the flat. He also earned the trust of his quarterback, as evidenced by his catch late in the Week 16 game against the Ravens on a 3rd-and-4 situation with 32 seconds left. After James converted the first down, Roethlisberger spiked the football to stop the clock, setting the stage for Brown's division-clinching heroics.
Backup: Ladarius Green
NFL1000 Scores: 65.2/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 26/96
Despite missing the bulk of the 2016 season, first with an ankle injury and later with a concussion, Green was the top tight end on the Steelers roster by NFL1000 standards. In only six games, he caught 18 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown, nearly matching James’ receiving yards on less than half the catches.
Green is more of a receiving threat at the tight end spot, and in Week 13 against the Giants, he caught six passes for 110 yards and a touchdown and showed his ability to run some deeper routes, such as seam or deep crossing routes. He also showed the awareness to find open space in scramble-drill situations.
Green is also adept at chipping defensive ends before releasing into his route, whether it is a shallow curl or crossing route or a pattern to the flat. If he stays healthy for the 2017 season, he gives Pittsburgh a dangerous receiving threat at the TE spot and will form a good duo with James.
Backup: David Johnson
NFL1000 Scores: 60.1/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 60/96
Johnson serves as the blocking tight end for the Steelers, and he is effective in that role. Blocking for Le'Veon Bell can be tough at times, as his patience as a running back requires his blockers to hold their blocks for extended periods of time. But Johnson is effective, and his score in that trait was above-average last season.
In the passing game, Johnson...is a blocking tight end. He saw only 11 targets in 2016, making seven receptions for 80 yards. He can occupy space underneath or in the flats, and he is also able to stay in on passing downs and help with pass protection. But as far as the passing game goes, James and Green are the more effective receivers.
Backup: Xavier Grimble
NFL1000 Scores: 60.7/100
NFL1000 Position Ranking: 55/96
After the departure of Miller and the injury to Green, the Steelers needed some depth at tight end.
Grimble secured a backup spot during training camp and appeared in 12 regular-season games as well as all three of Pittsburgh's playoff games. Grimble caught two touchdown passes on the season, including a 20-yard touchdown on a seam route against the Ravens on Christmas night in a game that secured the AFC North title for the Steelers. He took a shot from the defender on that play but was able to hold on at the goal line for the score.
As a receiver, Grimble is dependable. He has fairly secure hands and runs average routes for the position. He is not a threat after the catch at this point in his career, but he can serve as a solid outlet option in most passing schemes. His size (6'4", 261 lbs) allows him to be effective in the flat against outside linebackers and cornerbacks, as well as over the middle against linebackers and safeties.
Grimble was most effective for the Steelers as a blocker. Whether on power or zone plays, he is fairly solid at executing his blocks, and in the Pittsburgh offense, it can be tough at times to finish them, given the patience of Bell. Grimble remains a quality depth option for the Steelers and a contributor in multiple-tight end formations.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None. Could consider bringing in camp competition with undrafted free agents.
Left Tackle
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Scheme: Gap/Power and Zone
Starter: Alejandro Villanueva
NFL1000 Scores: 71.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 28/40
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more intriguing story than Alejandro Villanueva's road to the NFL.
He started on defense before moving to left tackle in 2008 and then wide receiver for his senior year at Army. After graduating in 2010, he served three tours in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger.
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Villanueva in 2014 but cut him toward the end of training camp, and then the Steelers signed him and kept him on the practice squad. In 2015, Villanueva entered the season as a backup but was forced into the Steelers' starting lineup after then-starting left tackle Kelvin Beachum tore his ACL in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals.
2016 was Villanueva's first season as a full-time starter, and as the season went on, he continued to get better weekly and settled in at left tackle for the Steelers. Villanueva is an adequate pass protector, still working to perfect the nuances of pass-protection technique so he can clean up some of the pressures he surrendered (36 QB hurries, five hits, six sacks), but he brings physicality to the point of attack in the running game.
Backup: Matt Feiler
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Matt Feiler signed with Houston as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad. The team waived him prior to the 2015 campaign.
Feiler then signed with Pittsburgh and has bounced from the practice squad to the active roster the last two seasons.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: Adam Bisnowaty (Pittsburgh), Zach Banner (USC)
Right Tackle
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Scheme: Gap/Power and Zone
Starter: Marcus Gilbert
NFL1000 Scores: 78.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 3/38
Marcus Gilbert is entering his seventh season in the NFL and has accumulated 75 regular-season starts. He flashed promise in his first few seasons but turned the developmental corner midway through the 2015 campaign. And he carried that right into 2016.
Gilbert is outstanding in pass protection, displaying good range and above-average hand usage. His strength, explosive power and footwork make him effective in the running game.
Despite battling injury in 2016, Gilbert still performed at a high level.
Backup: Chris Hubbard
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Chris Hubbard saw his first taste of starting action in 2016 as he filled in for Marcus Gilbert in four games.
In 351 snaps, Hubbard surrendered no sacks, one hit and only four hurries, impressive numbers for a reverse offensive lineman with no previous starting experience.
Hubbard is entering his fourth season as a professional and is a quality backup offensive tackle with the ability to play on the right and on the left.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None. Could consider bringing camp competition with undrafted free agents.
Offensive Guard
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Scheme: Flex
Starter: Ramon Foster
NFL1000 Scores: 71.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 24/78
2016 was Ramon Foster's best year yet but also a telling example of why sacks allowed can be a skewed OL evaluation statistic. There is no denying Foster is a very good player, but looking at his zero sacks allowed would tell you he is a top-five pass protector, and that isn't true. A lot can be explained by Big Ben's ability to shake off would-be tacklers and extend plays. All in all though, Foster is a solid piece, and the Steelers shouldn't need to address the left guard spot in next week's draft.
Starter: David DeCastro
NFL1000 Scores: 72.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 14/78
As evidenced by his NFL1000 grades, DeCastro is one of the most balanced guards in the league from a traits perspective. He can win with raw power, he has active feet, and his technique in both run and pass protection is pretty solid. Between DeCastro and Foster, this Steelers front doesn't need much help inside.
Backup: B.J. Finney
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
B.J. Finney had shockingly good tape in two appearances last year for the Steelers, so good that we started to wonder if Pittsburgh could move Ramon Foster for the cheaper and younger Finney. That said, the reps were limited enough to put a damper on that conversation.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Center
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Scheme: Flex
Starter: Maurkice Pouncey
NFL1000 Scores: 71.9/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 6/38
The higher-graded Pouncey brother last year, Maurkice is one of the most powerful centers in the league, and he showcases that strength well when anchored in pass protection. While the 6'4", 304-pounder has the starting spot locked down, Finney would be the first to take his place, even though he mostly played guard in 2016.
Team Need: 0/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Defensive End
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Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Cameron Heyward
NFL1000 Score: 66.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 9/53
Heyward missed a good chunk of the season, and Pittsburgh's defense felt his absence. When healthy, he's one of the better interior defensive linemen in the NFL. In just 363 snaps last year, Heyward amassed 21 combined tackles and three sacks.
Starter: Stephon Tuitt
NFL1000 Score: 66.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 12/53
Tuitt may have had his best season as a pro in 2016 as he became more of an impact player for the Steelers defense. He didn't get much pass-rushing help—if he did, I think his numbers would've been better—but 37 combined tackles and four sacks in 764 regular-season snaps is nothing to be ashamed of.
Backup: Tyson Alualu
NFL1000 Score: 64.0/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 44/99 (Graded at DT)
In 2016, Tyson Alualu continued a solid career with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rotational piece on their defensive line. He is comfortable as a 5-technique DE or as a DT in a 4-3 defense. In 507 snaps, Alualu posted 37 combined tackles and two-and-a-half sacks. He signed with the Steelers as a free agent this offseason and should be a primary backup for Pittsburgh.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: Late Round/Depth Pick
Defensive Tackle
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Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Javon Hargrave
NFL1000 Scores: 62.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 54/99
Javon Hargrave had a strong rookie season for the Steelers. He got better each week, and by the end of the campaign, he was one of the better nose tackles in the league. He had a strong playoff stretch that should give the Steelers optimism heading into 2017. Nose tackles who have an ability to rush the passer are rare, and Hargrave is one of the few who can do it.
Backup: Daniel McCullers
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
McCullers didn't register enough snaps to qualify for NFL1000 grading. He's a big body (6'7", 352 lbs) who doesn't impact the game in any significant way when he's on the field. Pittsburgh should look to upgrade him in the draft.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: DeAngelo Brown (Louisville Cardinals); Eddie Vanderdoes (UCLA Bruins)
Outside Linebacker
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Scheme: 3-4
Starter: James Harrison
NFL1000 Scores: 70.7/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 13/65
Harrison is the ageless wonder of 3-4 linebackers. Despite turning 38 last May, he was a disruptive force in 2016, tallying 53 combined tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception over 15 games. Pittsburgh's decision to ease him into the season paid off in big way during the playoffs when he produced 20 combined tackles and two-and-a-half sacks as the Steelers advanced to the AFC title game.
Harrison still has the power to set the edge and bull-rush tackles, and few outside linebackers are more comfortable dropping into coverage. His legendary work ethic should allow him to be effective for at least another year. Harrison re-signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh this offseason.
Backup: Bud Dupree
NFL1000 Scores: 67.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 33/65
A lingering groin injury Dupree suffered in training camp cut short his highly anticipated sophomore season. He missed the first nine games of 2016, returning in Week 11. He tallied 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble over the final seven contests. Dupree is an elite athlete, but he's still figuring out how to consistently pressure the quarterback. The Steelers need him to stay healthy and take a big step in 2017. Dupree will likely be Pittsburgh's primary source of pass-rushing production next season.
Backup: Arthur Moats
NFL1000 Scores: 63.3/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 52/65
Moats has 11.5 sacks in his three seasons with the Steelers, but pass-rushing isn't his game. He finished with one of the lowest pass-rushing grades for 3-4 outside linebackers last season. Moats does have value in setting the edge against the run, dropping into coverage and on special teams. He's signed through the 2017 season.
Backup: Anthony Chickillo
NFL1000 Scores: 63.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 48/65
A sixth-round pick of the Steelers in 2015, Chickillo carved out a situational role (thanks in large part to injuries) for Pittsburgh during his second NFL season. He played in 15 games in 2016, tallying 29 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks over 318 defensive snaps. Chickillo provides edge depth and help on special teams, but he's not a great pass-rusher or run-stopper.
Team Need: 7/10
Potential Draft Fits: T.J. Watt (Wisconsin Badgers); Derek Barnett (Tennessee Volunteers); Carl Lawson (Auburn Tigers); Tarell Basham (Ohio Bobcats)
Inside Linebacker
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Scheme: 3-4
Starter: Ryan Shazier
NFL1000 Scores: 72.5/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 16/65
Ryan Shazier has battled injuries throughout his career, missing 14 games in three seasons as a Steeler. When he's on the field, there's no doubt about his ability. He's an explosive athlete who shows excellent balance and body control to knife through gaps in the running game and be an effective pass-rusher. The team utilizes Shazier in multiple manners, aligning him as an edge defender and having him rush the passer, as well as dropping him in zone coverage and using him in man coverage.
Shazier's athleticism is what makes him an above-average starter. As injuries continue to stack up, it's realistic to wonder how long his playing style can succeed. His physicality at the point of attack is still sound, but much of what he excels at is playing off script. He's slightly reckless, but his athleticism and his instincts make up for any lapse in fundamentals.
Finding a replacement for Shazier isn't the top priority for the Steelers this offseason. Even with his injuries, they've been able to insert backups to play at an adequate level while he recovers. Head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff are able to routinely prepare players to succeed, a trait that has been needed given Shazier's health.
Starter: Vince Williams
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Vince Williams is the best backup linebacker in the NFL you've never heard of. He could start for nearly half the teams in the league and be an upgrade over whom they already have. That's likely a large reason Pittsburgh allowed 2016 starter Lawrence Timmons to sign elsewhere as a free agent.
Williams has all of the ability to be a solid long-term starter and simply needs continued in-game practice to develop. As a run defender, he has an above-average ability to fire his hips after diagnosing a play. There's no hesitation in his game, and he hits like a truck. The Steelers won't need to draft an inside linebacker early with Williams stepping right into a starting role alongside Shazier.
Backup: Tyler Matakevich
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
Tyler Matakevich lived near the football in college at Temple, earning notice as a tackling machine and likely securing his spot on an NFL roster for years. He'll play on every special teams unit and is always going at top speed. He isn't an incredible athlete, but his effort and his hustle make up for a lack in physical talent.
The Steelers can rest assured knowing they could plug in Matakevich when needed and maintain their defensive integrity. On a rookie contract, Matakevich is the ideal prototype for a backup linebacker.
Team Need: 2/10
Potential Draft Fits: None—could bring in UDFAs to compete for depth spots.
Cornerback
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Scheme: Cover 3
Starter: Ross Cockrell
NFL1000 Scores: 68.6/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 24/133
The Steelers had to have been thrilled with how Cockrell performed in 2016. The Bills gave up on their 2014 fourth-rounder after one year, and Pittsburgh reaped the benefits. Cockrell has good size (6'0", 191 lbs) and length. He's not overly shifty, but he's aware. And his recognition allows him to be in position to make plays.
When he's in position, his ball skills come into play. They're good. He didn't have an interception last year, but Cockrell did break up 14 passes. During the regular season, he only had one game where he graded in the 50s. That tells you he was consistent for the Steelers, and that should translate to another successful year in 2017. Cockrell was a nice diamond in the rough for Pittsburgh.
Starter: Artie Burns
NFL1000 Scores: 62.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 71/133
It was surprising Burns went in the first round. He looked like he had some work to do from a technique standpoint. But guys that big who can run that fast (4.46 40-yard dash) get propelled up the board at this position.
Burns started the season like you'd expect a rookie to. He was a little out of his depth and graded in the 50s in every game except one over the first half of the campaign. He got more comfortable as the year went along and started to justify the Steelers' choice to take him in the first round. He only graded in the 50s twice over the last half of the season.
Hopefully, Burns builds off that good play and carries that momentum into next year. He finished the year with three interceptions and 13 passes defensed, which isn't too shabby. Burns will have to develop route awareness, and that should come with more reps. The more nuanced receivers were able to shake free from him. A strong second half, though, suggests Burns should continue to improve on his rookie year.
Nickel: William Gay
NFL1000 Scores: 65.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 40/133
The Steelers didn't ask much of Gay. He was primarily their slot corner, and the majority of time he was in underneath zones. Gay wasn't bad by any means. He just wasn't really challenged. He graded higher than Burns, but the rookie had a much more difficult job. It looks like Patriots noticed this, as Gay gave up a long touchdown in the AFC Championship Game. That was one of Gay's worst performances of the season.
If his role stays the same, he'll be fine. He's not a guy you can count on to succeed on the perimeter, though. He is good in the slot because he can be aggressive against the run and is a good blitzer. He's a smart veteran and is aware of everything around him, so the slot fits his skill set well.
The Steelers can cut the 32-year old with not much impact to the salary cap, but there's nobody behind him on the roster. And his presence in the locker room probably means a lot, especially around two corners who are so green.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: Adoree' Jackson (USC Trojans); Cameron Sutton (Tennessee Volunteers); Shaquill Griffin (Central Florida Knights); Corn Elder (Miami Hurricanes); Jalen Myrick (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Free Safety
16 of 19
Scheme: Cover 3
Starter: Mike Mitchell
NFL1000 Scores: 71.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 22/50
Mitchell has been a reliable starter for the Steelers at safety since signing in free agency in 2014. He's versatile and can play both free and strong safety in the Steelers' Cover 3 scheme. He spent most of this year at free safety as the deep middle third defender, and he did his job well for the most part.
He recognizes route combinations and identifies the threat to the defense, staying on top of it and taking it away. He's also not afraid to trust his instincts and break on anything underneath. His biggest problem comes with tackling. Too often, he tries to be a big-hitting, intimidating safety. But this season, it felt like he more regularly dropped his head and ended up hitting his own teammate instead of the opponent. When he plays with control, he's the Steelers' best safety.
Backup: Jordan Dangerfield
NFL1000 Scores: Did not have enough snaps to qualify
After going undrafted in 2013, Dangerfield spent time with the Bills and then on the Steelers practice squad for two seasons before making the full roster in 2016. He's purely a backup safety at this point in his career, which is all the Steelers need him to be with Mitchell as the established starter. Pittsburgh may look to bring in some camp competition in the form of undrafted free agents, but it would be surprising to see the team spend a high draft pick on a safety.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None. Could consider bringing camp competition with undrafted free agents.
Strong Safety
17 of 19
Scheme: Cover 3
Starter: Sean Davis
NFL1000 Scores: 72.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 21/53
Like all rookies, Davis had some inconsistencies in his play last year. But he is relatively unique given the situation he was put in. He played cornerback and safety in college, and the Steelers drafted him with the intent to put him at safety.
Early in the season, the Steelers suffered injuries at corner, and Davis was forced to step in as the nickel. Naturally, that stunted his development at safety, and it took him a little while to adjust when he eventually made the switch midway through the season. But down the stretch, he started to show a good understanding of the position.
Like Mitchell, he has the ability to play either free or strong safety. Although he spent most of the year at strong, he did rotate back and play the deep third on occasion, allowing Mitchell to roll up into the box and giving the offense something else to think about. The Steelers will be hoping Davis can stick to safety for the entire offseason and get a full grasp of the position heading into the 2017 campaign.
Backup: Robert Golden
NFL1000 Scores: 72.4/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 19/53
When the Steelers drafted Davis in the second round with the intent to move him to safety, Golden was set to miss out. But after injuries forced Davis to step in at nickel, Golden had the opportunity to start at strong safety. He graded well during his first five games, particularly against the run, but he was benched for Davis once the Steelers got a few players back from injury. The 2012 undrafted free agent flashed some potential as a strong safety during his starts last season and should prove to be a reliable backup who can push Davis to stay on track with his development.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None. Could consider bringing camp competition with undrafted free agents.
Kicker
18 of 19
Starter: Chris Boswell
NFL1000 Scores: 68.1/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 14/34
Boswell's sophomore season in Pittsburgh showed a slight regression from his 2015 numbers. The biggest difference was a step back on his accuracy from 50-plus yards—he went 2-of-2 in 2015, but was 0-of-2 last season. It is undoubtedly a small sample size, so it is difficult to tell where Boswell's true talent from distance lies at this point, but it is a question that needs to be answered going forward.
Other than his long-distance issues, Boswell was consistent last season, making all 36 extra-points attempts and going 21-of-23 on kicks under 50 yards. Boswell has a clean and easy motion, and while his distance woes last year are something to monitor, he still projects as a cost-controlled, successful kicker for the Steelers. Expect him to be their kicker at least through the next two years of his deal.
Team Need: 1/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Punter
19 of 19
Punter: Jordan Berry
NFL1000 Scores: 64.8/100
NFL1000 Position Rank: 23/34
Like Boswell, Jordan Berry saw a regression in his sophomore campaign. While his average gross distance increased from 42.6 to 45.6 yards per punt last year, this was largely because of a greater percentage of punts from inside his own territory, as his percentage of punts that landed inside the opposition 20-yard line decreased from 43.1 percent in 2015 to 40.0 percent last season.
Berry has an average leg in terms of distance and hang time, but when given the opportunity, he can excel in the short game with his above-average directional ability. Unfortunately, Berry did not see many opportunities in these situations last year, and as a result, he was unable to showcase the burgeoning directional game that he first demonstrated in 2015.
Berry is an NFL-caliber punter, but he needs to find the right fit for his skill set. With the Roethlisberger era likely ending in several years, Berry may find that he needs to move on at that point as well. But expect him to be the starter in Pittsburgh once the 2017 season starts this fall.
Team Need: 4/10
Potential Draft Fits: None
Advanced stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus unless otherwise noted.
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