The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a 12-4 season and a first round exit in the playoffs. While the Steelers were able to make playoffs it was a very disappointing run. They lost to the divisional rival Cleveland Browns by a score of 48-37. It was clear towards the end of the season that the talent on the roster was not good enough to compete.
The Steelers started off the season on fire at 11-0 but proceeded to go 1-5 in the final stretch including the playoffs. They obviously needed to improve the roster and they did throughout the off-season. In free agency the Steelers didn't make many signings but were able to resign some key players. They resigned wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster who is a key part of the offense.
Although they were able to resign key players they still needed to improve the roster. In the draft the Steelers were able to accomplish that as they made great selections. In the first round the Steelers took perhaps the best running back in the class Najee Harris. Harris is a dynamic running back and the Steelers were desperate improve the running game. The downfall on offense for the Steelers last season was the atrocious run game and Harris should fix that.
Other key draft picks included tight end Pat Freiermuth and offensive guard Kendrick Green. All of these draft picks should help the offense improve. The Steelers also added a key undrafted free agent that has a great shot at making the 2021 roster.
Steelers' Hidden Gem: CB Mark Gilbert
Mark Gilbert was originally projected to be a day two pick but he faced several injuries. When Gilbert was on the field he showed his tremendous ball hawk ability and coverage skills. He showed this ability in his second season at Duke and there was some talk of him being a first round pick.
After that season Gilbert wasn't able to stay on the field. Gilbert has had multiple injuries that have required surgery and it is yet to see how he will play. If his ball hawking and coverage ability is still there, he would have a great shot at making the roster. While he may not be the player he projected to be as a younger prospect, Gilbert could still make an impact on the Steelers team.
One huge knock on Gilbert is that he's already 24 years of age. It may be uncommon but it could be beneficial for the Steelers as he is a very mature player. Gilbert is also a great tackler which is very rare for a rookie cornerback. It will come down to how Gilbert plays after suffering so many injuries. If he is able to play somewhat close to what he did before the injuries then Gilbert should easily make the roster.
The Steelers are in a good spot heading into the 2021 season. It will be a very tough fight if they want to win the division again as it is loaded with talent. The division had 3 playoff teams last season including the Baltimore Ravens, Browns, and the Steelers. Also in the division are the up and coming Cincinnati Bengals who have a ton of young talent. While it will be a tough ride, the Steelers have the talent to win the division again.
Look for the newly added talent on the Steelers to elevate them back to the playoffs.
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