The Pittsburgh Steelers had a rather “Pittsburgh Steeler” 2020 season….
And the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers may be in trouble if this level of play continues
need to leave Fans like myself are aware of what exactly this means. It’s losing to below-average teams while taking down the better teams in the NFL all in the same season. It is also going 11-0 to then go 1-4 and lose the No.1 seed to eventual AFC Champions Kansas City Chiefs. Either way, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been a legitimate roller coaster of a team since losing the Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers over a decade ago. Even after being the last remaining undefeated team through 11 weeks, the Steelers had many flaws and didn’t seem like a true contender during the final leg of the season.
Offense
For starters, the run game was historically bad. They finished dead last in yards per game and yards per attempt. It was a group effort, or lack thereof, by the entire offense; between bad blocking by TEs and WRs, OL getting manhandled, RBs misreading the defense, and poor play-calling.
For as bad as the OL was in the run game, they were surprisingly stellar in pass protection. The Steelers had the fewest sacks allowed (14) and the second-fewest was Green Bay (21); just to put things into perspective. This allowed QB Ben Roethlisberger to be an efficient passer (3,803 yards, 33 TD, 10 INT). His 6.3 yards/attempt was his career-low when he played at least 15 games. Yet he also was getting the ball out of his hands the quickest and still putting up good numbers. Their young WR group is going to be a threat as they mature and add some hope to the future of the franchise.
Defense
Pittsburgh’s defense can technically be credited for their 2020 success. The secondary, which is usually average at best, allowed the lowest completion percentage (56.7) and was tied for the most INTs (18) while being led by breakout star Mike Hilton and superstar Minkah Fitzpatrick. TJ Watt, Stephon Tuitt, and Bud Dupree were the playmakers in leading the league in sacks as well. Still, you need a balanced offense at the very least to contend and your defense can do so much.
James Conner, Alejandro Villaneuva, and Vance McDonald struggled when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Robert Spillane, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Kevin Dotson became star players.
Roethlisberger is holding onto the threads of his career and the eventual change at QB could rock this franchise. To retain their AFC North title in 2021 and have a decent chance post-Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to use their magical touch in the NFL Draft once more. So what are the Pittsburgh Steelers draft needs exactly?
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks
- Round 1- Pick #24
- 2- #55
- 3- #87
- 4- #128
- 4- #140
- 6- #214
- 7- #244
- 7- #253
The Pittsburgh Steelers organization has been widely known for its success in the NFL Draft. They have drafted 15 Hall of Famers (soon 16 with Ben Roethlisberger) and have been consistent lately with drafting OL and WR.
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Needs: OL, RB, CB, TE, WR, QB
Offensive Line: C/T
For years it seemed like the Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the strongest offensive lines. Age, money, and inconsistency are causing a major change in the trenches, with some big names being replaced. The anchor, C Maurkice Pouncey, called it a career, and JC Hassenauer and BJ Finney are the other two centers on the roster (neither as good). T Alejandro Villanueva is a free agent but is 33 and not worth the money Pittsburgh may give him to return. Youth and change are inevitable at these positions and the draft has some early-round favorites who could aid in rebuilding the run game and protecting their next QB.
Oklahoma OL Creed Humphrey could go in the 1st round and be the new anchor. The left-handed center (they’re rare) was an effective starter for a powerhouse offense in college. He would fit in well with the power scheme in Pittsburgh.
First Round Option: Creed Humphrey- Oklahoma- C
Second Round Option: Alex Leatherwood– Alabama- T
EDGE/LB
Bud Dupree wasn’t tagged and the Tennessee Titans handed him a contract the Steelers never could (well deserving of it too). Alex Highsmith played great as a rookie in limited action and will hopefully compliment TJ Watt well. Still, there is little depth at the position and the defense is the backbone of this team right now. ILB needs some talented youth as well. Vince Williams was a cap casualty and Avery Williamson is a pending free agent. Either way, there is a need here.
Gregory Rousseau can take out two birds with one pick. He has the upside to be someone who can start anywhere on the defensive line, from OLB to DE. Cameron Heyward doesn’t have a solid backup and you can have him, Watt, and Highsmith on the field at the same time on big plays. It’s a win-win.
First Round Option: Gregory Rousseau- Miami
Second Round Option: Jayson Oweh– Penn State
Running Back
When Le’Veon Bell dipped out of Pittsburgh, James Conner was looked upon as a future star. Injuries hampered him and he has never played a full season. When you see him on the field, many don’t get the sense of a featured back. He looks like he runs slow and isn’t much of a factor in the passing game anymore. Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, and Jaylen Samuels are good in a rotation/situation but neither has proven to be a lead guy. McFarland has the collegiate resume and Snell flashes from time to time, but it may be best to find someone these three can compliment.
Most mock drafts have Pittsburgh selecting Najee Harris in the first round but I just believe there are bigger needs. Javonte Williams can be an all-around lead back with his brute strength and agility matched with his receiving and pass protection.
Second Round Option: Javonte Williams- North Carolina
Third Round Option: Kenneth Gainwell– Memphis
Cornerback
Mike Hilton was a breakout player for Pittsburgh last year but is now with the rival Cincinnati Bengals on a well-deserved contract. They resigned Cameron Sutton but he’s no Hilton. Steven Nelson is great but will be an expensive FA next year. Joe Haden is also entering the final year of his deal and there’s no telling how much longer he plays (or at least at a competitive rate). There’s little luck that all three are Steelers come 2022.
Ifeatu Melifonwu is a physical zone corner that can possibly find traction as a nickel corner. His length and ball disruption can make him a solid starter.
Second Round Option: Ifeatu Melifonwu- Syracuse
Third Round Option: Paulson Adebo– Stanford
Tight End
As mentioned earlier, the TEs weren’t spectacular in blocking last year. Eric Ebron had some stellar moments as a pass-catcher (with an issue with dropped passes) but Vance McDonald decided to retire. Zach Gentry has done little to nothing since being drafted and is bordering on being a bust. Ebron wasn’t effective in blocking so the Steelers need someone who can preferably block and catch the ball.
Despite all the hype around him, Hunter Long could still be available later in the draft for Pittsburgh. He is a solid route-runner who can be a dependable blocker and receiver. Behind Ebron, Long could become a good TE1.
Third Round Option: Hunter Long- Boston College
Fourth Round Option: Tommy Tremble– Notre Dame
Wide Receiver
As sad as it might be, Juju Smith-Schuster is going to be signing elsewhere this offseason. Still, it might not be a terrible thing. Sure, he’s a star player but he commands too much money at this point and never blossomed as a true WR1. Diontae Johnson grew into a lead role last year, and Chase Claypool is as dynamic as Juju. James Washington rounds out the starters but there’s no depth past Ray-Ray McCloud (more of a situational player).
The Steelers have changed their offense to lean more on speed and yards-after-catch. Amari Rodgers could be a nice addition to the group, as could Sage Surratt or Amon-Ra St Brown.
Third Round Option: Amari Rodgers- Clemson
Fourth Round Option: Sage Surratt- Wake Forest
Quarterback
It seems we talk about this need every draft season. Long story short, Ben Roethlisberger is past his prime and the Steelers are too sold on Mason Rudolph still. Rudolph has the backing of the front office and has had some good starts, but is he the future QB of the Steelers? Joshua Dobbs has shown some promise at times too, but Pittsburgh needs to bring in a valued draft pick to add to his lackluster mix.
Kyle Trask has been linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers and could compete for QB1. Jamie Newman might be picked before the Steelers are willing to take a QB but is an interesting option.
Third Round Option: Kyle Trask- Florida
Fourth Round Option: Jamie Newman- Georgia
2021 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft
- Round 1- Pick #24- Creed Humphrey- OL- Oklahoma
- 2- Pick #55- Jayson Oweh- EDGE/LB- Penn State
- 3- #87- Amon-Ra St Brown- WR- USC
- 4- #128- Ambry Thomas– CB- Michigan
- 4- #140- Tommy Tremble- TE- Notre Dame
- 6- #214- Elijah Mitchell– RB- Louisiana
- 7- #244- Jamie Newman- QB- Georgia
- 7- #253 Tarron Jackson– DE- Coastal Carolina
For more information on NFL draft prospects, check out Austin Smith’s Top 50 Draft Board.
