With The First Pick
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Pittsburgh Steelers Offseason Review

By Jon Dove

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Terrell Edmunds of Virginia Tech (R) poses with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (L) and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (C) after being picked #28 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Terrell Edmunds of Virginia Tech (R) poses with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (L) and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (C) after being picked #28 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very strong offseason that should help them compete for a Super Bowl berth.

This offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers was overshadowed by the Le’Veon Bell contract situation. However, that story-line masked was a stretch of very strong additions. The Steelers look primed for another successful season.

Pittsburgh finally moved on from Martavis Bryant by trading him to the Oakland Raiders. Rookie 2nd round pick, James Washington, has the inside track to replace Bryant.

Washington doesn’t have the same type of explosiveness as Bryant, but he is someone who is more reliable. He also has the route-running and skills needed to provide the Steelers with a big-play threat.

The rest of Pittsburgh’s moves on the offensive side of the ball were about adding youth and depth. Chukwuma Okorafor, Mason Rudolph and Jaylen Samuels all profile as long-term contributors.

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Okorafor was an underrated addition as someone who could eventually step in at left tackle. His draft stock was hurt by a late injury that forced him to miss the Senior Bowl.

Rudolph doesn’t figure to see the field for a couple of years, but he has the talent to be Ben Roethlisberger‘s replacement. He brings a strong arm, good mobility and sound decision making to the roster.

How the Steelers utilize Samuels will be interesting. He’s a unique player who can function as a lead blocker and pass catcher out of the backfield. It seems likely that he will be used as an H-back and see some time at tight end.

Pittsburgh’s defensive additions also brought some versatility. Rookie safeties Terrell Edmunds and Marcus Allen are both big hitters who could see time at linebacker. This is important with the uncertain future of Ryan Shazier.

Veteran Jon Bostic was added as linebacker depth and could challenge for Shazier’s starting job.

The safety position could get a significant boost from Morgan Burnett who comes over from the Green Bay Packers. Burnett’s career has been hampered by injuries, but when healthy he is an above average player.

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