2016 Team Needs: AFC North
By Kris Rogers
Pittsburgh Steelers
Team Needs: CB, S, DT
Of the Steelers’ 4 corners that saw meaningful playing time, only Ross Cockrell is under contract next season. William Gay, Brandon Boykin and Antwon Blake are all free agents, leaving the Steelers with Cortez Allen, Senquez Golson, and Doran Grant. Golson spent the year on IR, Allen joined him after week 1, and Grant never saw the field outside of special teams. Gay and Blake will likely be resigned, but there’s still a need for depth and a possible upgrade for Blake.
Three Options: Jenoris Jenkins (FA), Kendell Fuller, Harlan Miller
At safety, the Steelers also need help. Twelve-Year veteran Will Allen is a free agent, along with special teams captain Robert Golden, who saw the field in Pittsbrugh’s dime package. Mike Mitchell gives them position flexibility at free and strong safety, so that opens up options for the Steelers to either go for a ball-hawking free safety or an in the box strong safety.
Three Options: Eric Weddle (FA), Miles Killebrew, Darian Thompson
The Steelers D-Line has gotten much better over the past two seasons with Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt becoming two of the best 3-4 DE’s in the game. However, the line could use a space-eating tackle for their base defense to really improve their overall play. Steve McLendon filled that role with moderate success, but is a free agent. The Steelers could also use a defensive end that can rotate in to spell Heyward and Tuitt when needed.
Three Options: Damon Harrison, Austin Johnson, Kenny Clark