Up next on our look at what areas teams could do with strengthening, is an examination of the biggest weaknesses of the Pittsburgh Steelers. A team in a state of transition, this offseason has been as much about culling the old guard as it has been looking to get better. Indeed we’ve seen stalwarts such as Aaron Smith, James Farrior and Hines Ward all released as the Steelers try to get themselves out of salary cap hell.
It’s a situation that means it’s unlikely Pittsburgh is going to be making many moves in free agency, but there’s still cost-effective talent out there that could help replace some of the recently released. We’ll take a look at those prospects who could come in much like Jerricho Cotchery was able to in 2011. And where else are we going to start but on an offensive line that continues to under-perform.
Primary Need: Offensive Guard
The Steelers can be happy (for the most part) with the play of Marcus Gilbert who looks set to move over to the left side after a promising rookie year at right tackle. With Willie Colon returning, the tackle spots look relatively secure, and with Maurkice Pouncey at center you have no need to invest there. At the guard spots it’s a completely different matter, with poor performance aplenty, particularly in the shape of Chris Kemoeatu (-14.2) whose reputation was unable to withstand a horrible year (although, truth be told, it was more impressive than his terrible 2010).
He’s now been released, but there’s nothing coming up that convinces you they have an in-house option to replace him. At the right guard spot Ramon Foster (+0.2) was surprisingly serviceable, but you don’t want to be relying on Trai Essex (-11.9) or Doug Legursky (-11.5). Instead, the Steelers could do worse than making eyes at a player like Montrae Holland (+5.9). He’s hardly elite and has limited upside, but he’s not likely to put in the kind of calamitous performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from guards in Steeler uniforms.
Secondary Need: Inside Linebacker
Once a Pittsburgh strength, you can’t help but look at this once-famed unit and feel that it needs an injection of something. Injuries to James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley had a hugely detrimental affect on Lawrence Timmons (-4.2), who went from our top-ranked ILB in 2010, to struggling while splitting time at inside and outside linebacker spots. While one would think Timmons can bounce back, it remains to be seen who will be partnering with him. James Farrior (-6.5) finally looked to lose a step and found himself released, while you have to question whether Larry Foote (-6.0) has what it takes to contribute as an every-down defender.
While it seems likely the Steelers will target a linebacker in the draft and develop him–as has been their style in recent years–they could use some immediate depth and competition, and this is a great year to find value at the spot. An aggressive thumper type like Tim Dobbins represents a low cost, low risk venture and could add competition, or if the Steelers wanted someone a little younger and more athletic, the super aggressive (if somewhat undersized) David Vobora could be an intriguing pick up.
Tertiary Need: Defensive Line
With the departure of Aaron Smith and with both Brett Keisel and Casey Hampton coming off severe injuries, the once dominant Steelers defensive line isn’t looking quite so scary. It doesn’t help that Ziggy Hood (-21.4) has failed to live up to his draft status, struggling to make any sort of impact outside of playing a lot of snaps. The hope will be that 2011 1st round pick Cameron Heywad (+0.3) builds on a rookie year where he flashed talent, and young players like Steve McLendon (+7.8) can cope with the demands of increased playing time.
But even then the line is short on bodies, with Chris Hoke‘s retirement meaning that they’ll return just five players with any experience playing on the defensive line (two of whom as previously mentioned are coming off serious injuries). They may be set at the starting spots with rumors of Hood moving to nose tackle to cover for Hampton potentially missing time, but those defensive lineman can wear down quickly, so having able backup is key. If nothing else, they could do with an interior rusher to spell Hood in obvious passing situations, so they could do worse than being the latest team to coax another season of production from Vonnie Holliday.
2012 Free Agent Tracker | PFF’s Top 50 Free Agents | QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C | CB | S | OLB | ILB | Interior DL | Edge Rushers
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