The first round of NFL free agency is in the books and the Pittsburgh Steelers were uncharacteristically active. Many fans criticize the front office for taking a passive approach to free agency but the Steelers recognize the window to win is shrinking and free agency offers a quicker return on investment.
This doesn’t minimize the need to win the 2019 NFL draft. Pittsburgh goes in with 10 total picks and those four in the Top 100 are vital not only for 2019 but well beyond. Here are our updated draft needs.
Inside linebacker
The loss of L.J. Fort in free agency hurts this defense more than many fans realize. Fort was the one player among the inside linebacker who played with speed and this has to be replaced. There are two inside linebackers in this draft, Devin White and Devin Bush who can do it. If one of them is available in the first round, look for the Steelers to go after them.
Wide receiver
The addition of Donte Moncrief doesn’t make a huge difference in the Steelers’ draft plans but it could push wide receiver to the second or third round. This is a very interesting draft class for wideouts with several top guys who bring very different skill sets over what Antonio Brown brought. If the Steelers want to bring in a guy like Brown, his cousin Marquise Brown in the second round could be their best option.
Outside linebacker
Now, with the Steelers guaranteeing all $9.2 million of Bud Dupree’s 2019 salary, a free-agent outside linebacker probably isn’t in the cards. But Pittsburgh must prepare for 2020 when Dupree could be gone. Ola Adeniyi and Keion Adams are interesting prospects on the roster but with a very deep edge class don’t be shocked if the Steelers grab one in the first three rounds.
Safety
From a financial standpoint, the Steelers might choose to release Morgan Burnett after June 1 to save more than $5 million against the cap. If Pittsburgh goes with a safety in the first few rounds you can bet it is in preparation for life after Burnett. Safety is a high need because Pittsburgh still isn’t sure what they have in Sean Davis. Some weeks he looks like a Pro Bowl player and others are forgettable.
