2014 NFL Draft: Ranking The Pittsburgh Steelers Biggest Needs
By Matt Shetler
2. Defensive Line
Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) reacts after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Heinz Field. PITT won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I have made the case for the Steelers to target a nose tackle in the first round given the poor season Steve McLendon had. When one blocker can continue to manhandle McClendon and push him into the secondary, the Steelers can be run on and that showed early on.
McLendon actually could be the Steelers’ answer at safety since he often gets pushed back that far, it may be just as easy to line him up there.
All joking aside, finding a Casey Hampton-type of nose tackle is one of the Steelers biggest needs heading into the draft.
I looked at a guy like Notre Dame’s Louis Nix III, who has been linked to the Steelers a couple of time, a few weeks ago but if not Nix, the Steelers must address the position. Even though he is smaller, Pitt’s Aaron Donald is a playmaker and is worth a look. So is Florida State’s Timmy Jernigan and Minnesota’s RaShede Hageman.
However, don’t discount the need at defensive end as well.
Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood could both be gone and while Cameron Heyward (free agent in 2014) has one side locked down, there is very little depth on the defensive line.
The Steelers won’t get a look at Jadeveon Clowney, but could turn their attention to Missouri’s Kony Ealy or Auburn’s Dee Ford.
Either way, the defensive line is a position that must be upgraded this offseason.
1. Cornerback
With Ike Taylor having a subpar 2013 campaign and his future in doubt and Cortez Allen entering free agency after next season, the Steelers must get younger and more athletic at the cornerback spot.
The problem is that there are likely only two players in the draft that can step in right away and make an impact.
Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard is a no-brainer if he is available, but he could be gone before the Steelers select, leaving Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert as the next best option.
The Steelers have to improve on the outside and given all of their other draft needs, corner seems to be the top need overall and should be the position of need the Steelers target.