Steelers 2021 NFL Draft primer as they run it back with Ben Roethlisberger

Team needs for Steelers

The Steelers are a team with enough talent already on the roster to be able to make another playoff run. With Big Ben likely nearing the end of his career the time to go all-in and win is now or never. After an abysmal 2020 season for the Steelers running game they will almost certainly be targeting a running back come round one because they can’t put that workload on Big Ben again to do it all for the offense.

Come round one expects the Steelers to take a very close look at drafting a running back to be their starter. James Conner is often injured and quite frankly just is inconsistent. Adding someone like Najee Harris or a Travis Etienne would be a major improvement.

If the Steelers decide to look elsewhere from running back in round one or have already addressed the need, the next major hole to fill is cornerback. The team lost Mike Hilton to their in-division rival in the Cincinnati Bengals. As of now, the starting outside corners are veteran Joe Haden and Justin Layne with Cameron Sutton manning the nickel position. This group isn’t terrible by any means but it’s not exactly an elite unit. There are a number of quality corners that will be there on day one and day two that can contribute early.

The final major position of need is offensive line as a whole, both tackles and interior lineman. There are a few long-time starters not slated to return in Alejandro Villanueva and Maurkice Pouncey which will be a hard thing to replace but is doable nonetheless. This class is loaded with tackles and interior lineman both of which can be selected on day one and or two that can come in and start from day one.