Steelers 2015 Off-Season Team Needs

Lately I’ve been reading from several national NFL websites, about team needs listed for each team… and often the needs listed for the Steelers really make my scratch my head.

So, I’ve decided to write my own, in order of importance. These are the positions the team will look to address through free agency and the draft.

These are the team needs, as the roster stands right now. That means that guys like Jason Worilds are not included as a 2015 Steelers player. Let’s do it…

1. Two Outside Linebackers

If the Steelers had an updated depth chart right now, it would show Jarvis Jones and Jordan Zumwalt as their outside backers for the upcoming season. I’ve felt for a while now that Worilds would sign elsewhere, but with  a deep market at the position I’m starting to think maybe Worilds has been humbled since last year and may come back at a reasonable price.

If Worilds is extended, I’d swap my #1 and #2 team needs here, but OLB would still be a priority. I think the team needs to spend a 2nd or 3rd rounder on the position to develop in case of injury or in case Jarvis Jones turns out to be a bust (which is too early to say yet). I would like to see a bigger body (ala LaMarr Woodley) drafted, because I think part of the reason it’s taken Jarvis Jones so long is he’s really needed 2 years in an NFL weight room to hang with the big boys.

I’ll also add I’d love to keep Arthur Moats. He’s still relatively young, and while probably not ever an option to be a full-time starter (although he could be in 2015 given the bareness at the position) he’s a great backup, and by most accounts a true professional.

2. Cornerback

I fear that Steelers nation could once again be very upset after the 2015 draft, because the Steelers failed to spend a high pick on cornerback. It’s definitely a need, but I’m not sure it’s the glaring hole that many fans think it is. Remember when the Steelers were winning Superbowls with guys like Deshea Townsend, Willie Williams, and Bryant McFadden? This scheme doesn’t need great corners to work.

That being said, I think one option could be a veteran like the Packers’ Tramon Williams on a 2 year deal. Williams doesn’t have many years left but could step in quickly and be a band-aid. I’d still like to see a corner in the first three rounds, but the Steelers have some guys. William Gay is a solid player, and we saw some quality depth options in Brice McCain and Antwon Blake if they are retained. In today’s salary cap NFL, some positions get money thrown at them, and other’s don’t… For the Steelers they typically spend less here.

3. Running Back

This position is a little hard to place, but it’s definitely a huge need behind Le’Veon Bell. The good news is it’s really easy now to fill the running back position with cheap talent. The Steelers did it last year, but just picked the wrong guy.

Personally, I’d love to see another Blount-like signing. My personal favorite is Frank Gore on a 2 year deal, who’s likely to leave San Francisco with Carlos Hyde ready to step in. Most people close to the Steelers seem to predict they will draft Le’Veon Bell’s backup though.

4. Tight End

I think the Steelers like their tight ends, but Heath Miller is getting up there in years, and it would be wise to grab another one now. Imagine how dynamic the offense could be with a young athletic tight end to worry about, plus Heath Miller, who’s still very dangerous at 32 years old.

I think the fact that Heath is such a good blocker, and the fact that he’s never been one to beat you with speed means he could be a guy that plays well into his 30’s if he wants to. I’m not ready to cut ties, but a backup/complement would be nice.

5. Safety

I said I’m going by the Steelers’ current roster, which currently includes Troy Polamalu and Mike Mitchell. I’d expect Polamalu to retire, whether that’s on his own or because he’s cut. I might move this up 1 or 2 spots once that happens.

The nice thing is this isn’t as immediate a need as some of the above ones. Shamarko Thomas had a lot invested in him, so he’s going to get a shot… and Tomlin gave Mike Mitchell his stamp of approval in his post-season press conference, he’s not going anywhere.

Behind those two guys there’s not much, and neither one is a sure thing for the future of the defense. A mid-round pick could certainly be spent at the position as a depth, and possible project for Carnell Lake.

6. Offensive Line Depth

For the first time in a long time, offensive line is this low down the list. The Steelers were fortunate though that the line stayed relatively healthy this season. My guess is that the only backup to get playing time, Mike Adams, won’t be extended. That leaves Cody Wallace to backup the interior spots, and not much else.

I felt last year that Wesley Johnson could be the next Kelvin Beachum, backing up multiple spots on the line but he was grabbed by the Jets when the Steelers were in a bind early in the season on special teams, and Johnson was the odd man out.

If the Jets release Johnson with new people coming in he’d be a nice waiver grab, but the fact is more is needed. Especially at the tackle position.

7. Defensive End Depth

I’ve already seen several mocks that mock nose tackles to the Steelers, but I don’t see that happening. I think McLendon and McCullers both looked good last season. The Steelers look pretty set at their starting DE spots with Heyward and Tuitt… In camp last year it looked like the Steelers had several really strong developmental prospects in Brian Arnfelt, Josh Mauro, and Nick Williams.

Mauro and Williams were both snatched off the Steelers’ practice squad. Arnfelt is a free agent, so that’s where I’d start for building depth, as he’s had a couple strong camps with the Steelers.

I guess currently the Steelers have Cam Thomas and Brett Keisel as backups, which wouldn’t be awful but I think both guys will be cut. I’d like to keep Keisel around but cutting him could save $1.5 million in cap space, so he probably goes too. That means the Steelers are one injury away from a pretty shaky situation at the DE position.