You may recall for the past several offseasons that I ran an article series called The Optimist’s/Pessimist’s Take. I used it to explore different issues and topics the Pittsburgh Steelers were facing and took a positive or negative approach, examining each side in a separate article. This is essentially the same idea behind that, only condensed into one article for every topic.
In this version of the idea, I’ll be playing the Devil’s Advocate for both sides of the issue, looking at the best-case and worst-case scenarios in trying to find the range of likely outcomes of what is likely to happen for the Steelers relating to whatever topic the article is covering.
When it comes to the process of trying to construct a championship roster, the reality is that there are a ton of moving parts, and several ways to acquire said parts. There are a lot of things that can go right or wrong in not always predictable ways, so I think it’s helpful to try to look at issues by seeking out the boundaries of the likely positive or negative results.
Topic: Do the Steelers have to address the secondary on day two of the draft in terms of their future success?
I think it’s probably no secret that the Steelers view pressure as the cornerstone of their defense—and really, all defenses. That is why, while they had the opportunity to add to their secondary in the first round, as they did a year ago, they instead turned in the card with the name of T.J. Watt on it, which was more than a fine call.
But many are still drooling for help in the secondary, whether it’s at cornerback or safety—mostly, as long as they can play in the slot, unless you’re really really against Ross Cockrell, and there are more than a few of those.
So they didn’t come up with help there on day one. The question that follows is, does it have to happen today? The Steelers have three picks to use, three picks to make the decision.
Okay, so do they have to? Well, no, maybe not. Really, we’re talking about a secondary that might not be stellar, but does have its starters in place. We’re talking about maybe adding a slot defender, and in a draft as deep as this one, you can probably find one of those in the fourth round. Today can focus on the offense if that is where they want to go.
On the other hand, I’m pretty sure most agree that the offense is further along than the defense, especially with Martavis Bryant back. The defense has its defensive line, and already added a pass rusher. Where they struggled most though was in the slot.
That means inside linebackers too, but right now we could also be talking about that moneybacker role, and there are only a few safeties left that can play there, and they will be going off the board today. If you want to improve your biggest deficiency, you seriously might have to do it today. If that is your position, then your answer is yes, they do have to address it today.
Which side do you lean closer toward?
