We are now one month from the National Football League’s annual college selection process better known as the NFL Draft. That much is clear as the 32 franchises will descend upon Green Bay. What isn’t certain is how the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to address some of their most pressing concerns. Here are some questions I have moving forward.
What is the plan at Running Back?
Jaylen Warren and Kennth Gainwell are your two guys right now. Yes, Cordarrelle Patterson remains on the roster but I would be stunned if that remains the case in September. Therefore, is Mike Tomlin planning a “committee” approach? This would be very different for him. He has typically preferred a “bell cow” for his offense although that has waned in recent seasons.
If that remains the case then who is said “bell cow?” Relying on the Draft is definitely rolling the dice because there’s no guarantee the guy you want is going to be there. Furthermore, there’s also no guarantee he’s going to come in and pick things up right away. In other words, it’s a big ask of a rookie to assume such a major role.
All this in mind, I think this is Jaylen Warren’s job to lose with Gainwell providing the rest. I’m not sure how I feel about this to be honest. Can Warren stay healthy? Can he deliver being “the guy?” We shall see.
Will They Draft a Swing Tackle?
As of right now Troy Fautanu will start at right tackle with Broderick Jones anchoring the left. That leaves the Steelers with a major question mark as to that all important swing tackle spot.
Dylan Cook, the former QB turned tackle, is the only other option currently. Spencer Anderson is there too but would seem to be more of a backup guard than tackle. There are always free agent options but at this point in free agency your options are limited. Don’t be surprised if they take a tackle or player with some versatility in this Draft.
Will They Find Another OLB?
The Steelers are set at their top three outside linebacker positions with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig but adding a fourth is always a good idea.
This could again be where the team scours the waiver wire once Camps get rolling in the summer but the Steelers have typically liked to find OLBs in the draft on most occasions too. With Watt (and Highsmith) being banged up the last couple of seasons I would think adding a fourth next month isn’t out of the question at all.
Is There a Trade (or Two) Coming?
I remain confident in the fact that the Steelers will move on from George Pickens but only for the right price. If he plays in 2025 then leaves via free agency, the Steelers would likely receive a third round compensatory pick. But… as we approach the Draft, some teams will start getting desperate for wide receiver help.
They may have failed to get one in free agency or the Draft and therefore if a team offers a second rounder? You take it in a heartbeat if you’re Omar Khan. The bottom line here is that the Steelers are not going to pay huge money for two receivers. It’s just not how they do things.
The other potential move I have pondered is concerning Minkah Fitzpatrick. While still a very good player, I think most would agree that he hasn’t produced the type of plays that he’s being paid for. To add to this equation is the fact that new secondary coach Gerald Alexander spent over 30 minutes working with South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori who might be the top player in the entire Draft.
Why spend that much time with a guy that you are incredibly unlikely to draft? Seems rather interesting to me moving forward.
