5 biggest weaknesses Steelers have to address heading into 2024 training camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers have stolen headlines with their changes at quarterback. However, one position does not make up an entire roster. Several more positions are worth addressing for the team, including a gaping hole. Here's a look at five areas the Steelers can improve with training camps underway.
#1 - Kick Returner
Per ESPN's depth chart, the Steelers currently are on pace to attempt to use a 33-year-old kick returner this coming season. If nothing changes, Cordarrelle Patterson will get the nod. He's had more than a few highlights with his work on special teams throughout his career, however, at his age, working in the most dangerous job in the game is not a way to set the team up for success.
Even with the kick return getting a safety-minded renovation this offseason, one cannot expect a return man 33 years of age to last the season and be successful at the same time.
#2 - Second Wide Receiver
The Steelers have a potential star in the making in George Pickens. However, the rest of the receiver room needs work. At this point, former Rams WR Van Jefferson is set to work as their second-string receiver.
Considering he struggled to see consistent targets with Los Angeles, he might be in over his head as the first backup plan if Pickens is covered. Jefferson played five games with the Rams in 2023, including four starts, earning 108 yards and eight catches.
#3 - Defensive Line
If the Steelers are building to win with Russell Wilson, they are going to need defense, which means a dominant pass rush. TJ Watt has done much of the heavy lifting to this point, but any boost to the rush could pay dividends for him and whoever is added. In other words, the Steelers have a dominant half of a duo. Now, they need a similar player.
#4 - Cornerback
If the Steelers can't get a pass rusher to pair with TJ Watt, they need to bolster their secondary to buy extra time for the rush to get there. There have been only a few teams in NFL history with a defense that was great enough not to need more ammunition at cornerback. Pittsburgh is no exception. All it takes is one mismatch to ruin a secondary.
#5 - Linebacker
If the team is going to make a push in the AFC, one of the most difficult divisions, with journeymen quarterbacks, they will need defense. As such, adding a run-stuffing linebacker will help keep scores low so Wilson or Fields won't need to dominate for the team to win.
Adding a run-stuffing linebacker specifically would help counter the run-first Ravens with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, as well as the Browns with Nick Chubb.