Three biggest concerns for Pittsburgh Steelers before the draft
The Steelers have been quite busy in free agency after having a strong 7-2 finish in 2022. Fans in Pittsburgh are hopeful for its rebuilt roster, but should they be confident in every free-agent signing? Here are the team's three biggest concerns.
1. Who will be the starting left tackle?
The Steelers added a couple of interior offensive linemen in free agency, but none are a starting caliber tackle. Dan Moore Jr., who allowed the seventh-most sacks (7) in the league, would still be the starter if the season start today, so thankfully it isn't.
The free-agent market for offensive tackles hasn't been fruitful but some believed Pittsburgh would at least add a capable veteran like Taylor Lewan.
The Steelers must now select an offensive tackle with one of their first few picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. If they do, the rookie should start right away.
2. What are Pittsburgh's plans for the secondary?
Pittsburgh signed free-agent CB Patrick Peterson and re-signed safety Damontae Kazee to two-year deals. However, how the team will use the pair of veterans is still unknown.
Mike Tomlin told reporters that Peterson could play safety sometimes in 2023, which may not be a bad idea for the soon-to-be 33-year-old, but it leaves a massive hole at cornerback.
The move would have made more sense if the Steelers didn't say goodbye to safety Terrell Edmunds who signed one-year, $2 million deal with the Eagles. But now with cornerbacks Levi Wallace and Ahkello Witherspoon left to start, Pittsburgh will need to address the position early in the draft as well.
3. Are the Steelers comfortable with their inside linebackers?
The Steelers needed an overhaul at inside linebacker and that's exactly what they did this offseason. They let free-agents Devin Bush and Robert Spillane walk and cut Myles Jack, leaving just their 2022 seventh round pick Mark Robinson as the lone linebacker returning in 2023.
Pittsburgh then signed linebackers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts to multi-year deals in free agency. Tomlin recently told reporters the group will be "sorted out" at training camp, which leaves some wondering if the team will even address the position again in the draft.
Either way, the Steelers will have the new-look group they wanted and after not having an inside linebacker force a turnover in 2022, it can't get much worse, right?
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