The 2019 NFL draft is only a week away so it is time for a final update of the Pittsburgh Steelers draft needs. This time around we are switching up how we do our rankings and basing it which positions could give the Steelers their biggest rookie impact.
1-Safety
The Steelers are in dire need of a third safety. Pittsburgh uses plenty of three-safety sets but with no Morgan Burnett, there is very little to get excited about on the depth chart. The 2019 safety class is strong at the top and there are multiple guys who would give the Steelers an upgrade in terms of coverage skills and athleticism.
2-Outside linebacker
Again, this might not be a spot where an immediate starter is needed but the Steelers have no third reliable edge rusher. They might not have two reliable players. Edge rusher is another position where there are a handful of guys at the top of the draft who could probably supplant Bud Dupree at some point in the season.
3-Wide receiver
It is impossible to replace the production of Antonio Brown with a rookie. But spending an early pick on a wide receiver as more of a longterm plan makes sense. JuJu Smith-Schuster is a star but the team is still waiting to see if James Washington is ready to step up and the Donte Moncrief is a complete unknown in this system.
4-Cornerback
Many pundits still have cornerback as the Steelers’ biggest need but in terms of immediate impact, cornerback falls well below some of these other spots. The Steelers’ top three spots are locked in for the most part, making a first-round cornerback something of a complication considering the amount of money invested in the depth chart already.
5-Inside linebacker
Like cornerback, inside linebacker is a need filled through free agency without committing a top draft pick. The Steelers have invested heavily in Mark Barron and this means the Steelers don’t have to hunt for an inside linebacker who frankly isn’t going to play a ton of snaps.
