The Pittsburgh Steelers have several big needs as they head into their first true rebuilding offseason in nearly a generation, but one need stands out from all the others. The team’s front office will have to address this need urgently to help push the rebuild forward.

The biggest need for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason

The biggest need for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason is to rebuild their offensive line. Sure, the Steelers have other issues such as the quarterback position. However, not only is there not a surefire QB prospect in this draft, but all you are going to do without an offensive line is get your prized young quarterback killed.

The Steelers should focus on rebuilding their line this offseason. They can do this through a combination of both premium draft picks and potential free-agent signings. Rebuilding their offensive line through the draft and free agency this offseason will pay dividends for the Steelers for many years to come. It will also help the team out in both phases of offense, in addition to benefiting their defense.

First, Najee Harris will stand to benefit immensely if the Steelers upgrade their offensive line. Harris has all the makings of an elite running back: He's tough, he's versatile, he’s talented, he’s durable, and he has proven his ability to be a workhorse. Harris had the volume this year, and when he was able to get anything positive on the ground he was able to turn it into a bigger play. Even just getting back to the line of scrimmage was sometimes a great play on his part. Harris would routinely get hit in the backfield or right at the line of scrimmage, and he would still manage to either get back to the line to gain or turn nothing into something and gain a few positive yards.

If Harris was able to do this with a depleted line, let’s just imagine what he can do with an effective line. A more impactful running game led by Harris will benefit the Steelers passing game as well. The ground game will force more defenders into the box which will open up downfield for receivers to have more room to make plays. It will also take the pressure off of whoever the next quarterback is.

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The next quarterback of the Steelers will also benefit from an improved offensive line. Not only will this player benefit from having a more balanced offense with a competent and respected run game, but an improved line will also ensure that the QB is able to focus on getting the ball downfield without having to run for his life on every snap.

Finally, the defense will also reap the rewards from a more balanced, explosive and effective offense that can give them a rest and keep them off the field. This will help prevent the defense from getting worn down, while also keeping the other team's offense off the field. Against teams with explosive offenses such as the Bills and the Chiefs, the best defense is often an elite offense that can keep the opponent on the sideline.

What about drafting a quarterback?

Finally, the last reason for building the offensive line first is to set a solid foundation for the next quarterback. In addition to the fact that there are not that many great quarterback prospects in this draft, reaching for a QB and then pairing that reach with a porous line is a bad combination that will lead that quarterback to almost certainly fail. Rather, the Steelers should take the approach of rebuilding the foundation of their offense which is their offensive line so that it is ready when the next great quarterback prospect comes along, which could be as early as the 2023 draft.