2014 NFL Draft: Ranking The Pittsburgh Steelers Biggest Needs
By Matt Shetler
4. Wide Receiver
The next four positions can all be considered the Steelers’ top need heading into the draft.
Aug 4, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (6) during practice at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
With Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery free agents and the chance that one or both won’t be with the team next season, it is imperative that the Steelers get quarterback Ben Roethlisberger another legitimate weapon, especially a tall red-zone option.
Clemson’s Sammy Watkins will be taken early on, but if Texas A&M’s Mike Evans slides to the Steelers, he will be almost impossible to pass on.
The same goes for USC’s Marqise Lee and Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin.
Judging by the way the offense performed at the end of the season, the wide receiver position is an immediate need and one that must be addressed.
3. Safety
One can make the case that the safety position is also the Steelers biggest need.
I do envision Troy Polamalu coming back, which is a good thing but I don’t see any scenario in which Ryan Clark should be retained.
That leaves second-year pro Shamarko Thomas having to play a major role in 2014, something he may not be ready for. The Steelers could target a cheap veteran such as Will Allen as a stopgap, but they need to consider addressing the position early in the draft.
A free safety such as Alabama’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix should be available for the Steelers.
The strong safety position isn’t as deep at the top of the draft and is something the Steelers could target on the second day with Washington State’s Deone Bucannon and Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward likely being the best of the bunch.