Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Today, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the focus. The Steelers have the 22nd overall selection in this year’s draft, and there is almost no doubt they will be looking at defense. The Steelers have all the tools to be an offensive powerhouse, but their defense has gaping holes throughout the depth chart following the loss of several players to retirement. If the Steelers want to make a run in the playoffs this year, they are going to need some young studs to step in and tighten things up.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Safety
This one is obvious, Troy Polamalu has been a beast his entire career at the safety position. Now that he has retired, the Steelers may have real trouble replacing him. Replacing is probably not the word, as Polamalu could possibly go down in history as one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game. Polamalu lined up everywhere on the defensive side, and it was almost like he was allowed to do whatever he wanted. He wreaked havoc on the entire NFL, and the current generation of fans have been blessed to watch number 43 and his hair create highlights every single Sunday for the past 12 seasons. You really cannot replace a guy like that. It would be better to say the Steelers are going to fill his position on the depth chart.
Outside Linebacker
The Steelers outside linebacker position seems to need the most attention come draft day. With the shocking announcement of Jason Worilds retiring, the Steelers are left with “Mr. three sacks in two years” (Jarvis Jones) and “I haven’t been good since the commissioner fined me for hitting people” (James Harrison).
General manager Kevin Colbert has not done a good job at addressing this unit. It is obviously not his fault that Worilds retired, but there needs to be more depth at this position. Jarvis Jones is injury-prone and James Harrison could retire at any moment. Pittsburgh almost has to spend their first-round pick here. If they do, they will be hoping that Vic Beasley (Clemson) falls to them. If not, they will likely look at Bud Dupree (Kentucky).
Cornerback
The cornerback position is not as bad as it seems, but it will still require some attention. The team saw veteran Ike Taylor’s production fall and decided to move on from him, forcing Taylor to retire. Cortez Allen earned an extension in 2013, but was benched this previous season. Allen is a young guy, and it is not time to give up on him just yet. The Steelers also have Brice McCain and Antwon Blake. These two players are not to be viewed as anything other than specialty guys. They can line up on the inside in the nickel or dime formation, but they are not big enough to play on the outside against top NFL talent. If general manager Colbert agrees that McCain and Blake are not ready, it seems that the Steelers are a man down at cornerback.
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