Annually, the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the most backed NFL teams to do well each season at the best online sportsbooks, yet in 2023, the season turned out to be a mixed bag. It sums up the level and the standards previously set by the Steelers that simply making it to the playoffs and not enjoying further success was considered a disappointment overall.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
This franchise shares the most Super Bowl wins alongside the New England Patriots and is accustomed to enjoying success during the playoffs. Limping into the playoffs and not going much further will not sit well with the hierarchy or the fans. At other lesser successful franchises, the Steelers 2023 finish would be hailed a success, but as we all know, fans and management are accustomed to higher expectations than most.
If one thing is certain, improvements will be expected for 2024 - which leads us to discuss which positions on the roster most need improvements. Like every other team in the NFL, the coaching staff at the Steelers will have a recruitment plan in place. The only question is whether it proves the right one for the upcoming season. Below, we take a look at the business done so far, and discuss the areas the team is likely to strengthen.
Key Moves So Far for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have shown a lot of urgency in the early free agency period as they undergo a major reshuffle of their roster. Russell Wilson has come in to replace Kenny Pickett. In contrast, Justin Fields, Patrick Queen, and Van Jefferson have also come in, while Diontae Johnson, Patrick Peterson, and Mason Cole have been jettisoned.
On paper, the roster already has a better balance, but a lot of work is still needed if there is a desire for a strong 2024. Below, we give our opinion on the positions we feel need quite a bit of strengthening and who we think the Steelers should be looking at.
Center is an Absolute Priority
Arguably, the most pressing need for improvement is the center position. As mentioned, the Steelers have parted company with Cole, a move which, although helped to bring down the salary cap, has left a big hole in the roster. If there is one position perfect for a high-end prospect, the center is it.
There are several good options out there, with Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson mooted as one of the most desirable. Other potential draft prospects include Zach Frazier from West Virginia, and Graham Barton from Duke on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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University of Oregon center and 2024 draft prospect, Jackson Powers-Johnson points towards the stands as his team warms up prior to a collegiate football game.
Even if the center is not addressed on the first day, the Steelers will not have to go into panic stations just yet, as some exciting prospects, such as Beaux Limmer from Arkansas, should be available on the second day.
Offensive Tackle Also a Dilemma
There's no guarantee the Steelers will even use Round 1 to focus on the center position, as offensive tackle is another in significant need of strengthening. They may use Round 1 to focus on this position instead if they feel it is more pressing than center.
The problem with going down this route is that it could prove more complicated. Dan Moore Jr. on the offense's left side of the o-line had an inconsistent year, so that area needs the most work. However, the best offensive tackle options are likely to be available on Day 1 play on the right. A possible solution could be to move the current right tackle, Broderick Jones to the left, and then pick up a strong right-sided option, such as Tyler Guyton or Amarius Mims.
Alternatively, the recruitment team could leave remedying this position until Day 2. While not the strongest picks, there is some potential in the likes of left tackles, such as Houston's Patrick Paul.
Another Wide Receiver Prospect?
If the Steelers can address the glaring weaknesses in the above positions, you’d imagine most of the work is done. However, we feel there's a final area that needs some attention, and that is wide receiver.
Most believe the underperformance of this area of the team mainly came as a result of a poor set of quarterbacks. So, acquiring new presumed starting quarterback Russell Wilson may somewhat remedy that. Even if that proves to be the case, the general consensus is improvement in the wise areas is still required. The Steelers have already brought in Van Jefferson, even Quez Watkins, but could use Day 2 to go for depth by picking up draft picks such as Ladd McConkey or Adonai Mitchell.
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Adonai Mitchell cuts up field after making the catch during his junior season with the Texas Longhorns.
Will the Steelers Get What They Want and Make the Right Moves?
It remains to be seen which direction the franchise takes, but it is clear that center, offensive tackle, and wide receiver are the areas that need further strengthening over any other. It goes without saying that wide receivers and quarterbacks are critical for the Steelers to improve on last season and get into the end zone more often. That all starts upfront however with a solid o-line.
If we see these key points addressed, we could see a shift in odds in favor of the Steelers at least making it to the playoffs.
