3 massive needs Steelers have that don't involve Ben Roethlisberger

3 massive needs Steelers have that don’t involve Ben Roethlisberger

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin walk along the field prior to taking on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 21, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 01: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after beating the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 1, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

The defending AFC North champions fell apart after an 11-0 start this past season. The Steelers need to have a solid draft when it comes to the defensive side of the ball.

Mike Tomlin’s got off to a franchise-record start this past season only to collapse badly. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t feel like a 12-4 division champion by year’s end and exited the playoffs in embarrassing fashion. From the lack of a running game to poor offensive line play to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger trying to do too much.

General manager Kevin Colbert has eight picks in this year’s draft. No doubt all areas of the team’s depth chart (see Ourlads) will be addressed. But what can he do to bolster the club in areas that don’t directly affect their veteran signal-caller?

3. Can’t have enough help at cornerback

The team has gotten better play from this spot the past two seasons but there are still concerns. Veteran Joe Haden has been a solid performer since coming over from the Browns and 2017 third-round Cameron Sutton finally began to show signs of being a standout after a slow start to his career. But there are plenty of question marks and the latest seems to be an off-the-field situation regarding Justin Layne (via NFL.com).

The club parted ways with veteran Steven Nelson two years into a three-year contract. Pittsburgh also lost slot corner Mike Hilton to the rival Cincinnati Bengals via free agency. There simply isn’t a lot of proven depth at this position and in a division with plenty of offensive firepower, the Steelers need to find a young playmaker who can contribute immediately.

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