NFL: 5 Roster Holes the Pittsburgh Steelers Must Fill

Even after the 2011 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have decisions to make and roster holes that need plugged before they can start talking about another run to the Super Bowl. If they manage to fill these holes, they will have to be mentioned in the conversation.

On paper, the Steelers look like a playoff team in most departments. But let's look under the hood at spots that need to be filled, either by rookies from the draft moving up the depth chart or by potential free agent additions.

Here are the five biggest holes that need plugged before the 2011 season opens.

1. Place Kicker

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Suisham #6 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs off of the field after missing a field goal attempt against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington

Who?

Free agents with experience include Matt Prater, Adam Vinatieri and David Akers. If the Steelers look for younger talent, they'd do well to consider a guy like LSU's Josh Jasper.

How Essential?

For a team with so much scoring potential, the Steelers kick a lot of field goals. They need a good kicker for that, and they also need someone steady and accurate who can master the tricky conditions of Heinz Field. Kicker is probably among the biggest holes on the roster because there is no one currently signed to fill it.

Wild Cards?

Shaun Suisham, who kicked last year, is also on the market, but he showed little in the way of leg strength. Despite being steady, it doesn't seem likely he returns to the Steel City.

2. Starting Corners

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PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up prior to the snap during the game against the Oakland Raiders on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Who?

The hope in Pittsburgh is that once the CBA issues are resolved the Steelers will work out a deal with Ike Taylor that allows him to finish his career here and provides steady play at one of the two corner spots.

Failing that, look for the team to target Carlos Rogers or another mid-range free agent. It would be a shock to see a starter come from the rookie class because that's not how Dick LeBeau runs things.

How Important?

Essential. The Green Bay Packers exposed the Steelers badly in this department. It's been a problem for years, but Pittsburgh continues to put it on the back burner.

If they don't address it now, teams will try to torch them all season long. Getting at least one established starter under contract is the most important task the team has left.

Wild Cards?

Nnamdi Asomugha. He'd be expensive, but probably worth the price. The Steelers don't do big-name free agency, but this could be a good time to make an exception.

3. Right Guard

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ramon Foster #73 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after they defeated the New York Jets 24 to 19 in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamu

Who?

Ramon Foster started eight games last year and played capably, so he'll probably get first crack.

The team could open up competition with Doug Legursky (assuming he's re-signed) or could get creative and re-sign Willie Colon and move him to the guard spot. The team probably won't make a big addition here outside those possibilities.

How Important?

Foster did okay, and it's believable he could do it again over a full season, but it would be nice to see the Steelers really commit to shoring up the line permanently.

They did a nice job in the draft with Marcus Gilbert and Keith Williams, but they won't likely play a major role this season. Keeping Ben Roethlisberger upright and healthy will win them games, and that starts with the line.

Wild Cards?

Gilbert. If he pushes Flozell Adams out of the right tackle spot at some point, Adams could move in to guard. On the flip side, Gilbert might be tried at guard as well.

4. Punter

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Daniel Sepulveda #9 of the Pittsburgh Steelers kicks the ball against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Who?

Daniel Sepulveda should be ready by the beginning of the year, but how much do the Steelers want to re-sign a player who has had two major knee injuries in his NFL career?

They could opt to go with Sepulveda's replacement (Jeremy Kapinos), but that doesn't inspire confidence. There are a host of available punters, so Pittsburgh will probably look into that.

How Important?

While not nearly as essential as corner or offensive line, the Steelers need a good punter more than you might think.

Pittsburgh's game is based on field position. A good punter can put your defense in good position to make plays and rattle an opponent. Good defensive field position also increases the chances that your offense will get favorable field position as well.

Sound important now?

Wild Cards?

Sepulveda's health is the biggest one, but the team could also try to find a kicker who can also punt to either cover for Sepulveda or to take care of two jobs with one player.

5. Nickel Corner

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AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 07: Cornerback Curtis Brown #3 of the Texas Longhorns practices before a game against the UCF Knights on November 7, 2009 at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Texas won 35-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Ima

Who?

It's not cheating.

The nickel is a very different position from the starting corner. The Steelers use the nickel a lot, and the position of nickel corner is almost as important to them as the starters. Just ask anyone who moans as William Gay fails to make a play from that spot; he won't be back either.

The hope is that rookie Curtis Brown can work into that job quickly. Outside of that, the team might look at a cheap free agent who fills that role without breaking the bank.

How Important?

Teams like to try to spread the Steelers out. The consensus opinion is that you cannot beat the Steelers with the run, so you have to get them with passes.

That makes the nickel important, because the formation is designed to stop big passing formations. The Steelers employ it often on blitz packages as well. On some teams, it is an afterthought, but on this team, it's essential.

Wild Cards?

How well Keenan Lewis and Crezdon Butler perform early will dictate a lot about this spot. If the team thinks either can fill that spot, they may stand pat and focus elsewhere.