Steelers Fans Missing Out On The Big Draft Picture Because They Are "Caught Up" In The Andy Weidl Effect

If you question Pittsburgh Steelers fans about who the team will choose with their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the majority will say defensive line. The team spent the past couple of years bolstering their offense, selecting tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu with their last two first-round selections. They added other offensive linemen, too, like center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick. 

Most think it is time for the defensive line to get love and attention. This is despite already having the most expensive defense in the league in 2024.  Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl is the reason why fans are convinced that's the planned route. 

Weidl spent several seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before arriving in Pittsburgh. During his tenure in the City of Brotherly Love, Weidl worked to build that team from the trenches up, and it paid off. The Eagles have been to three Super Bowls, winning two since Weidl was initially hired. 

Mark Kaboly, from The Pat McAfee Show, recently told Austin Bechtold on 93.7 The Fan that fans shouldn't get so lured into the Weidl effect. He told Bechtold that he thinks they have more significant needs than the defensive line, and he thinks that they will head back to the offense. The team has spent far less on offense than defense and needs playmakers. 

"The defensive line's deep," said Kaboly. "We get caught up in the now. We get caught up in how the Eagles approached their roster and how Andy Weidl is a part of that, so we just assume that that's what they need right now. But they got [Keeanu] Benton, who was what, a second-round pick or early third? You still got [Cameron] Heyward playing at a high level, obviously he is under contract for a couple more years, [Larry] Ogunjobi will likely be gone. That's the place where you can add some quick veteran leadership in free agency. I say do it. I would definitely go wide receiver right now."

The Steelers did draft Keeanu Benton in the second round of 2023 to be the heir apparent to veteran Cameron Heyward. Despite fans thinking the team should move off of Heyward before the 2024 season, the team offered him a three-year extension. Kaboly added that he could see the team picking up a defensive lineman in the second or third round as they did with Benton, especially with the likelihood that they would let Larry Ogunjobi go.  

Of course, Kaboly pointed out, it depends on many variables, including the NFL Combine, Pro Days, and even how the draft breaks. He believes the team must draft the best wide receiver they can with that 21st pick, but there is a possibility that the best player available is the choice. Kaboly explained that the Steelers have needs nearly everywhere but in their linebacker room, so if an outstanding player is there, they will take them. 

Steelers' Keeanu Benton Needs To Step Up

Benton earned much praise from former players and the media for his rookie season. While he wasn't blowing up any statistical charts, he displayed the mindset needed to make him a "dawg" in this league. He was expected to take a big step forward in 2024 after helping to fill in for an injured Heyward the year before. 

Unfortunately, his second season wasn't mind-blowing; he had nearly identical numbers to his rookie season. He knows he needs to seriously step up in 2025 to stay on track and become the starter when Heyward eventually retires. 

He told the media that after the 2024 season, he gave himself a C, knowing meat was left on the bone. The defense struggled late in the season, and Benton could have an impact on helping them become more consistent. 

What way do you think the Steelers will go with their first pick in the 2025 draft? Tell us what you think below!

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