Pure Steel
Steelers Offseason Needs
By James Santelli

Offensive Line
Nothing makes Steelers fans' hearts stop more than seeing the oft-banged up Ben Roethlisberger driven into the ground by an opposing lineman. The Oakland Raiders are the only AFC team to have given up more sacks than the Steelers over the last two years, creating a dangerous pocket for Pittsburgh's franchise QB. All of those sacks are despite the fact that the Steelers had the fewest number of pass attempts in the conference last season. With the all but certain departure of five-time All-Pro offensive guard Alan Faneca, the sack numbers will likely go up in 2008. Though Chris Kemoeatu will adequately fill in should Faneca choose to depart, there remains a lack of quality depth on a very injury-prone unit. Despite all of these struggles, the team has only addressed O-Line on the first day of the draft once since 2002. Even if Faneca and Max Starks remain with the Steelers, talent and depth on the offensive line remains the top priority.

Wide Receiver
Yes, the Steelers did take Santonio Holmes with their first draft pick two years ago. Yes, Big Ben did throw 32 touchdowns in 2007, by far a career high. And, yes, the team finished 2nd in the AFC (behind only, guess who, the Patriots) with an average of 7.7 yards per pass completion. All of which would seem to go against the idea of the Steelers picking up another wide receiver. However, picking up a more productive #3 wideout would greatly improve the passing attack. This past season, Roethlisberger averaged an 87.2 passer rating when either Holmes or Hines Ward did not play, compared to a 108.5 rating when both receivers were in the lineup. Clearly there was a large drop in production in games when Mike Tomlin was forced to start Cedrick Wilson and/or Nate Washington. The Steelers will also need a talented young receiver to eventually replace Hines Ward. Though Ward will only be 32 this fall, his production has fallen, as he caught for only 56 yards per game last season, his lowest average since 2000. The Steelers will not hesitate to sign or draft a skilled wide receiver should the right player becomes available.

Cornerback
Discussing cornerback as an offseason need is starting to sound more repetitive than a broken record for Steelers nation at this point. After all, in every draft since 2002, the team has selected at least one defensive back in the first five rounds. Yet, it comes up once again, despite the fact that this past season was a renaissance of sorts for the Steelers pass defense, which gave up its lowest number of yards through the air since the 1992 season. An impressive stat, to be sure, and one that was fueled by the play of Ike Taylor, who improved greatly in 2007, and showed flashes of shutdown corner ability. On the other side of the field, Deshea Townsend will turn 33 in September, and has certainly lost a step in terms of speed, and will likely be replaced soon enough by young Bryant McFadden, a talented player who has exhibited some inconsistent play in his three NFL seasons. Even if McFadden fills in well, the Steelers will need quality nickel backs against teams with talented 3rd and 4th receivers. Be it young depth or a quality starter, the secondary must be addressed.