The Steelers must nail the draft with limited cap space
By John Buhler
With absolutely no salary cap space and only four picks this spring, the Pittsburgh Steelers must nail the 2020 NFL Draft. The truth is they probably will.
You know who’s not getting talked about a bunch this offseason? The Pittsburgh Steelers.
And for good reason, as the Steelers have the worst cap situation entering the new league year. They are the only NFL franchise in the red up against the cap. By being over $2 million in the hole, they are going to have to cut some players. It’s never an easy thing to do, but it is the Steelers’ reality. Also, they have almost no picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh has a grand total of four picks this spring. The Steelers don’t have a first-round pick this year because they dealt it to the Miami Dolphins for star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. He’s a tremendous player, but bringing him into the fold did come at a price. Pittsburgh’s first pick this spring will be at No. 49 overall. Sadly, this is the Steelers’ only top-100 selection this year.
In short, the Steelers have to crush their four draft picks to salvage their rough offseason. Fortunately for the Pittsburgh fanbase, this draft won’t be as terrible as their towels. General manager Kevin Colbert won’t allow it, as he has been exceptional in finding talent.
This might be one of the greatest wide receiver drafts in NFL history. If you’re a wide receiver and go to the Steelers, chances are you’re going to flourish.
Pittsburgh also has a knack for crushing in the draft with pass rushers and along the offensive line. With Ben Roethlisberger coming back this year, Pittsburgh can delay the inevitable of drafting Big Ben’s quarterbacking successor for at least another year.
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While last year was difficult at quarterback for Pittsburgh, the Steelers almost made it to the playoffs with Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges starting games. It’s a testament to the culture in place in the Steel City and the phenomenal job Mike Tomlin does annually as the team’s head coach.
Look for he and Colbert to win their draft this spring, even with only four picks to work with.